Southland Program – GVFFC International

Set in the wide rolling valleys of New Zealand’s Southland, this program centres on clear-water sight-fishing for wild brown trout.

Mornings are cool. Light sits low on the hills. Fish appear first as shadows against pale gravel before you’ve even made a cast.

For more than twenty-five years Southland has remained central to our international calendar.

Each season we return — to reconnect with old friends, explore new water, and settle the unfinished business that every good river leaves behind.

Small groups.
Experienced guides.
Consistent delivery.

This is not a one-off tour. It is a long-standing seasonal program designed for anglers who want a carefully run week immersed in the beauty and challenge of Southland’s finest trout water.

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Why Southland with GVFFC?

Trusted. Licensed. Proven.

We have held a New Zealand Department of Conservation guiding concession in this region since 2000.

Over that time we have developed long-standing relationships with local landowners, accommodation providers, and of course the rivers themselves.

Our New Zealand program has now operated continuously for more than two decades, guided by the same principles that have shaped GVFFC since the beginning: thoughtful planning, experienced guides, and respect for both the fish and the people who pursue them.

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Small Groups. Big Experience.

Each week is limited to four anglers, maintaining a strict 1:2 guide-to-guest ratio.

You are not one of many. You are part of a deliberately structured format that allows for focused guiding, flexible daily planning, and the space to fish properly.

The result is a week that feels relaxed and unhurried, where attention can remain on the fishing rather than the logistics.

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Right Place. Right Water.

Southland offers genuine diversity — freestone rivers, spring creeks, lakes and tailwaters — all within reach of our base.

Each day we fish where conditions are strongest. Water levels, clarity, wind and angler preference guide our decisions.

Flexibility is one of the region’s great strengths, and one of the reasons we continue to return season after season.

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The Program

Our Southland season runs from January through March each year.

Guests are hosted in structured weekly programs based at Dunrobin Station, a working property in the Aparima Valley that has become a familiar base for many returning anglers.

Each week includes:

• Seven nights accommodation
• Six full days of guided fishing
• One guide for every two anglers
• One dedicated 1:1 guiding day for each angler
• All in-country transport throughout the week
• Program design and oversight

Southland’s rivers shift constantly. Channels move, gravel redistributes, and no two seasons fish exactly the same.

What remains consistent is the structure behind the program: careful planning, experienced guides, and the freedom to adapt each day to where the fishing will be best.

Many guests return year after year, with some having joined us every season since the early 2000s.

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Program Legacy

The Southland program was originally developed by Anthony Boliancu, David Pickering and Geoff Hall.

Since David and Geoff’s retirement in 2018, Anthony has continued to oversee and refine the program.

With more than three decades as a full-time professional guide, his role extends beyond simply hosting trips. He is responsible for the program structure, guide team, guest groups and overall philosophy that shape each season.

This continuity ensures the program remains consistent even as seasons and river conditions change.

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New Structure — More Opportunity

While each week remains built around the traditional 1:2 guiding format, an additional senior team member will now be present throughout the program.

This allows us to introduce a dedicated 1:1 guiding day for every guest.

Some anglers use this time to refine technical aspects of their fishing. Others prefer to pursue larger trout on specific rivers or spend time on the specialised willow-grub fishing Southland is known for.

The additional guide also provides flexibility within the week, allowing guests to tailor parts of their fishing to personal goals.

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Accommodation

The program is based at Dunrobin Station in the Aparima Valley.

The farmhouse is comfortable, practical and welcoming — a place to reset after long days on the river.

Evenings are relaxed. Hearty meals, photographs from the day’s fishing, and conversations about the following morning’s plan.

Dunrobin is not a lodge designed around off-water luxury.

It is a base built for anglers — positioned beside one of the finest rivers in the region.

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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 adapt to individual abilities and make every day memorable. It feels like a home away from home.”
— Simon

“Spectacular New Zealand.”
“This trip was gifted to me for my 50th birthday, and I’ve returned annually ever since. The fishing is exceptional, and the week in Southland is always full of great memories.”
— Peter

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New Zealand 2027 Dates

Availability is limited, and many weeks are secured well in advance by returning guests.

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Price

Season 2026–2027 is priced at $6,500 AUD per person.

For returning guests (present and past) we are holding the price at $6,250 AUD for bookings confirmed before April 1.

The program includes:

• Seven nights accommodation
• Six full days of guided fishing
• Five days at a 1:2 guide-to-guest ratio
• One full day of 1:1 guiding
• All in-country transport throughout the week
• Program design and oversight

Flights, fishing licences and personal expenses are excluded.

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Booking Policy

To maintain small groups and consistent staffing, places are confirmed with a 50% deposit.

The balance is due 1 November prior to the season.

Bookings made after 1 November require full payment at the time of confirmation.

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Register Your Interest

These weeks remain intentionally small and many guests return each year, so availability is limited.

If you would like to explore joining us next season — or simply want to discuss whether the program is the right fit — we prefer to speak personally before confirming a place.

No hard sell.
Just a considered conversation.

If you reach out, you’ll be speaking directly with Anthony, who oversees the program and will be happy to answer any questions and help you decide whether the trip is the right fit.

📞 03 5773 2513
📱 0418 995 611.