Build your package

Braided Rivers Fishing Guides treats no two fishing trips the same. Your salmon/trout fishing guide Ben Haywood takes into consideration your abilities, preferences and the weather conditions to custom-make a New Zealand fishing tour for you (and your mates, if you like).

Full Day Guided Fishing Trips

Do you only have limited time but still want to experience some of New Zealand’s wild and largely unspoiled wilderness fishing? Then a full-day guided fly fishing trip is an excellent option. Your adventure starts with a courtesy 4WD pickup from your accommodation in Christchurch or ‘The Alps’, fully self-contained accommodation in Arthur’s Pass. We’ll drive up to 2 hours to where you can experience sight fishing for New Zealand’s world-renowned brown and rainbow trout in remote gin-clear water and amongst breath-taking scenery. You will spend a full day on the water and return to your accommodation in time for dinner. Included in your drive-in/drive-out package are: wholesome lunches, drinks and the use of top-quality Sage rods and Simms waders and boots.

The Road Trip

This popular NZ fishing trip is perfect for the adventurous angler wanting to get off the beaten track and maximise their fishing opportunities by exploring a variety of premium fishing waters. We base ourselves in small country towns close to the good fishing, or on the river. Being mobile allows us to be flexible and fish the best locations each day based on river and weather conditions. Accommodation varies to suit your budget. Your NZ fishing guide custom-builds each package which can include camping out beside the river, motels, camp ground cabins, cottages or B&Bs. (Accommodation expenses for yourself and the guide are additional to fishing trip rates). Breakfasts, wholesome lunches, drinks and all top-quality fishing tackle including boots and waders are provided.

Back Country Walk-In Trip

These 2- to 4-day excursions allow you to hike deep into the back country and access some of the most remote, scenic and unspoiled headwater fisheries. It is the quintessential NZ fly fishing trip, one for which the country has gained its world-class fly fishing reputation. Crystal-clear water, sight fishing for big browns and just being part of nature is what this package is all about. This fishing trip is suitable for the adventurous and physically fit angler who isn’t daunted by the thought of leaving home comforts behind. Clients need to be physically fit to hike approximately 10km a day with a fully laden pack. All meals and top-quality camping equipment including packs, tents and sleeping bags are provided. This trip is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime fishing experience.

Fishing Licenses

Anglers must purchase a Fish and Game Fishing Licence before they begin fishing in New Zealand. Licences can be purchased directly through Fish and Game using their online system. Anglers must carry their fishing licence with them whenever they are fishing as random checks are frequent.

24-hour NZ Fishing License: $24 Adult NZ Resident : $37 Non-Resident 

Full Season (1 Oct – 30 Sep): $153  Adult  NZ Resident : $264 Non-Resident 

Fancy a heli fishing safari?

Helicopter hire costs are an additional charge to Braided Rivers Fishing Guides’ fee, with hire costs calculated on overall flying time.

Testimonials

Emmert – California

Ben was an awesome guide and person to go fishing during my honeymoon in NZ. He is a guide who is passionate about his work and his knowledge about the area and techniques was top notch. Everything was taken care of from start to finish. All high quality gear and tackle was supplied along with…

Jaxvosloo – Hong Kong

Thanks Ben for one of the best fishing trips of my life. Catching a rainbow trout was a bucket list item and you came through despite how rusty I was at fly fishing.

Paul Rahman – Australia

Wow, we made the trip over to New Zealand hoping to catch a salmon each for the wall. I had mine by the first day and my mate by the second day. The trout fishing was just a bonus and was the best fishing we have had on some very large rainbows on tight skinny…

Trish Porter – Australia

Our day fly fishing for trout with Ben Haywood was absolutely wonderful. As novice fly fishers we were a little concerned we wouldn’t be up to the task but with Ben’s advice and assistance we soon felt comfortable and relaxed, and we were onto the fish in no time. Ben’s knowledge of the river system…

Mike Smith – Canada

My full day of fly fishing for rainbow trout with Ben Haywood was a dream fulfilled. Ben has superlative guiding skills as well as being incredibly patient and helpful. This allowed me to catch some large trout along one of his favourite streams. His uncanny knack of spotting fish in the water, and telling you…

Adam Borg – United States

I have never fished with anyone who is able to spot fish better than my guide Ben Haywood. He put me on multiple large rainbows in only a half day fishing trip. It was a first class experience and a fly fishing trip of a life time. Thank you Ben.

Deposit & Cancellation Policy

All guided fishing trips require a 30% non-refundable deposit to confirm the booking. Deposits can be paid either by a bank transfer or via credit card using PayPal. The balance of payment is due for payment one month prior to the booked date(s) of the trip(s).

Being a small business, cancellations affect us greatly. Cancellations that occur within 30 days of the booking will incur a 100% charge of the total guiding fee.

Braided Rivers Fishing Guides acknowledge they have no control over our changeable weather conditions, but it is rare to cancel bookings due to inclement weather. We endeavour to adapt fishing strategies to suit the conditions. If a trip is cancelled due to extreme weather, a full refund shall be made (excluding bank/PayPal charges).

Braided Rivers Fishing Guides can accept no liability for any injuries, medical conditions, losses or claims of any kind or nature. For this reason, we strongly advise all international travellers purchase travel insurance.