Fishing Trips in the South Island of New Zealand

Canterbury is a large province with a long coastline perfect for sightseeing and for fishing. As well as beaches the province boasts many lakes, valleys and waterways ready to fish in season. In particular the Rakaia River is famed for its rainbow trout, sea-run brown trout and salmon. Not far south are the Rangitata and Ashburton rivers, popular for salmon and trout fishing. Don't neglect to go further inland to fish the wild Mackenzie Country.

The main city in Canterbury is Christchurch, also known as The Garden City for its trees, parks and gardens. This greenery enhances both the English settler ambience and the modern-day cosmopolitan atmosphere of the central city. It is also well known for its recent seismic activity, which has certainly changed the urban landscape. But the surrounding waters are mercifully unscathed and ready for anglers.

Christchurch is a great base from which to access the long beaches of the coastline as well as the the inland lakes, rivers, valleys and mountains. Close by is Banks Peninsula and also the many wineries of the Canterbury Plains.

The photo above shows the West Canterbury ranges. This area, close to the famous limestone rock formations of Castle Hill, is great for guided flyfishing. The Castle Hill Alpine Village is a great place to stay while you're in the area.

Coarse fishing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit north of Christchurch to the Kaiapoi Lakes, Rotokahatau Lake and Monopolies Pond for year round access to catches such as tench and perch.

The photo below shows some of the coastline along Canterbury, just north of Christchurch city. You'll usually see anglers surf casting on the beach here.

When you're ready for a taste of saltwater, travel further north along Canterbury's coast for deep sea fishing or surf casting. The Kaikoura coastline boasts rich waters that offer grouper (known locally as hapuku), albacore tuna and blue cod.

Kaikoura is a great place to kick back and enjoy the local attractions. There's plenty of accommodation here and lots to do. If you're not done with the sea after your day's fishing you could treat yourself to a Whale Watch boat trip.

Make sure you enjoy a fresh crayfish meal in the Kaikoura township or at one of the superb roadside stalls near the seal colony. But we all know that nothing beats serving up your own catch of the day to family and friends!

Central South Island is indeed New Zealand's most popular fishing destination according to a late 2009 national angling survey reported in the Otago Daily Times (http://www.odt.co.nz/the-regions/central-otago/73015/central-south-island-most-popular-fishing-spot).

The survey designates the Central South Island area as beginning at the Rakaia River in Canterbury and ending down at Katiki beach in north Otago. The area extends from the coast inland as far as the Southern Alps.

It should be noted that Lake Taupo in the North Island is excluded from the survey as that area is administered separately. However the statistics show that people can't get enough of fishing in the South Island!

There were 1,202,400 registered angling days in NZ over the 2007-2008 season. Out of all the areas in New Zealand, each of the top five were in the South Island. The Central South Island claimed 20.1% of New Zealand's total fishing days, then Otago at 17.9%. Eastern South Island and North Canterbury come in next, fairly close at 17.4% and 16.3% respectively. The fifth most popular fishing area was Southland at 11.3% of New Zealand's total fishing days.

Definitely time to plan your South Island fishing trip!

In Otago there is a good choice of rivers and lakes suitable for beginners and anyone ready for a challenge. Try the large, fast-flowing Clutha River for large numbers of trout and good catch rates. While you're in the area, make sure you explore the wild and beautiful Catlins area further south.

Just north of the Clutha River is the oldest city in New Zealand - Dunedin. The city has a strong Scottish heritage, and the preservation of its Edwardian and Victorian architecture adds to its historic charm. Dunedin is a university town, and its repulation for art, design, fashion and creativity is fostered by the large student population.

Close by is the beautiful Otago Peninsula, where you can see a lot of coastal wildlife such as the rare Yellow-Eyed penguin. The peninsula is also home to the only mainland breeding colony of Royal albatross in the southern hemisphere.

Further inland the glacial Lake Wanaka and Lake Wakitipu are home to great fishing and fantastic scenery, as well as to the famous Wanaka and Queenstown tourist attractions.

Check out nzfishing.com's interactive map of Otago below. Their website has a lot of info and pictures that are well worth a look for any angler.

There's so much more fishing to be done in the South Island, whether on the shoreline, on the lakes or deep in the island's valleys. It goes without saying that great fishing and great sightseeing go together here. Make sure you visit the Motueka River, the Nelson Lakes and the Marlborough Sounds near the top of the South Island.

From Nelson and Marlborough make your way down the wild West Coast of the island, where the Buller and Grey rivers offer excellent catches. The scenery is stunning too - don't miss a drive down the famous coastal highway between Westport and Punakaiki.

Don't forget to travel inland from the West Coast to Murchison and further south to Lake Brunner. Both spots are known for their rugged beauty and for good fly fishing.

Down in the far south is famous Fiordland. Here anglers won't regret a visit to the remote and beautiful Hollyford River near Milford Sound.

The photo above is from the Nile River, near Punakaiki on the West Coast of the South Island.