Riversdale, Southland, New ZealandSouth Island Fly Fishing
Guided sight fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout on the Mataura and 30+ Southland rivers, with Dean Whaanga.
- 30+rivers and streams within 30 minutes of the lodge
- 5 minfrom the lodge to the Mataura River
- 40+years guiding South Island trout anglers
- 1 to 2anglers per guide, so every cast gets attention
Guided Fly Fishing in Southland, New Zealand
Southland is one of the best places on the South Island to sight fish for wild trout. The water is clear, the fish are big, and there is more of it than you could fish in a lifetime. Mataura River Lodge puts you five minutes from the Mataura River and within 30 minutes of more than 30 rivers and streams.
Dean Whaanga guides one or two anglers at a time. He spots the fish, chooses the water to suit the day’s conditions and coaches your casting as you go. Fish a full guided day, or add a stay at the lodge where Fiona cooks breakfast and dinner from the garden.
See packages and prices
Dean Whaanga
Professional Fly Fishing Guide, Southland NZ
Born and raised on the South Island, Dean has spent a lifetime reading the rivers of Southland. His instinctive understanding of trout behaviour, water conditions and fly selection is second to none.
Patient, encouraging and deeply knowledgeable, Dean guides anglers of all abilities. Clients leave the water having learned something new, and his spotting ability is legendary among them.
Fiona runs the lodge with warmth: home-grown meals, genuine hospitality and that rare quality of making every guest feel they have come home.
Fly Fishing the Mataura River
The Mataura is known as the Brown Trout Capital of the World. It and its tributaries produce some of the most consistent dry fly and nymph fishing in the country: big fish, clear water, wild country. From the lodge you are on the river in five minutes.
Book a Guided DaySouth Island Fly Fishing Packages and Prices
All packages include professional guiding, transport, tuition, lunch and non-alcoholic drinks. Dates are filling fast, so book early to secure your weeks.
Guiding Only
Full day guided experience
- 1 or 2 anglers, 1 guide
- 8:30am to 5:30pm full day
- Professional guiding and tuition
- All river transport included
- Lunch and non-alcoholic drinks
- Latest Orvis rods and lines
- Gear hire available (+$60/day)
Guiding + Lodge Stay
The complete Mataura experience
- Everything in Guiding Only
- Lodge accommodation included
- Healthy home-grown breakfast
- Home-cooked evening dinner
- 5 minutes from the Mataura River
- Country-style comfort and care
- Price shown is for 1 angler and 1 night’s accommodation
South Island Road Trips
Explore multiple river systems
- Multi-day South Island itineraries
- Access to remote river systems
- Professional guiding throughout
- Guide’s accommodation and meals
- Tailored to your skill level
- Best conditions across the season
- Custom itineraries available
Stay at the Lodge in Riversdale, Southland
Nestled in Riversdale, Southland, just five minutes from the Mataura River. Dean and Fiona have created a genuine country retreat where tired anglers are restored by warm hospitality, home-grown vegetables and Fiona’s acclaimed home-cooked meals.
Extensive vegetable and flower gardens supply the kitchen. There is a real peace here, the kind that only comes from being close to water and far from the noise of the world.
| Configuration | Per night (NZD) |
|---|---|
| 1 guest, 1 room | $400 |
| 2 guests, 1 room | $500 |
| 2 guests, 2 rooms | $600 |
| 3 guests, 2 rooms | $700 |
| 4 guests, 2 rooms | $800 |
Rates include a healthy breakfast and home-cooked dinner.
Fiona’s Kitchen: Home-Cooked Farm Food
Fiona learned to cook on her parents’ 600-acre beef and sheep farm in Central Southland, where there were always plenty of mouths to feed. Her cooking is wholesome and farm-style: soups, bread, casseroles, roasts, baking, and lots of vegetables and salad from the lodge garden.
Growing up in a family of hunters and gatherers, she is just as comfortable with blue cod, crayfish, whitebait, venison and paua. She also has a good repertoire of vegetarian and vegan meals, so let us know your needs when you book.
Nothing brings me more joy than serving a meal that has been created from the food we have grown ourselves.Fiona, Mataura River Lodge
What Anglers Say About Fishing with Dean
I learned more about trout than I have in 65 years of fishing. How I wish I had met you many years ago. You would have changed my whole fishing life.
John Campbell
Dean is the most knowledgeable, conscientious, and understanding guide I have ever fished with. His spotting ability is amazing.
Doe Schirmer
Dean has been a great fishing guide for me for the past 20 years. Very patient, with an amazing ability at reading water and spotting trout.
Robert Main
When it comes to fly fishing, there is no place like New Zealand. Being able to do this with a guide of the highest degree, it doesn’t get any better.
Simon Perkins, Manchester, VT
When you fish with Dean Whaanga, you become so immersed into the area and culture that you begin to believe that you live there, not just visiting.
