New Zealand

2025/26 New Zealand Independent Guide - Prime Time Remaining Dates

Max Salzburg August 06, 2025

There are still some fantastic opportunities to find yourself in New Zealand with some of the best trout guides found anywhere in the world. New Zealand boasts a remarkable array of independent tour guides and boutique operators, each offering unique, personalized experiences. Here's a curated selection of some of the country's most esteemed guides and companies:

If you're interested in setting up a custom New Zealand itinerary for this upcoming season, now is the time to take advantage of the best of the best remaining openings across our curated collection of top guides.

Steve Perry – Tasman / Nelson Lakes / West Coast / Golden Bay 

Steve Perry guides the Tasman and Nelson Lakes areas from his base in Motueka, and the West Coast from an outpost in Reefton. When conditions are right, Steve can guide adventurous, experienced anglers on the saltwater tidal flats of Farewell Spit targeting yellowfin kingfish. 

Available Dates: 

  • December 2 –1 3, 2026 
  • January 9 – 12, 2026 
  • February 1 – 6, 2026

Stefano Bonazza – Tasman / Nelson Lakes / West Coast 

Backcountry helicopter fishing specialist Stefano Bonazza is based near Motueka and guides Tasman, Nelson Lakes, and the West Coast. 

Available Dates: 

  • November 27 – December 5, 2025 
  • December 12 – 21, 2025

Kevin Payne – Mackenzie District 

Based in Fairlie, conveniently located between Christchurch and Queenstown, veteran elite guide and competitive sheepdog trainer Kevin Payne guides the high country and coastal rivers he grew up on. 

Available Dates: 

  • December 8 – 12, 2025 
  • January 13 – 16, 2026 
  • March 30 – 31, 2026 

Mark Davis – Mackenzie District 

Up‑and‑coming New Zealand native Mark Davis is based in Fairlie and guides the Mount Dobson area and the Opihi River watershed. 

Available Dates: 

  • December 5 – 17, 2025 
  • January 6 – 10, 2026 
  • February 16 – 20, 2026 
  • March 2 – 6, 2026 

Kristina Placko – Southland 

Full of positive energy and fun to fish with, Kristina Placko is based in Lumsden and guides the Ōreti, Mataura, and Southland watersheds. 

Available Dates: 

  • November 28–30, 2025 
  • December 15–20, 2025 
  • March 2–6, 2026 

Daryl Paskell – Southland 

Wool broker and elite fishing guide Daryl Paskell leads trips through the Ōreti, Mataura, and Southland watersheds from his hometown of Lumsden. 

Available Dates: 

  • March 8–20, 2026 
  • April 3–10, 2026 

Dean Bell – Fiordland 

One of the finest fly-fishing guides we've encountered anywhere in the world, Dean Bell is based in Te Anau and guides both Fiordland National Park and Southland. 

Available Dates: 

  • November 1–8, 2025 
  • December 14–18, 2025 
  • January 27–31, 2026 
  • April 1–11, 2026 

 

Max Salzburg: Western Trout Destinations Manager

Max is Fly Water Travel's Destination Manager for Europe, New Zealand, and the trout fisheries of the Rockies and Pacific Northwest. The joke within Max's family is that he has always been a tour guide at heart who loves nothing more than traveling to new places and being a stranger in a strange land.

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