New Zealand: 100 Days in Paradise

New Zealand has so much to offer – and not just for us fly fishermen. The beautiful country south-east of Australia is the perfect place to spend valuable time vacationing with loved ones. Or even better: Why not combine family time and time spent on the water, fly fishing?

By: FLORIAN KAISER Photography by: INES AND FLORIAN KAISER

Seize the opportunities that your fly fishing life offers you! I’ve followed that maxim for years, and – along the way – I’ve been lucky enough to realize an extraordinary fly fishing trip here and there – some of which, certain people might even call “the trip of a lifetime”.

A few of my adventures have lasted for several months, and I’ve gotten them under my belt at least a decade before the terms “trout bum” and “blog” were even coined. The first of those involved five month of fly fishing and mountain biking in the western part of USA back in 1995.

Over the years, life has changed dramatically, as have politics and overall focus. Fly fishing, however, is still on top of the list. I am lucky, because my partner and, nowadays also wife, was bitten by the fly fishing bug two decades ago just weeks after we met at University in Sweden, where I signed up for an M.Sc. and - you might have guessed it: for some local fly fishing. Fast forward to 2012: Our first child was on the way and we started to think about a parental leave destination that would be fun for all three of us. In Germany, you are allowed to say ‘farewell’ to your job for up to three years with every child you have.

Please don’t get me wrong: The following is definitely not about luring you into travelling to crowded New Zealand rivers. (It might already be too far up on your bucket list, to begin with). It is rather about exploring opportunities, following your dreams, being willing to accept certain limitations and overcome hurdles. Also, it’s about a young family collecting memorable impressions and lasting moments – together.

Preparations are essential: It’s all about getting your hands on every bit of information concerning the destination and – of course - the fishery, listing some special PoDs (Points of Desire, such as that secret remote river with its trophy trout). Drawing up a rough plan will aid in not getting lost. But most of the fun resides in simply wandering around and seeing where the “big blue” leads you.

Nevertheless, what is needed in most cases - and this is what I refer to as ‘limitations’ – is the ability and willingness to scrape together the necessary funds during the months (or years) before the trip. Especially if you’re not willing to live on a super low budget while traveling.

At the same time, you’ll most likely have no income while you’re away and there are certain unavoidable running expenses. At this point in your dream (or actualization) process, you are well aware that it will set you back in the five-digit-Eurorange and that it might be a sidestep in your career. But, honestly: it will not deter you. The gains are much bigger than the combined losses.

Canada and Scandinavia are also ideal examples where river access is fairly easy and traveling with a young family is feasible and convenient. Furthermore, South America might be added by those with prior experience.

For sure, New Zealand is THE dream destination for many fly fishermen. Success, however, isn’t necessarily granted. You have to be flexible - change plans often, and in strategically poignant ways.

Especially with the weather patterns, frequent storms and heavy rain that can be typical for a South Island New Zealand “summer”.

We did our homework! And having fished New Zealand for a total of 10 full weeks in the past, we took certain precautionary steps.

We fished with several guides (Bruce, Mike and Scotty), I got to the point where I could probably recite every single line of John Kent’s local river bible, we studied maps, we refamiliarized ourselves with long leaders, and I honed my fish-spotting skills. All in all, we were perfectly prepared for another “trip of a lifetime” - or as some trout bums would say; “living the dream.”

When you set course for such a long trip with your partner or family, your fishing priorities need to be made clear in advance. The joys of travelling were the main thing on our agenda, and we were flexible when it came to adding another day to a regional visit - or to simply move on. Obviously, fishing, oftentimes, became “highly important”, particularly to me. Yet, equally as often, simply enjoying the “here and now” was at the top of our list. Sometimes, the fishing was outstanding. Sometimes, the place was outstanding.

The memorable moments and stark impressions a family adds to their common memories are of such high value.

And at times, we spent several days in one spot. Our plan was to camp most of the time. However, during the last half of our trip, we found the amenities of a fixed roof (holiday home) to have a special appeal. Good food and excellent wine were essential ingredients during the whole time.

The memorable moments and stark impressions a family adds to their common memories are of such high value. There will obviously be different perspectives on these experiences, but all of the participants are keenly aware of the individual stories they’ve gained along the way. Our son Tobias, for instance, took his first steps in Napier on the North Island and did his practice runs in a winery the day after.

After approximately six weeks of traveling, something happens to you. You get used to that daily routine: Traveling around and fishing becomes your task, your occupation. This state of consciousness - knowing that you are just there to enjoy and fish, is special. Experiencing such a thing is a true gift and privilege.

And now a few pieces of general fly fishing and traveling advice, which also apply – and perhaps especially, to New Zealand. follow the local rules and etiquettes! Do not overuse the resources: Treat the natural resources carefully and gently, do not stay at any given site for more than three days, fish barbless, practice C&R, talk to other fellow fly fishers in the area and coordinate plans. Compensate for the carbon footprint you leave behind when flying around the globe. Don’t be a fool!

Now, be courageous and follow your dreams! Even if it’s just for four or five weeks in Scandinavia. Start dreaming and planning right away! Those rare escapes from everyday life will open new precious horizons and whisper sacredly to your fly fisher’s heart. Follow the river and your dreams all the way to paradise - wherever that may be.

For a much more detailed travelogue concerning the abovementioned trip (and other trips), check out:

http://theflyfishingfamily.blogspot.com