Nelson & Marlborough

Zane Mirfin

American angler and author Zane Grey, and his legendary 1926 book Tales of the Angler’s Eldorado, New Zealand lit a fire under New Zealand fly fishing that burns brightly to this day. Guide Zane Mirfin has kept the reality of big trout caught in wild places alive for visiting anglers since 1985, and at 48 years old, is fit, strong, and ready to go.Based in Nelson, Zane has great knowledge of the South Island fishery and knows where the best trout swim and how to catch them. Co-author of two fly fishing books Brown Trout Heaven – Fly Fishing New Zealand’s South Island and The Last Best Place – Images of New Zealand Fly Fishing, Zane is well known for his journalistic contributions to NZ fishing magazines and newspapers.

Zane offers some of the best year-round range of fishing opportunities in the business. Enjoy fishing local rivers from proven bases or challenge yourself with helicopter access, raft fishing, angling road trips, wilderness camp-outs, or sight fishing the saltwater sandflats of Golden Bay for Yellowtail Kingfish.Zane operates a commercially registered boat MNZ134307 for trout and up to 30 species of saltwater fish.Strike now and experience true fishing adventure.

Greg Gardiner

Let Greg be your guide along the world famous Brown Trout rivers of the upper South Island of New Zealand. Taking in the rivers of the Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, Hanmer regions. Greg over the last 8 years has built up an extensive knowledge of the better fish producing rivers in these regions, and combined with an attitude that what you want as an angler comes first will make your trip a very memorable one indeed. Greg prefers to do a multi day tour starting in Christchurch and working up through to Nelson taking in different rivers on the way. He is also quite happy to work the other way i.e. picking up in Nelson and working down to Christchurch. He believes this method gives greater flexibility as well as a good variety of different environments in which to fish. Greg and his family own a piece of farmland in Murchison (1.5 hours from Nelson) which is right on the bank of the Maruia river (the Maruia is a well known trout river in the top of the south island with plenty of 3-5lb Brown Trout). They have a modest 3 bedroom farmhouse on the property, which means you can stay close to the action.

Lindsay White

Lindsay has been a full time professional trout fishing guide in the Nelson / Marlborough / West Coast regions since 1985. He is based near Murchison.From this location it is possible to fish 30 different rivers or streams via 4WD vehicle and a further 21 wilderness or back country rivers via helicopter.The trout in most of these rivers average in the 4lb to 5lb range.Lindsay specialises in sight fishing for trophy Brown Trout. Minimum Booking 2 days.Telephone: + 64 273 059 613.

Ashley Dean

Ashley Dean and his partner, Amber are the owners and operators of Maruia Motels & Flyfishing.  Perfectly located in the Maruia Valley in the Nelson/Marlborough district.  Halfway between Christchurch and Nelson and within close proximity to both the West Coast and North Canterbury fisheries.  There are endless fly-fishing options right on his doorstep which is why they decided to call it home. Ashley also guides for the prestigious Owen River Lodge as well as his own business. Fly fishing is Ashley’s life and has been his passion for over 20 years.  From learning the skill  in Scotland, he then ventured to Montana, USA to complete guide school.  He has fished all over the world and wholeheartedly believes that New Zealand’s South Island has some of the best sight fishing for big brown trout there is! Maruia Motels & Flyfishing provides the ultimate base and guiding service.  Whether it’s just for a day on the water or you want to extend your trip to explore the region and stay in one of the self-contained cabins, Ashley has the expertise and experience to make your fly-fishing dreams come true.

Tony Entwistle

You can contact Tony either by clicking the link below or call him on +64 27 473 2483

Scott Murray

Scott Murray, better known as Scott “The Trout” around the world, has become famous in his own right as a renowned brown trout Fly Fishing Guide.  Scott has fished in several other countries and has been featured on several TV shows, including two ESPN Shows.  He was also on the front cover of both “Fly Rod & Reel” and “Fly Fisherman” in America.  He leads River Haven’s team of Guides, considered to be one of the friendliest, most experienced in New Zealand.  Scott has been guiding in the top half of the South Island since 1991. His high return client base speaks for itself, as his personality, attitude, skills, patience and knowledge bring back clients year after year. His natural skill, combined with years of spending time with both learners and seasoned anglers, and his understanding their expectations and skill level, helps him give his clients the most memorable fly fishing holiday ever!   He has a unique instinct to read the fishery, as well as his client’s desires and combines them to create an amazing time for those that fish with him.  Scott and his lovely wife, Leya built River Haven Lodge on the banks of the Mangles River, to accommodate those with the same passion for fishing and the outdoors.  As every minute of your NZ holiday is precious, don’t waste a second of it; get the Guide that will make your dreams come true!

Robby Cribbs

Robby has been fly fishing since he was a kid and has been guiding for over 20 years.  He grew up in Colorado, but fell in love with New Zealand. He moved his entire family to Nelson in 2018.  Since then, he’s spent countless days exploring the rivers on the top of the South Island in search of trophy trout. 

