Packing for New Zealand
The Down Under Gear Dump
Wow, you’re coming to fish in New Zealand! That’s awesome.
First up, got your licence?
If you’re coming to New Zealand to fish for trout you will need to a full season Non Resident Fishing Licence, and particularly if you need to secure any backcountry fishery endorsements - a Controlled Fisheries Ballot spot or Designated Water Licence (daily location-specific licence). More on all in this article on Fly Fishing New Zealand’s South Island.
You can buy licences online from Fish & Game New Zealand before you arrive. Please screenshot for easy access and print multiple licence copies for your carry-on bag, expedition luggage and for your fishing vest or daybag.
If you’re booking through a guide or outfitters, or going straight to a fishing lodge, they will have already advised that they can issue you a licence or arrange them for you. If you’re going to New Zealand and DIY fishing, just buy your licence online before you arrive.
NZeTA
Remember to sort out your New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority NZeTA before you board your plane. It takes up to 72 hours to process online so don’t leave it to your last day before actioning!
Packing for New Zealand
I’ve been fishing down here for over 40+ years and I can confirm that the weather is highly changeable. You should consider garment layering based on the temperature difference from where you are coming from.
Your guide/lodge/outfitter will provide you a gear list specifically designed for the area you’re fishing. It will take into account of the seasonal weather changes, your planned accommodation, fishing tackle, even fly selection. I suggest adding to your apparel requirements, the further south you are planning to fish. The rain and coldest wind typically comes in from the south west.
Again your tackle will vary depending on species, size and the locations you’ll be fishing. you might need an 8wt rod for instance if you’re fishing the Rotorua/Taupo region over winter. More on this in the packing list.
Below is our detailed planning checklist for a one week trip to New Zealand’s South Island, chasing large wild brown trout. Think of it as a general list for a generic seven day cool climate freshwater expedition and add to it depending on the seasons.
