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Our fishing trips on Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea are available as private group charters or shared trips with other anglers. This gives you the freedom to book the experience that suits your style and budget. Perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike, our guided trips include local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to productive fishing areas—so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
$685
Per Adult
A full day fishing Lake Wānaka is the ultimate Reel South adventure. With six hours dedicated to targeting fish, we maximise time on the water — reaching prime fishing grounds just 15–30 minutes from the marina. From there, it’s all about working the lake’s most productive zones.
We fish the deep open basins where salmon cruise, troll precise contours with downriggers, and target structure around island drop-offs and rocky shorelines where trout feed aggressively. With more time comes more opportunity — switching between trolling, spinning, and jigging to match conditions and stay on active fish.
Lake Wānaka’s 192km² of clear alpine water offers diverse habitat, and a full day allows us to cover ground, adapt tactics, and focus on quality fish. Whether it’s working depth lines for big Quinnat or casting tight to structure for trophy trout, this trip is designed for serious freshwater anglers who want the full Southern Alps experience.
Lunch is served on board, so there’s no need to head back — just more time fishing.
Target species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout & Quinnat Salmon (Jan–Apr).
Price & Duration
$685 per person
9am departure
6 hours
Children (3–12 yrs): $615 · Under 3: Free
DETAILS
Vessel
We fish and cruise aboard a McLay 651 Custom Hardtop; a purpose-built charter vessel designed for exactly this kind of water. She's comfortable, capable, and built for the Southern Lakes.
departure point
Wanaka Marina,
Lakeside Road,
Wānaka,
9305
Requirements
Fishing licence required — available to purchase at time of booking
Capacity
We Provide
We can cater for most dietary requirements — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free — with advance notice, but we're not able to tailor meals to personal preferences. If you have a severe or life-threatening allergy, please get in touch before booking, or bring your own food to be safe.
Please bring
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From the moment you leave the marina to your final cast or sunset return, every detail is designed to leave you with stories worth sharing.
Target species
Brown Trout
Year-round
Rainbow Trout
Year-round
Quinnat Salmon
Jan–Apr (Wānaka)
Fishing methods we use
Trolling — covering water to find active fish
Downrigging — targeting depth for salmon & large trout
Spinning — casting lures near structure and river mouths
Jigging — vertical technique on rocky drop-offs
Frequently asked questions
Do I need fishing experience?
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None at all. We love teaching first-timers and are patient with all skill levels. If you've never held a rod before, you're in good hands.
Is fishing guaranteed?
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We can't guarantee a catch — that's fishing. But local knowledge of these lakes puts you in the best possible spots, and we work hard to give every guest a real chance.
What fish can we catch?
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Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout are available year-round on both lakes. Quinnat Salmon join the mix between January and April.
What techniques do you use?
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Trolling, downrigging, spinning, and jigging depending on conditions, species, and time of year. On a full day we'll usually use a mix of methods.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
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Yes — within New Zealand bag limits. We'll clean and fillet your catch at the end of the trip so it's ready to take away.
Do I need a fishing licence?
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Yes — a valid NZ fishing licence is required for every guest who intends to use a rod. NZ residents need a standard licence; international visitors must purchase a non-resident licence. Both available at fishandgame.org.nz. We strongly recommend purchasing in advance.
What's the best time of year to fish?
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Autumn (March to May) is often the most productive overall. For Quinnat Salmon, January to mid-April is peak season. Trout fishing is good year-round on both lakes.
Is gear provided?
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Yes — all rods, reels, tackle, and lures are included. Just bring yourself, a valid fishing licence, and layers.
What if I have a life-threatening food allergy?
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Please bring your own food if you have a life-threatening allergy. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free diets, but our food is prepared in a kitchen that handles all major allergens, so we can't guarantee anything is completely allergen-free. We're also out on the water for the day, often well away from shore — if a severe reaction happened mid-charter, it could take considerably longer to reach help than the relief an EpiPen provides. To stay safe, please pack your own food if this applies to you.
Where do I meet for my trip?
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All Wānaka trips depart from Wānaka Marina, Lakeside Road, Wānaka. Full meeting details are confirmed when you book.
Is there cell phone coverage out on the lake?
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Yes, in most places — coverage across both lakes is generally solid, though it can get patchy for some networks in certain spots. Honestly, that's not always a bad thing. Putting the phone away and taking in the scenery is part of the appeal.
Where can I park?
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Parking is available throughout Wānaka township, but isn't guaranteed directly at the marina — please choose a park with enough time allowance to comfortably cover the length of your trip.
Is there a toilet on board?
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There's no toilet on the vessel, so please use the facilities at the marina (or around town) before you depart.
What's the best way to get to you from Queenstown?
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It's about an hour from Queenstown via the Crown Range Road — the shorter, more scenic route, though it can close in snow or ice over winter — or around 1 hour 15–30 minutes via the Gorge Road through Cromwell, which stays open year-round. Either way, allow enough time to find parking and reach the marina before your trip.
What if I don't have a car?
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Wānaka Marina is a short walk from most accommodation and locations in town, or you can take a taxi to the marina car park.
What's your cancellation policy?
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If you need to cancel or reschedule, we ask for at least 24 hours' notice — we're not able to offer a refund for cancellations within 24 hours of departure. If we need to cancel due to weather or safety concerns, we'll be in touch to offer a full reschedule or refund.
Is there a minimum number of guests?
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Yes — shared trips need a minimum of 2 guests to run. If you're travelling solo, you're welcome to purchase two seats to secure your spot. If the minimum isn't met, we'll cancel the trip and offer you the choice of rescheduling to another date or a full refund. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Can I Bring a Drone?
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No — drones aren't permitted on our charters. Queenstown Lakes District Council requires a permit for drone use, and we operate within active helicopter flight paths out on the lake, so it's not something we're able to accommodate.
Do I Need to Sign a Waiver?
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There's no separate waiver to sign in person. Our terms and conditions are viewable at checkout, and booking a trip with us means you're accepting those terms at that time.
Will My Travel Insurance Cover This?
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Most standard travel insurance policies cover recreational boat tours and fishing charters, but coverage varies by provider and policy. If you're unsure, it's worth a quick check with your insurer before you travel.
