Nelson Tasman is known for its mild climate, epic scenery, and its long winding rivers. Combine the three, and you have the perfect fishing spot.
With the record as the 'sunshine capital of New Zealand', the Nelson Tasman region is located at the northern end of the South Island. The area is framed by two delightful trout rivers; Motueka in the west and the Rai River in the east. Both are easy to access and wind their way south towards the Nelson Lakes area. Here, skyscraping mountains frame larger lakes like beautiful Lake Rotoroa. From this lake fishermen can hire a launch to transport themselves to pristine rivers like the Travers or Sabine for single or multi-day trips. The little ski town of St Arnaud is popular with visiting anglers as it sits at the top of two drainages; the Wairau River flowing east and the massive Buller System that gathers many rivers as it flows west.
The town of Murchison, referred to as the ‘four rivers plain’, is another popular location offering world-class fly fishing. An unusually large number of great trout rivers and valleys meet here inspiring anglers to return again and again. From here it's only a short drive west to the old mining town of Reefton, another epicentre of trout rivers.
Contact one of the guides near Nelson and they will help you experience the very best of fly fishing in the area. Scroll beneath the map to discover the activities and tours on offer.
