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 2024

Double occupancy in the room and shared guide

$7,750 USD 7 nights with 6 days of guided fishing

Includes 3 helicopter fly outs

Single occupancy in the room and shared guide

$8,200 USD 7 nights with 6 days of guided fishing

Includes 3 helicopter fly outs