Reefton Heli trip – South Island
THE FISHING
Reefton is an excellent location to base from when fishing New Zealand’s south island because of its proximity to some of the best rivers in the country. There are 15 different river systems within a 40 minute drive from the town centre, making Reefton a no brainer for those who love to site cast to big Brown Trout. To be sure, this is not a place where anglers should expect luxury accommodation and gourmet meals. We have other locations on the south island that offer these in spades! What this location does have, aside from excellent access to many superb rivers, is a unique small town New Zealand vibe, with comfortable and roomy accommodations with several friendly pubs and restaurants nearby.
Another strong aspect to the Reefton area is the strong diversity of rivers that can be helicopter accessed. Remote, isolated and holding trophy Brown Trout, these “chopper day trips” offer the kind of beautiful water and environments that New Zealand has become world famous for.
Just about every size and type of river can be found within an hours’ drive from the hotel. There are a couple of large rivers in the area that offer an excellent mixed bag of long scenic runs broken up by deep productive pools. With gin clear water and stunning scenery.
For those who like smaller and more intimate rivers, the area has an excellent number of options.
The Reefton area has something for every passionate trout enthusiast. This is Dry Fly country and while nymphing is productively utilized, your guide will reach for a dry more often than not when a trout has been spotted. It is a true Mecca for trout lovers who enjoy site casting to their fish.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT
This part of New Zealand is strictly a walk and wade fishing environment. SUV’s will take anglers to the river or stream the guide has selected to fish that day. We use the services of local “chopper” companies in the Reefton and Hokitika that specialize in Heli-Fishing. The helicopter you’ll fly in will vary, based on the number of anglers/guide and the location you choose.
Hughes/MacDonald Douglas 500 – up to 4 passengers (including guide) + pilot
Eurocopter EC130/Squirrel – up to 6 passengers (including guide) + pilot
GETTING THERE
Reefton is located in the north west section of the south island, roughly a 3 hour drive from the northern gateway town of Nelson. The majority of flights coming in to New Zealand from the US and Canada arrive in Auckland, which is located on the north island. And fortunately, there are numerous flights per day to Nelson from Auckland and Wellington. Guests coming in from Auckland will have to fly to Wellington first and then on to Nelson, as there are no direct flights to Nelson from Auckland. Once you arrive at the airport in Nelson, we will have a comfortable air conditioned shuttle waiting to drive you down to Reefton.
If you are coming up to Reefton through Christchurch, it’s about a 4 hour drive and will have a shuttle service waiting to pick you up as soon as you clear customs to drive you directly to Reefton.
Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.
RATES FOR 2025
Double occupancy in the room and shared guide
$7,950 USD 7 nights with 6 days of guided fishing
Includes 3 helicopter fly outs
Single occupancy in the room and shared guide
$8,400 USD 7 nights with 6 days of guided fishing
Includes 3 helicopter fly outs
- CHC - New Zealand
- October - April
- Brown Trout
- 12 Rods per week guests
- Wifi: Yes
- Language: English
- Physicality: Low
- CC Payment at Facility : Yes
Reefton Heli trip – South Island
Tour Location
LOCATION
PRIMARY SPECIES
SEASON OF OPERATION
EARLY SEASON- November December
MID SEASON- December through March
LATE SEASON- April
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS
THE ACCOMMODATIONS
DESTINATION CAPACITY
Reefton Heli trip – South Island
Reefton Heli trip – South Island
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- Transfers to and from the Lodge on arrival and departure days
- 7 nights’ accommodation in downtown Reefton. Each angler has their own bedroom for the week.
- 6 days of guided fishing
- 3 helicopter fly outs during the week.
- Breakfast and Lunch each day.
- 15% New Zealand Government Goods and Service Tax (GST)
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE
- International and domestic airfare to and within New Zealand
- Dinners each day
- Alcohol
- Fishing gear (waders, boots, rods reels)
- Fishing License (about $20 USD per day or $125 USD for the whole season)
Please note that if you are coming in from Christchurch, that there is an additional $125 USD per person cost to cover the additional cost of the shuttle to Reefton.
U.S., Canadian and EU members must have a passport that is valid for 3 months beyond intended stay as well as tickets and documents for return or onward travel.
No Visa required for stays of up to three months