About us
"A Family Legacy on the Water"
For over 30 years, Queenstown Fishing has been introducing visitors to the incredible fishing and alpine waters of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding region. What began as a passion for fishing, adventure, and the outdoors has grown into one of Queenstown’s most recognised fishing experiences – built on family values, local knowledge, and genuine hospitality.
As a family-run business, fishing has always been more than simply catching fish to us. It’s about creating memories, teaching new skills, exploring wild places, and connecting people with nature.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, travelling with family, or a seasoned angler chasing your next trout, our goal is simple:
to create relaxed, unforgettable experiences on the water.
OUR MISSION
At Queenstown Fishing, we are more than just a charter/guided company – we are family bound by a love of fishing and a deep respect for the natural world. With over 100 years of combined experience on New Zealand waters, our father-and-son team proudly shares local knowledge, outdoor skills, and a passion for adventure with every guest.
It’s more than simply putting you onto fish. It’s about creating memorable outdoor experiences, connecting people with nature, and helping guests discover a whole new world through fishing.
Your next adventure starts here.
explore. fish. repeat.
Our crew
Fishing guide/ skipper
Simon Cruickshank - The Next Generation
Raised on the lakes and rivers of Queenstown under his father Trevor’s guidance, Simon’s passion for fishing runs deep. With over 35 years of fishing experience in Southland, Otago, and beyond, Simon has taken the family legacy and turned it into something even bigger. Under his leadership, Queenstown Fishing has grown from a personal passion into a thriving business that brings people from all over the world to experience the magic of these waters. He’s a natural-born storyteller and a skilled, registered NZPFGA guide, blending time-honored techniques with a fresh, adventurous spirit. Whether it’s fly fishing in a remote stream or trolling for trout in the lake’s depths, Simon’s dedication ensures every trip is memorable.
With a vision for the future, Simon is not just preserving the family’s fishing heritage – he’s expanding it, creating a company that might one day be passed down to a third generation of Cruickshank anglers.
Fishing guide/ skipper
Trevor Cruickshank - The Pioneer
With over 65 years of fishing experience, Trevor is a living legend of the Southern Lakes and Otago regions. He’s been exploring these waters since long before Queenstown was on the map, and his stories are as rich as the landscapes he’s fished. For over 30 years, he’s been a proud member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association (NZPFGA), a testament to his dedication, skill, and integrity. Trevor’s deep connection to these waters isn’t just about fishing – it’s about a lifetime spent in harmony with nature, passing down knowledge, and inspiring the next generation.
