Hurleys Fly Fishing Lodge

New Zealand

Just an hour south of Queenstown lies Southland — widely regarded as the heart of New Zealand fly fishing. Crystal-clear rivers, dramatic landscapes, and consistently outstanding trout fishing make this region a must-visit for serious anglers.

Easier-walking rivers such as the Mataura and Wakaia offer abundant opportunities, with plenty of fish in the 3–5lb range, while larger systems like the Oreti regularly produce powerful trout pushing 6–10lb.

The Lodge

Your base is Hurley’s Lodge in Lumsden, purpose-built for fly fishers.

With six private bedrooms, modern facilities, dedicated wader and rod storage, and generous home-cooked meals, the lodge offers a relaxed, social atmosphere after a day on the water. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as a couple, it’s an ideal setting for a week of great fishing, good company, and stories worth retelling.

Group Size

Species

Season

Duration

Cost

Up to 6

Brown & Rainbow Trout

Oct-May

6 days

Solo- $5999PP
Group of 4 - $5749PP
Group of 6 - $5499PP

All-Inclusive Adventures

Simply book your flight to Queenstown — we’ll take care of everything else. Each 7-night adventure includes:

• 6 fully guided days on Southland’s best rivers and lakes
• Private transfers, accommodation, and all meals
• Fishing licence, premium flies, and local streamcraft tuition
• Your own Stalker Legend Fly Rod (RRP $899.99) — completely free!

With three professional, accredited guides, you’ll learn advanced techniques in casting, fly selection, and water reading while targeting monster trout that lurk beneath the surface.

The Fishing

From first-time fly fishers to seasoned anglers, Southland offers water to suit every style and skill level. Choose gentle farmland streams with easy walking, or technical trophy rivers that reward patience and precision — every day revealing new scenery and fresh opportunity.

These trips are equally well suited to families, couples, and small groups. Whether you’re chasing a shared adventure, a focused coaching week, or a relaxed escape, this is a chance to connect through fly fishing in one of the most striking landscapes on the planet.

Experience the thrill of sight-fishing for wild trout in crystal-clear water, guided by some of the best in the business. Southland isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience that stays with you long after the waders come off.

And don’t just take our word for it — our guests consistently rate these trips among the best fishing experiences of their lives.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival
Arrive in Queenstown, where you’ll be met by the Hurleys team and transferred to the lodge in Lumsden. The scenic drive takes approximately 1.5 hours through classic South Island countryside.

Days 2–7 – Guided Fishing
Fish with experienced guides on some of the world’s finest sight-casting rivers and streams for trophy brown trout. Between sessions, enjoy excellent local food, comfortable lodge accommodation, and plenty of laughs.

Day 8 – Departure
On departure day, Hurleys staff will transfer you back to Queenstown for your onward journey.

Note: This itinerary is a guide only. Trips can be customised to suit your schedule, including shorter or longer stays, additional fishing days, or split itineraries on request.

Availability

Seasons of Southland

Each season offers its own magic:

Oct – Dec High flows, confident feeders, and untouched trophy fish.
Jan – Feb Terrestrials, cicadas, and the legendary willow grub season.
Mar – Apr Classic mayfly hatches, rising fish, and calm autumn days.
May Rainbow and spawning brown waters — sight-fishing heaven with hardly another angler around.