Central South Island Fishing Itinerary

Christchurch-Moana

From Christchurch, take SH 73 (Arthur's Pass) through the spectacular Southern Alps. Turn-off at the small settlement of Inchbonnie where you take the road to Lake Brunner. Follow the road to the township of Moana on the lake. There is excellent fishing on the lake and the Arnold River which has a good population of rainbow and brown trout.

Moana-Harihari

Continue on to Greymouth where you turn south on SH 6. Continue down SH 6 until you reach Harihari. The fishing in the rivers around this area is regarded as some of the best dry fly fishing in the country especially on the crystal clear La Fontaine river.

Harihari-Jackson's Bay via Haast

Continue on SH 6 along the West Coast to Haast which is an excellent and dramatic stop-off point. From Haast take the road to Jackson's Bay. The first major river you come to is the Okuru which provides superb fishing in a remote wilderness setting with large forest covered mountains as a backdrop. Beware of the sandflies and take some industrial strength repellant when fishing this area!

Haast-Makarora

From Haast continue on SH 6 through the Haast Pass to the settlement of Makarora. This small settlement is an ideal point from which to explore some remote and beautiful rivers. There is also excellent fishing to be found where the Makarora River drains out of Lake Wanaka.

Makarora-Omarama

Continue on SH 6 past beautiful lakes Wanaka and Hawea towards Luggate taking SH 8A which crosses the Clutha River. Continue on SH 8A through the beautiful Lindis Pass to the township of Omarama. Around Omarama there are a number of rivers such as the Ahuriri that provide miles of backcountry fishing.

Omarama-Kurow

Benmore, Lake Aviemore and Lake Waitaki to Kurow. Cross the Waitaki River at Kurow and travel up the Hakataramea for some excellent fishing for a large population of brown trout.

Kurow-Christchuch

Return to Christchurch via SH 82 and SH 1. But do take time to stop and fish the Ashburton River on the way, or extend your trip to take in the Ashburton lakes.