🐟 GENERAL FISHING INFORMATION

Do I need a fishing licence in Queenstown?

Yes. Anyone fishing needs a current New Zealand Fish & Game licence. We can help arrange this on the day or onboard. Overseas visitors can buy a 24-hour licence, and licences are non-refundable.

The correct licence type and price depend on factors such as age, residency and how long you plan to fish. We recommend checking the latest options and regulations directly with New Zealand Fish & Game. Fishing licences are separate from the charter price unless your booking specifically says otherwise.

What species can I catch on a Queenstown fishing charter?

On Lake Wakatipu, we target rainbow trout, brown trout and landlocked Chinook salmon. On guided river trips, the focus is usually brown and rainbow trout. The best target species and location vary with the season, conditions and trip.

Can I catch trout without fly fishing?

Yes. Fly fishing is only one option. Depending on the trip and conditions, we also use trolling, spinning and softbait techniques. Lake charters are particularly suitable for beginners who want to catch trout or salmon without learning to fly cast.

Can I fish in Queenstown all year round?

Lake fishing on Lake Wakatipu runs year-round. Queenstown’s river fly-fishing season generally runs from 1 October to 31 May. If you are unsure which trip suits your travel dates, we are happy to help.

Can I go trout fishing in Queenstown during winter?

Yes. Lake Wakatipu remains open for fishing during winter, and our lake charters operate year-round when conditions are safe. Winter offers beautiful scenery and can provide productive trout and salmon fishing, but warm waterproof layers are essential.

Many rivers and tributaries have seasonal closures, so winter river options are more limited. Your guide will always select legal water and work within the current regional fishing regulations.

Are Queenstown Fishing charters suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Teaching people to fish is what we do. Your guide will show you how to use the gear, cast, retrieve and play a fish, so no previous fishing experience is needed.

Are your fishing charters family-friendly?

Yes. We regularly take families on the lake and tailor the experience to the group. Shared charters are a fun small-group option, while a private boat gives families more flexibility around timing, younger children and the pace of the trip.

What is included in a Queenstown fishing charter?

All essential fishing gear, tackle, bait or lures, life jackets and expert local tuition are included. Bring warm layers, sunglasses and a camera. Fishing licences, food and any optional extras depend on the trip and are clearly shown when you book.

Should I choose a shared or private fishing charter?

Shared lake charters are a great-value, small-group option. A private charter gives your group the whole boat and more flexibility over the experience. For remote river, drift boat and expedition trips, enquire directly and we will help match the trip to your group.

🎣 CHOOSING THE RIGHT FISHING TRIP

Should I book the 2-hour or 3-hour shared fishing charter?

Choose the 2-hour shared charter if your time is limited, you are travelling with young children or you want a shorter introduction to fishing.

Choose the 3-hour shared charter if catching a fish is a higher priority. The extra hour allows the skipper to travel farther when needed, try more than one fishing area and keep your lines in the water longer. It is our most popular shared option and our usual recommendation for first-time anglers.

See current availability and prices on our Lake Fishing Charters page.

Can a solo traveller join a shared fishing charter?

Yes. Solo travellers can book one place on a shared Lake Wakatipu charter without paying for a private boat.

Shared departures require a minimum of two guests to operate. If minimum numbers are not reached, we may offer another departure time, the option to upgrade to a private charter or a refund in accordance with our booking terms.

What private Queenstown fishing charter can take six people?

Our private Lake Wakatipu charters can take groups of up to six fishing guests. The whole boat is reserved exclusively for your group.

For larger groups, contact us before booking so we can discuss available vessels and the best way to organise your experience.

Do you offer technical sight fishing for experienced anglers?

Yes. Our guided 4WD fly-fishing and backcountry experiences can be tailored to experienced anglers seeking more technical fishing, including sight fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout where conditions allow.

The river, fishing method and travel plan are selected around the season, water levels, weather and the ability of the anglers. Because wild trout and river conditions change, a particular piece of water or technique cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Explore our River Fishing Experiences or contact us to discuss your experience and fishing goals.

Can I book guided fishing on Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea?

Our regular Queenstown lake charters depart from Frankton Marina and fish Lake Wakatipu. Fishing on other Southern Lakes waters, including Wanaka and Hawea, may be available as a private or specially arranged experience depending on the season, guide availability and logistics.

Contact us with your travel dates, group size and preferred location before making a booking.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 CHILDREN, FAMILIES & ACCESSIBILITY

What ages qualify for the child rate?

Children aged 6–12 receive 40% off the adult price on shared lake charters. Children aged five and under can join a shared lake charter free of charge.

Please contact us before booking with very young children so we can recommend the safest and most enjoyable trip for your family. Child discounts do not apply to private charters or river and backcountry experiences.

How much does a family fishing trip cost?

Prices depend on the trip length and whether you choose a shared or private charter. Shared trips have separate adult and child prices, while private lake charters are priced for exclusive use of the boat by a group of up to six.

Because prices and seasonal surcharges can change, check the live trip page for the current total before booking. A 15% surcharge applies on New Zealand public holidays.

Are the boats suitable for guests with limited mobility?

Accessibility varies by vessel, marina conditions and trip type. Boarding a boat may require stepping between the marina and the vessel, and our boats do not all have the same layout or facilities.

