Southland, Refined

 

Fishing That Stays With You

Southland is fly fishing as it should be: wild trout, clear water, and nothing between you and the fish but your own skill. Most of our fishing is done with dry flies, to sighted fish, in water so clear it feels like floating. It’s as much about reading the river as it is about casting a line – and when everything lines up, it’s unforgettable.

Whether you’re hunting larger fish in broad valley rivers or sneaking along willow-lined creeks with fish averaging 4–6lb, you’ll experience a rare kind of purity in both the fishing and the places it takes you.

 

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A Place for All Anglers

Whether you’re in your 30th season or just starting out, our guides tailor each day to suit your abilities, preferences, and pace. Some guests prefer relaxed days on easy-wading rivers. Others seek out the region’s most demanding trophy waters. Either way, we’re with you – offering guidance, encouragement, and the right fly at the right time.

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The Season: January – March

High Summer (Jan–Feb):
The height of cicada and willow grub season. Explosive surface takes from trout that have waited all year for this moment. Long daylight hours. Stable water levels. This is prime time.

Early Autumn (March):
As the air cools and the days shorten, mayflies return in force. Dry fly purists find their heaven here. The pace slows. The fish are just as sharp. So are the moments.

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Why Southland with GVFFC?

We’ve held a Department of Conservation guiding concession in this region since 2000, and have built long-standing relationships with landowners, accommodation providers, and of course, the rivers themselves.

Small Groups. Big Experiences.
Only four anglers per week. You’re not just another client – you’re part of a tightly run trip that balances world-class guiding with great meals, comfort, and quiet moments between casts.

Trusted, Licensed, Proven.

We’ve been guiding professionally for over 30 years. Many guests have returned every year for over a decade. That should tell you something.

Right Place, Right Water.
Southland offers diversity in spades – from freestone rivers to meadow creeks, lake edges to tailwaters – all within striking distance of our base. We fish where conditions are best and the pressure is lowest.

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Trip Dates – New Zealand 2026

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Pricing & Booking

Standard Trip

$5,750 AUD per person

Includes:

• 7 nights twin-share accommodation

• 6 days guided fly fishing (1:2 ratio)

• All meals, transport, flies

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For those seeking a more exclusive experience, we offer a very limited number of private guiding and solo accommodation upgrades. Availability is subject to final group configuration and guiding staff. Please enquire early to be considered.

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Cancellation & Deferral Policy

We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation and deferral policy is designed to be fair and transparent, while respecting the limited nature of these small-group trips.

• A 50% deposit is required to secure your place.

• The balance is due by 1 November.

• Bookings made after 1 November require full payment upfront.

Cancellations & Deferrals:

• Cancellations must be made in writing and followed up with a phone call.

• If we’re able to rebook your place, we’ll offer a credit valid for up to 24 months.

• If we’re unable to rebook, no credit or refund can be issued.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking. This will help protect your investment in the event of illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances.

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Testimonials

“The New Zealand trip that never disappoints.”
“I’ve been travelling with GVFFC since 2003, and their NZ trips never fail to impress. The guides are skilled at adapting to individual abilities and making every day memorable. The cosy accommodation and friendly atmosphere make it feel like a home away from home.”
— Simon

“Spectacular New Zealand.”
“This trip was gifted to me for my 50th birthday, and I’ve been returning annually ever since. The fishing is spectacular, the guides feel more like friends, and the week spent in Southland is always full of great memories. Highly recommended!”
— Peter

 

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Register Your Interest

We keep these trips small, and many guests return year after year—so availability is limited.

If you’d like to explore joining us in Southland next season, or simply want to learn more before committing, feel free to register your interest below.

No hard sell. Just a quiet conversation to see if it’s the right fit—for you, and for us.

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Let’s Start the Conversation

Whether you’re ready to Register Interest or just want to ask a few questions, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us on 03 5773 2513
📱 Or text 0418 995 611
💬 Prefer email? Use the form above to start the conversation.

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