Backcountry New Zealand

Backcountry New Zealand has built an excellent reputation as one of New Zealand's leading trout fishing and outdoor adventure guiding outfitters.

Their professional fly fishing guides deliver the highest level of service, providing a rewarding outdoor adventure experience personalised to suit each guest.

With its base in the central South Island, Backcountry's guiding services span most of the South Island. If you wish, a full itinerary including accommodation can be developed for you; and hunting or exploring the back country by raft, helicopter, bike or kayak can be incorporated.

Name	Backcountry New Zealand
Contact	Nigel Birt and his outfitting team
Postal address	PO Box 72 Methven
Contact details	Phone: +64 (0) 21 644 507 Fax: +64 3 302 8701 Email: mail@backcountry.co.nz Web: www.backcountry.co.nz
Location	Backcountry New Zealand is based in the resort town of Methven (Mt Hutt village) which is marked on the lower Rakaia River map. It is 1.5 hrs drive from the city of Christchurch and the Christchurch International Airport. For a map and driving directions, see the Backcountry New Zealand website.
Fishing waters	With its base in the central South Island, Backcountry's guiding services span most of the South Island, including the: Waimakiriri River catchments Rakaia River catchments Rangitata River catchments Canterbury High Country lakes: the Ashburton lakes, Rakaia lakes and Waimakariri lakes Westland lakes including Lake Brunner, Lake Kaniere and Lake Ianthe
Fishing options	Full-day guided fly-fishing Heli-fishing tour Multi-day tours with hiking, rafting and helicopter options
Equipment provided	Backcountry New Zealand provides high quality fishing equipment, 4WD vehicles and modern lightweight waders. If you wish to bring your own equipment, refer to the Fly Fishing Fact Sheet at the Backcountry New Zealand website.
Guiding services	Backcountry New Zealand provides: Experienced professional guides Tuition and skills development as requried Passenger certified vehicles Passenger certified drivers/guides All specialist equipment Private land access Guides with relevant qualifications/experience First Aid qualified guides Strict safety management policies Department of Conservation concession Public liability insurance
Your guides	Head guide Nigel Birt is an Executive Member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association and has: Vast knowledge of fly-fishing guiding in New Zealand Worked professionally as a fly-fishing guide and instructor since 1988 A degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Wilderness EMT, Advanced First Aid Served his apprenticeship at a top New Zealand fishing lodge A great knowledge of New Zealand flora and fauna, geology, and backcountry survival Qualifications and work experience as an avalanche forecaster as safety manager for several New Zealand ski areas and as a heliski guide for Mt Hutt Helicopters Guiding team All Backcountry New Zealand guides have gained invaluable experience and a wealth of knowledge through guiding throughout the South Island. Each guide is a member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association. Photos and profiles of the guides can be found at the Backcountry New Zealand website.
Other activities	Backcountry New Zealand was the winner of the 2004 Ashburton District Tourism Awards Visitor Activity category. As well as fly fishing adventures, its activities include: Guided hunts - Wilderness hunts - Classic hunts - New Zealand trophy hunts (see the Backcountry New Zealand website) Guided adventure tours - 4WD high country tours - Guided walks - Scenic raft tours - Helicopter scenic flights - Sea kayaking - Wilderness rafting - Rock climbing - Mountain biking (see the Backcountry New Zealand website) Event management A range of professional services to assist you when organising your incentive, conference or special event. They know the best local operators and have an extensive network that spans the entire country. For more details, please see the Backcountry New Zealand website.
Packages and indicative costs as at 17 October 2007	Backcountry New Zealand Fly Fishing Adventure packages include: Fishing guiding and tuition Airport transfers Transport All accommodation and meals as per the package description Use of fishing equipment as required Streamside lunches Full season fishing licence Access and concessions 12.5% GST (Goods and Services Tax) There for the Taking 6 days 5 nights 4 days fishing with 2 transfer days Target species: rainbow and brown trout Accommodation style: backcountry huts, farm stations and comfortable motel/lodge NZ$4,500 per person for a single angler - 6 days NZ$2,750 per person for two anglers - 6 days Central South Island Explorer 8 days 7 nights 6 days fishing with 2 transfer days Target species: rainbow and brown trout Accommodation style: backcountry huts, farm stations and comfortable motel/lodge NZ$6,350 per person for a single angler NZ$3,675 per person for two anglers Springs and Freestones 7 days 6 nights 5 days fishing with 2 transfer days Target species: rainbow and brown trout Accommodation style: boutique B&B lodges NZ$7,300 per person for a single angler NZ$3,995 per person for two anglers Raft Based Fly Fishing Adventures 7 days 6 nights 7 day trip - 5 days raft fishing Target species: rainbow and brown trout Accommodation style: tent camps and B&B lodge NZ$11,000 per person for a single angler NZ$5,975 per person for two anglers A detailed itinerary for each package is available in pdf format at the Backcountry New Zealand website.
Bookings	Phone or email to make a booking or complete the online request form at the Backcountry New Zealand website if you have an enquiry.

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