Kay L. Kontour
We look forward to many more “priceless” moments. The spectacular rivers, scenery, and fish made for a wonderful experience.
Nubs and Carol Fratt, Oro Valley, AZ
Why Fly Fish New Zealand’s South Island
Gin-clear rivers, wild backcountry streams and some of the largest sight-fishable trout on the planet. The South Island is in a class of its own.
World-class sight fishing
Crystal-clear water lets you spot and cast to large, individual wild trout. It is the ultimate test of skill and patience.
Pristine, uncrowded rivers
More than 30 rivers within 30 minutes of the lodge means minimal pressure, and fish that are wild, wary and thrilling to catch.
Trophy brown trout
Consistent hatches on the Mataura produce large, hard-fighting fish year after year.
Spectacular landscapes
Snowcapped mountains, tussock valleys and ancient beech forests. Every day on the water is a visual feast.
A perfect base
Five minutes from the Mataura River and within easy reach of the Oreti, Aparima, Von, Upukerora and dozens more waterways.
Conservation first
Catch-and-release practices and deep respect for the river ecosystem, protecting these waters for future generations.
Fly Fishing Rivers Near Riversdale and Lumsden
Riversdale places you at the centre of some of the South Island’s most productive trout fisheries. When conditions are best, Dean knows exactly where to be.
The Mataura is renowned for its large brown trout. The Aparima and Oreti offer pristine water and open Southland scenery, and there are dozens of smaller streams for sight fishing in between. Dean also guides the Lumsden region and runs road trips further afield, from Nelson to Fiordland, on request.
Regular hatches through the season bring trout to the surface for dry fly fishing. Dean will recommend the best weeks for your goals when you book.
South Island Fly Fishing: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for South Island fly fishing?
The Southland trout season runs from 1 October to 30 April. Regular hatches through the season bring trout to the surface for dry fly fishing, and Dean will recommend the best weeks for your goals when you book.
How much does a guided fly fishing day cost?
A full guided day is $1,350 NZD for one or two anglers with one guide. Guiding plus a lodge stay starts from $1,750 NZD per day for one angler and one night's accommodation. Multi-day South Island road trips are $200 NZD per day, plus guiding fees and expenses.
What is included in a guided day?
Professional guiding and tuition, all river transport, lunch and non-alcoholic drinks, and the latest Orvis rods and lines. A full day runs from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
Do I need a fishing licence?
Yes. A Fish & Game licence is required to fish for trout in New Zealand and is not included in the price. Ask Dean when you book and he will point you in the right direction.
Can I hire gear?
Yes. Gear hire is $60 NZD a day and includes a rod, wading boots and socks (latest Orvis). Fishing licences and tackle are not included.
Is fly fishing with Dean suitable for beginners?
Dean guides anglers of all abilities, from first-timers to experienced fly fishers. He coaches your casting and technique throughout the day and adjusts the water and the plan to suit your skill level.
Where is the lodge and how do I get there?
Mataura River Lodge is at 99 Rutland Street, Riversdale, Southland, five minutes from the Mataura River. Queenstown Airport transfers are available for $500 NZD return per vehicle.
Do you run South Island fly fishing road trips?
Yes. Multi-day road trips to remote river systems, from Nelson to Fiordland, are available on request, with custom itineraries tailored to your group.
What is your booking and cancellation policy?
A 50% non refundable deposit is payable on booking. If cancellation is 90 days prior to your trip date, and if another booking cannot be found to replace yours, the deposit is forfeited unless a written request has been received to transfer date (18-month extension). If cancellation is within 90 days prior to your trip date no refund will be given unless a replacement can be found.
We strongly advise getting travel insurance to cover any event or sudden change in plans (such as sickness, injury, damage, loss or delay) that may happen during a trip or when having to cancel your trip at late notice. Late cancellations are a burden for any business of this nature. We will assist you in your claim by providing all the necessary documents and evidence required by your insurance company.
Please note that as our weather can be volatile, sometimes at short notice, we may find it necessary to cancel or re-schedule due to safety and comfort reasons. In this extremely rare event, part of your deposit will be refunded or a replacement day offered to fit your schedule. Any refunds will be given promptly less any incurred transaction/administration fees/licence fee. Please read the full cancellation policy upon receiving your deposit request.
Book Your South Island Fly Fishing Trip
Dates are filling fast for the 2026/27 season. Send Dean and Fiona a message with your dates and group size, and they will reply with availability and a plan for your trip.
- Dean, guiding
- +64 27 491 2585
- Fiona, lodge
- +64 21 175 7046
- Email Dean
- dean@fishotago.co.nz
- Email Fiona
- fionateanau@gmail.com
- Lodge address
- 99 Rutland Street, Riversdale 9776, Southland, New Zealand
Endorsed by and partners
- Orvis Endorsed Guide
- Simms Fishing
- Tonic Eyewear
- Worldwide Angler
- Future Rivers
- NZPFGA
- Manic Tackle Project
- Macaulay Motors