Heli-fishing New Zealand Trout

(October - April)

Helicopter fishing

Fishing the fantastic waters emanating from the bush clad mountainous ranges of New Zealand's Central North Island often requires the use of a helicopter.  By this I mean that certain areas are near impossible to get to without a helicopter - that is unless you are feeling up to a couple of hard days tramping in and a couple more tramping out carrying all your food and equipment on your back!

These regions are shut off over the winter i.e. no fishing and are only open over the peak summer months (although there are still some heli-fishing options through the winter also).

The often gin clear water is demanding of anglers coming to fish the places and requires extra skill. It is possible for beginners to catch fish out here in the wilderness but landing trout is not even a guaranteed outcome for an experienced fisherman.  There will normally be numerous opportunities and some days out there are just fantastic even for beginners but I do recommend some fly fishing experience generally first - even if just a couple of days back-country fishing prior to your trip.

Most of the trips I do at Anglers Anonymous are into the Te Urewera National park or into the Kaimanawa ranges and prices for the helicopter return trip normally range from NZ$1100 to NZ$1600 and the trip is normally about 15 or 20 minutes flying each way.  To a lot of people this seems expensive but to those in the know it isn't!  The scenery and class of fishing in these areas is only paralleled in New Zealand's South Island though I suspect our fish numbers are greater.  The cost of the flight can be offset by camping out or staying in huts for free (or just a few dollars per night in some Department of Conservation huts).  By doing this you can fish for several days - say 3 days or more and pay for only one flight and have no accommodation costs back in Taupo in Turangi.  This is a superb way to experience New Zealand.

Heli-fishing in the Central North Island of New Zealand does not always guarantee that you have the water to yourself but it is certainly unusual to come across other fisherman out there. 

Helicopter wilderness fly-ins

For those who are willing then for around $1000 - $1500 a helicopter can be hired to fly you and your guide into the remote wilderness interior of New Zealand.  This is where the best, clearest water is and often the biggest, wildest, and wiliest trout.  These tranquil, serene untouched surroundings are worth the trip alone and really the trout are just an overwhelming bonus.

Wilderness camp outs

For those who truly enjoy the great outdoors and wish for something a little wilder then we offer campouts into the designated wilderness areas.  Some of these areas are can only be accessed by foot has helicopters are even prohibited.  Alas there are no such things as wild grizzly bears or snakes in New Zealand, the only wild animals other than birds that you are likely to see are deer, boar, and possums.