What to Take When Fly Fishing New Zealand

Fishing equipment

To catch that trout, and perhaps to bring it back with you, don't forget the essentials:

• Fly rod
• Reels
• Line
• Flies
• Tippet material
• Snips (for cutting nylon)
• Landing net
• Large plastic bags

Bringing fishing equipment into New Zealand

All freshwater activity equipment as well as fishing equipment including rods, reels, tackle boxes, nets and waders should be clean and free of organic residue and comply with the conditions of the Import Health Standard for Equipment associated with Animals or Water. Fishing flies are permitted entry but all non-artificial material for fly tying must comply with the conditions of the Import Health Standard for Feathers.

Please refer to the MAF Biosecurity website for full details about restrictions on camping, fishing and water equipment.

Clothing

New Zealand's weather can change quickly so you usually need to be prepared in case of rain, cold winds and cooler evenings. Depending on the time of year and the location, you'll need:

• Polyprop tee-shirt
• Polyprop long johns
• Flannelette shirt
• Woollen jersey, swandri or polar fleece jacket for warmth
• Parka (a rain-proof hooded jacket)
• Nylon over-trousers for wading (and to protect against windchill and sandflies)
• Boots with a sole that grips well, but not felt soles as these spread the invasive algae didymo (see Didymo Biosecurity Alert)
• Sandals or sandshoes
• Waders
• Extra pairs of socks and underwear
• Hat with brim for sun protection (and for warmth in winter)

Accessories and other items

Depending on the time of year, the location and how far off the beaten track you intend to go:

• Fishing licence
• Polaroid sunglasses
• Sun protection lotion with a high protection rating
• Watch
• Matches (but be aware of fire lighting restrictions and fire danger)
• Map
• Compass
• Basic first aid supplies
• Thermal blanket
• Cell phone
• Multi-purpose or swiss army knife

Food and drink

Always take plenty of water, tea or coffee (it is not recommended to drink unboiled or untreated river water) and a generous supply of food for the time you plan to be out fishing.

Day trips

For a day trip, the kiwi angler might take:

• sandwiches or filled bread rolls (filled for example with cheese, boiled egg, ham and tomato)
• dried fruit and nuts (or trail mix or scoggin)
• muesli or snack bars
• fresh fruit such as apples, oranges or bananas
• water, tea or coffee

Overnight trips

For overnight trips, your supplies might also include:

• Bread (wholemeal)
• Butter or margarine, honey or jam
• Rolled oats, porridge or muesli
• Tea, coffee and sugar
• Salt
• Dried milk
• Dried fruit
• Dried vegetables
• Pasta and/or rice
• Salami
• Packets of soup
• Cheese
• Tin opener if carrying any tinned food