Richard Booth

Richard is a highly experienced flyfishing guide with over 40 years experience fishing and guiding in the Nelson and Marlborough regions. Richard has taken the study of entomology seriously to give you the upperhand when selecting one of his masterfully handcrafted flies. With a great love of flyfishing and understanding your needs, Richard will cleverly tailor make a perfect day for you on one of our famous rivers or secretly hidden streams. So whether you are a novice angler, or need some extra care or a seasoned fisherman, Richard will guide you with patience, sincerity and good humour to fulfil your fishing dreams.

Stefano Bonazza

Stefano Bonazza, Italian born, 25 years' experience in trophy hunting in back country rivers of Nelson, West Coast, North Canterbury, well known by the name “The Pizza Guy”, famous for catching Big Fish and baking giant Pizzas.

Guide for Atlantic salmon fishery in Kola peninsula Russia late 90s, started fishing the South Island back country rivers in the mid 90s, learned all the secrets from my Mentor and Master Boris. Stefano spends more than 120 days per season fishing and exploring over the last 10 years, and now all his experience and passion is to make happy fishermen and having good time out there. Stefano will cook nice food when camping out, organise Helicopter and transfers and 4x4 fishing trips to make your fishing experience unforgettable. For more information, visit his FB page, Stefano Fly Fishing Guide, or Call+64273269294  or email.

Paul van de Loo

Enjoy great days of fishing with a professional guide committed to making your fishing expectations a REALITY! Paul is a passionate, highly experienced professional fly fishing guide, since 1990, fishing in New Zealand, Alaska, British Columbia, USA, Europe, Scandinavia, and Australia. Being based in the Murchison area allows Paul to plan your Brown Trout fly fishing experience in the Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, and North Canterbury fish and game regions with ease. As a professional fly fishing guide Paul can give you every assurance that your fishing experience will be conducted in a professional manner at all times, honouring our fishing etiquette, working with respect for you and the environment. His craft has been developed over the years by spending time with both novice and seasoned fly fishers, listening to their expectations, observing their techniques, and working with them to achieve the most rewarding fly fishing experience.

Hans Kreuer

Hi, I'm Hans Kreuer, your fly fishing guide based in Nelson. I have a passion for helping anglers of all abilities achieve their angling dreams, ensuring they have a great trip by working as hard as I can. I have a relaxed style and am able to draw upon decades of fly fishing experience, both overseas (and the last 13 years) here in New Zealand. I take pride in the hand crafted flies I tie to give my clients the edge, and give help where needed with casting and general river skills, to help turn chance into reality. I like a laugh on the river and even a beer later if that takes your fancy. Overnight camping and multi-day road trips are my favourites as they allow time for a bond between guide and client to form, and also to add variety to your valuable fishing time. Single day trips are also a great option with a myriad of rivers available within a short drive of my Nelson base.

I speak fluent German to compliment my English, and I hope you take the chance to team up with me in the amazing pursuit of the large Brown and Rainbow trout that abound here in what I regard as the best sight fishery in the world.

Gavin Stones

Phone: +64 27 404 3149

Steve Perry

Steve is based at Motueka near Nelson the nation’s sunshine and geographic center. Specialising in stalking and sight fishing for brown trout, Steve guides the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regions including the Motueka, Buller and Wairau rivers and tributaries. Catering for all levels of angler experience, Steve strives to provide a high quality, safe and memorable angling experience for all visitors to our beautiful region. Quality equipment is supplied. Available for half, full and multi day bookings. Wilderness heli fishing and camp out options available.You can contact Steve via his web site (click the link below) or call him on +64 3 52 66 751

Chris Williams

You can contact Chris either by clicking the link below or call him on +64 21 995 576

Boris Cech

The ultimate fly fishing challenge - stalking the ever elusive New Zealand brown trout. Boris Cech of Kehu Guiding - an established fly fishing guiding service, with professional dedicated guides who are passionate about providing you with an outstanding fishing experience. Landing a ten pounder is possible on any day! Wilderness camp-outs are a highlight of our guiding service. An angling adventure, fly fishing remote rivers where New Zealand's large wily browns reside. Here the scenery is breathtaking and the fly fishing fantastic.Telephone + 64 21 617 103

Adam Peat

Adam has been a keen angler, flytier and hunter for many years. Adam loves sight fishing, and getting his guests on to large wild brown trout. Adam guides out of Owen River Lodge

Mike Kirkpatrick

Mike Kirkpatrick owns and operates Latitude Guiding based in Nelson and has a passion for stalking large Brown Trout in the wonderful ‘top of the south’ region renowned for its sunny Mediterranean climate and endless Rivers, Lakes and Streams. Mike is intimate with many ‘secret’ spots off the beaten track and is able to organize a variety of trips to suit both expert and novice alike, with a specialty being overnight campout trips in the spectacular Nelson, Marlborough, Murchison, North Canterbury and West Coast regions.

