Your Fly Fishing Guide in New Zealand

Friendly guided fly fishing of New Zealand’s premier brown trout fisheries, the Mataura River Valley and Southland and Otago’s renowned waterways. Book your adventure with an experienced fly fishing guide in New Zealand with Mataura Valley Trout Safaris.

Located in Gore and centred on the world-famous Mataura River, we are less than two hours from Queenstown and Dunedin, with over 25 rivers and streams nearby that provide some of the best fishing in the world.

Do you have limited time you want to make the most of? Or do you have a bit more time? Not a problem, we can tailor a fishing experience that you will treasure. From half a day to a long stay. We can also help book accommodation for your legendary New Zealand fly fishing trip.

Member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association.

Year Experience

about us

Hello, and Welcome to my Backyard

Hi, I’m Julian, and I have been guiding the waters of the South Island of New Zealand for over 25 years from my base in Gore, Southland.

We have over 25 superb trout rivers and streams, all within 1.5 hours’ drive (I have fantastic dry-fly fishing just 5 mins from my back door!)

From beautiful rushing freestone high-country/bush streams to languid pastoral glides, there is water to suit all tastes and abilities.

Whether it is your first day or your 1001st day fishing, we have the tutelage and experience to get you onto fish. The rest…? Well, that’s up to you.

So, as your trusted South Island fly fishing guide, let me help you to make the most of your Mataura River fishing experience and book your trip with me @ Mataura Valley Trout Safaris today.

Member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for fly fishing trips in the South Island?

The season for fly fishing in Dunedin and throughout Southland runs from October to April. Fly fishing in the South Island of New Zealand is at its peak from December through March as the mayfly hatches on the Mataura. Autumn (March-April) can be brilliant for catching larger fish as they feed up before spawning.

What fish will I catch during my fishing trip?

Primarily wild brown trout—the Mataura is nicknamed the Brown Trout Capital for good reason, with Rainbow trout also found in some nearby rivers. Fish typically range from 1–3kg, with larger specimens around during the mayfly hatching season.

Do I need a fishing license for New Zealand fly fishing trips?

Yes, you’ll need a Fish & Game NZ licence, which can be purchased online before you arrive, or I can help you sort one out. Whole season, weekly, and day licenses are available.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my booking?

As one of the top fly fishing guides in the South Island of New Zealand, I don’t often let weather get in the way of our adventure. If the conditions aren’t suitable, we’ll reschedule, or I’ll find alternative water. With the surrounding rivers nearby, there’s almost always somewhere that’s fishable!

Discover the joy of fishing.

Our Gallery

Large brown trout resting in shallow river water beside a fly fishing rod

Fly fishing anglers holding a trout caught on the Mataura River in New Zealand

Fly fishing casting lesson on a New Zealand river with guide instructing angler

Fly fishing guide and angler holding a brown trout in a New Zealand river

Scenic stretch of the Mataura River with lush green banks, ideal water conditions for fly fishing in New Zealand

Small New Zealand spring creek with grassy banks and clear water, perfect for fly fishing trout

Freshly caught New Zealand rainbow trout held in shallow clear river water during fly fishing

Group of fly fishing anglers giving thumbs up after a successful guided fly fishing trip on the Mataura River in New Zealand

Two anglers standing in the Mataura River during a guided fly fishing trip, holding a freshly caught brown trout in clear green water

Fly fishing guide and angler holding a freshly caught brown trout while standing in the Mataura River during a guided fly fishing trip

Fly fisherman casting a line on a small New Zealand stream surrounded by green pasture and rolling hills

Fly fisherman holding a rainbow trout on the rocky bank of the Mataura River during a guided fly fishing experience in New Zealand

Fly fisherman holding a brown trout beside the Mataura River in New Zealand during a guided fly fishing trip

Close-up of a wild brown trout being gently held and released in the clear waters of the Mataura River during a fly fishing trip

Close-up of a large brown trout held in shallow clear water beside a fly rod during catch and release on the Mataura River

Large brown trout held in clear New Zealand river during catch and release fly fishing

Clear New Zealand trout stream with grassy banks and overhanging vegetation, ideal fly fishing water

New Zealand rainbow trout lying in shallow river beside fly rod after successful fly fishing catch

Angler holding a large brown trout in the clear waters of the Mataura River, showcasing a successful fly fishing catch in New Zealand

Two fly fishing guests standing on a grassy riverbank near the Mataura River holding fly rods before a guided fishing session

Angler kneeling in the Mataura River holding a brown trout after a successful fly fishing session, surrounded by clear water and riverbank grass

Fly fisherman holding a brown trout while standing among river rocks on the Mataura River during a guided fly fishing trip in New Zealand

Couple holding a large brown trout during a guided fly fishing trip on the Mataura River, New Zealand

Brown trout being released back into the Mataura River during a fly fishing catch and release

Large brown trout held gently in the water in the Mataura River during a fly fishing catch and release

Fly fishing guide and client holding a large brown trout in a New Zealand river

Fly fishing angler holding a brown trout on a New Zealand riverbank

What our Customers say

Join Me—Experience and Enjoy the Beautiful Country I Call Home

With guided trout fishing experiences and an experienced dry fly fishing guide in NZ, choose Mataura Valley Trout Safaris for your Southland adventure. Whether you’re looking at fly fishing from Otago or fly fishing near Queenstown, NZ’s Mataura River offers the perfect spot for catching legendary trout.

Get some expert tips, ask questions, and connect with me, an expert in fly fishing in the South Island of New Zealand.