Before booking, contact us with details of any mobility, balance, seating or assistance requirements. We will discuss the most suitable boat and trip honestly so you can make an informed decision. River and backcountry trips involve uneven ground and are generally more physically demanding than lake charters.

🎒 WHAT TO BRING

What should I bring on a fishing charter?

Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and any snacks or drinks you would like for the trip. Lake weather can change quickly, even in summer, so it is always worth bringing an extra layer.

Can I bring food or drinks?

Yes. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, including alcohol. Please avoid spirits and choose cans rather than glass where possible. For full-day river trips, morning tea and a cut lunch are included. Private-charter food options and Cook Your Catch can also be arranged.

What should I wear?

Dress for the conditions and wear layers you can add or remove during the day. Comfortable shoes are ideal for lake charters. For guided river fishing, we will let you know exactly what clothing and gear is needed before your trip.

What is the recommended Queenstown fishing gear checklist?

Queenstown’s alpine weather can change quickly. We recommend bringing warm layers, a waterproof and windproof jacket, comfortable secure footwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, personal medication and a camera or phone.

Polarised sunglasses are especially useful for reducing glare and seeing into the water. For river and backcountry trips, we will confirm any additional clothing, waders, footwear and equipment before departure. Felt-soled footwear should not be brought into New Zealand.

🚤 WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY

Where do we meet and when does the trip start?

Most lake charters depart from Frankton Marina, Berth B02 on Sugar Lane, Queenstown. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. Our usual shared-charter departure times are 9am and 1pm, but always check your booking confirmation for the correct time and meeting point.

Do Queenstown fishing guides provide hotel pickup?

Selected full-day 4WD river experiences include pickup from Queenstown accommodation. Standard lake charters normally meet at Frankton Marina rather than offering hotel pickup.

Pickup arrangements vary by trip and accommodation location. Check the individual trip inclusions and confirm your accommodation details with us before the day.

Will I definitely catch a fish?

We cannot guarantee a catch because that is fishing. What we can promise is experienced local guides, quality gear, proven methods and the best possible plan for the conditions on the day. We teach you how to fish properly and give you every chance of getting hooked up.

Do you cancel trips due to bad weather?

Safety comes first. If conditions are unsafe, the skipper or guide will make the final call. If we need to cancel, we will first look to reschedule your trip. If another suitable date is not available and we cancel, we will refund you.

How many people are on a shared charter?

Our shared lake charters are kept small, generally with a maximum of six fishing guests, so there is plenty of room and personal attention from the skipper.

Can I book a private fishing trip?

Yes. We offer private lake charters, guided 4WD river fishing, drift boat fishing and expedition experiences. Explore our Lake Series, River Series and Expedition Series to find the right option.

🍽️ KEEPING YOUR CATCH, COOK YOUR CATCH & CATCH AND RELEASE

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Depending on the location and current Fish & Game regulations, you may be able to keep a legal catch. Your guide will explain the current rules on the day. We also encourage catch and release, especially for trophy trout and when conditions call for careful fish handling.

Size limits and daily bag limits vary by water and can change. Recreationally caught trout and salmon must not be sold or traded.

Can you cook our catch in Queenstown?

Yes. Our Cook Your Catch option can be arranged with Fino Wine Bar, where your fresh trout or salmon is prepared for you. Please ask when booking, as availability and arrangements need to be confirmed in advance.

The fish must be legal to retain and suitable for the experience, so the meal cannot be guaranteed until the catch and booking details are confirmed.

⚠️ OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

What about motion sickness?

Lake Wakatipu is freshwater, so there is no ocean swell, and most guests are comfortable onboard. Wind can create some chop on certain days. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual medication before departure.

Are there bathroom facilities onboard?

Our larger cabin boats have onboard toilets. For smaller boats or shorter trips, we recommend using the marina facilities before departure.

Is Queenstown Fishing an environmentally responsible experience?

We care deeply about the lakes, rivers and remote places we fish. We follow Fish & Game regulations, promote responsible fish handling and catch and release, and operate with respect for the environment and other water users.

Our drift-boat experience also provides a quiet, non-motorised way to explore selected alpine water.

What happens if my fishing charter is cancelled because of bad weather?

If Queenstown Fishing cancels because of unsafe weather, water conditions, mechanical failure or another operational issue, guests will be offered the option to reschedule. If another suitable date is unavailable and we cancel, the amount paid will be refunded.

Poor weather elsewhere, a change in travel plans or a guest deciding not to attend does not automatically count as an operator cancellation. Read our Terms and Conditions and consider comprehensive travel insurance.

How do I confirm my booking?

Choose your preferred trip on our Book Now page, or contact us if you would like help choosing. Your booking is confirmed once the required payment has been completed and you receive confirmation from our team.

A 30% deposit is normally required to confirm a booking. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the trip. Bookings made within 30 days require full payment when booked. Check the date, time, number of guests and contact details immediately after receiving your confirmation.

What is the customer cancellation policy?

Customer cancellations must be made in writing. Different fees apply depending on how far in advance the cancellation is received, and bookings cancelled within 30 days are generally non-refundable. Gift vouchers and agent bookings have additional conditions.

The full and current policy on our Terms and Conditions page takes precedence over this summary.