He always strives to deliver the best in both quality fishing and the overall angling experience and understands the need to be lighthearted and have a sense of the ‘fun’ aspect. Hike in, 4x4 and Helicopter trips are all catered for and taken on with enthusiasm. Quality gear can be supplied if needed (rods, reels, waders, camping gear etc.) along with a vast array of specialty home tied flies to give you the edge. Filming your trips is also a service offered (Mike is the producer of four DVD’s focused on fishing the top of the south). “I pride myself in being able to understand what you, the angler, really want to get out of your very valuable time on the water, and will do my very best to make your angling dreams a reality” Mike Kirkpatrick – LATITUDE GUIDING. Telephone: +64 21 043 7307

Jim Perry

Jim is from the Motueka region and has fished it’s most excellent river systems since his early years. “Its my back yard!” Now, having travelled extensively overseas, Jim has returned to raise a family and delights in showing visitors how wonderful our rivers are. “I specialise in stalking and spotting trout so the fish can be appreciated in their natural environment. I like to make a day on the river fun, educational and most importantly filled with wonderful memories.” Jim can cater for single or multiday trips- local or backcountry – fly or drive - easy or technical fishing. “Rocky River Fishing” is all about your day out so click on the Contact Me button to email me and we can work on a plan. Or give me a call  +64 21 135 7408  

John Gendall

Outstanding Fishing is complemented with personal hospitality in the comfort of a small lodge  right in Nelson Lakes National Park. A unique fishing experience with a spirited and knowledgeable guide who knows NZ’s south island rivers intimately. 18 years of guiding experience means a few tricks learnt ! John’s enthusiasm for the sport and environment are infectious, He’s only too happy in sharing  his knowledge with clients in a relaxed and fun approach.  Telephone: +64 3 548 7892

David Pike

David is a highly experienced fishing guide with over 25 years’ experience guiding in the Nelson/West coast region of New Zealand.  David guides out of Owen River Lodge.

Nick King

Nick King is based in St Arnaud at the gateway to Nelson Lakes National park. He has been guiding in the mountains and waters of the top of the South Island since pre-internet days and some of what he has observed in the intervening decades has managed to stick between his ears. Wilderness trips strike a chord with him and the wild native places far from the madding crowd are his speciality.

If canvas and wood-smoke, a pack and a rod, blended with throwing a loop at the rings of the evening rise while exploring a stream in search of the last holding water, call to you, then giddy up, we may make a team the bards write songs about. You can reach Nick by clicking on the link below or calling him on +64 21 542 424

Emmanuel “Manny” Shchukin

Emmanuel “Manny” Shchukin is based in Nelson, chasing browns and rainbows throughout backcountry water in the top of the south area. A true nature lover, Manny is passionate about finding you beautiful fish in beautiful places and loves sharing Aotearoa New Zealand with local and visiting anglers alike. He is passionate about taking fit anglers on missions deep into NZ’s limitless bush and will carry the gear the extra mile to find you those backcountry browns that dreams are made of. Manny can be reached via telephone: +64 22 468 8578 or check out his instagram @mannyfishadventures

Stephen Greaney

Stephen Greaney is a fishing guide based out of Motueka, near the city of Nelson located at the top of the South Island. Steve specialises in the abundance of brown trout located in the many rivers the area has to offer. With 15 years experience on local and backcountry rivers he is very keen to teach beginners and enjoys the big days in the river. Accommodation available. 

Blair Daniel

Throughout Blair's 20 plus years of fly fishing and guiding he has gained an appreciation not only for the trout we pursue but for the magnificent country in which we live. Sharing anything from a delicate lowland mayfly hatch on the Motueka River to the roaring gorges and high country of the South Island, he is a bloke who can find humour in any situation.

From learner fishers to the most hardened trout bum, Blair is happy to formulate a plan with you to maximise your time in our extraordinary environment. Multi day trips traversing the back country by foot, chopper or 4wd is where he’s most at home and has a keen interest in botany and entomology. His flies have been published and the patterns he ties will give you a creative edge on the water.
You can contact Blair by clicking on the link below or call him on +64-21-649937 October to May or on +1 403-489-7295 May to October.

I am often out of reception. Please contact my agent, Nans Kirkpatrick-Stolk by clicking the link below or find me on Instagram @flyfishsouthnz 

Aaron Ford

Aaron Ford runs Uppacreek Guiding which is based in Motueka at the top of the South Island. Aaron offers single and multi day trips including helicopter camping and fishing trips. Personalised Adventure, Kayaking, Hiking and Golf can also be arranged. 5 star lodge accommodation can be arranged.

Jason Mcdonald

Jason lives in Murchison, the centre of NZ’s scenic sight-fishing region.  Born and bred here he has been stalking the local brown trout for over 30 years. As a passionate angler, hunter and outdoorsman he has extensive first-hand experience of the rivers and surrounds in the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regions.

Jason is a considerate, patient, fun guide, adept at spotting and stalking the elusive brown trout and an excellent teacher.  If a memorable and successful trip is your goal, he can deliver!  Intimate with annual fluctuations and weather patterns in the area he can take you to ‘just the spot’. This genuine, kiwi bloke will also happily share his vast knowledge of NZ bush ecology and the local history along the way if you have an interest.

Jason can customize your trip to suit your skills, experience and taste for adventure, from beginner’s casting, half or full day trips, to back country overnighters and heli-fishing.
He can be contacted on +64 21 022 12299 or by clicking the link below