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check out the beautiful scenery and the excellant fishing in New Zealand The King Ranch, 25 KM from Nelson sits at the base of the Richmond Range and minutes from the Kahurangi National Park and is said to be at the heart of New Zealands trout fishing. Almost entirely sight fishing for German Browns and Rainbows average 4-6 pounds. If your pleasure is dry fly fishing, there isn't a better place in the world to go. These fish are untamed, big and powerful, and they love to eat dry flies.

The Troutsman is offering packages unique to others in that we have elimnated the high cost of lodging (let's face it.. You are here to fish!), yet maintain a comfortable stay. Guests will be staying at a local farm house surrounded by mountains, native forests, great rivers and a few million sheep.

There is ample opportunity to relax around an evening barbeque, relive the days fishing on video, walk the hills with a rifle or camera, or take a short drive to the city in search of a great meal or a bit of excitement. All the comforts of home are provided (telephone, fax, TV, computer, etc.) as well as an incredible amount of warm kiwi hospitality.

While in the wilderness, the main form of accomodation will be back country huts. These small comfortable shelters were originally provided by the New Zealand Forest Service as a means of shelter for government deer hunters and are today maintained by the Department of Conservation for the use of all back country adventures. Their close proximity to world class fishing allows the keen angler to be on the water early. They also provide a welcome haven from the ever present sand fly, and in bad weather are an absolute luxury.

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What's Needed


  • CLOTHING
    Being an island nation, the weather is unpredictable and sometimes extreme. With the trout fishing season running from November 1st to April 30th, there is a chance of anything from balmy days in the eighties to snow and heavy rain. Fishing is 95% wet wade in wilderness conditions. Normal attire consists of good hiking or high cut felt boots (recommended), full length polypro or capelene legging, knee high gaiters river shorts, long sleeve fishing shirt, hat and polarized glasses. Try to keep all clothing colors to a drab color shade as the fish are spooky.

  • EQUIPMENT
    5 and 6 weight rods are the norm and a good quality six will cover most situations. Keep lines of a natural color (gray or olive). Leaders of 12 to 15 feet terminating at 4X to 5X will fit the bill.

  • FLIES
    Royal Wulf #12, 14, 16; Adams/Adams Parachute #14, 16, 18; Elk Caddis #14, 16; Pheasant tail weighted/Bead Head #14, 16, 18; Hares Ear weighted and/or Bead Head #12, 14, 16, 18; Green and Brown Stone Fly weighted #10, 12, 14... Just to mention a few. What else will they take??

  • HEALTH CONDITIONS
    Although New Zealand has no poisonous creatures and no dangerous predators, it does have a couple of things to be wary of. One is that the New Zealand sun is very intense and can cause major sun burn in a very short time. Bring ample sun screen with a minimum SPF 15 rating. Also, sand flies are a real nuisance, so good tropical strength insect repellents area a must!

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The Deal
(all packages based on 8 days/6 days of fishing)


Crikey Creek Guide Service in association with The Troutsman, USA, offer the over seas angler fantastic New Zealand trout fishing without costing the earth. All excursions are operated by Crickey Creek Guiding in Nelson, New Zealand. Nick King and Pat Moore will be your hosts.

The agenda is simple... We are offering three packages to the angler as there are many ways to fish New Zealand. Whether your pleasure is to drive, float or take a helicopter to your destination, we have three very exciting ways to get you there.

  • Package #1

    For those anglers who want the day to day amenities of home (breakfast, dinner, telephone, etc.), there are rivers and creeks in a 30 minute to 2 hour driving radius with world class fly fishing for trout averageing 4 to 6 lbs. and many in the double digit range. This package also gives the angler a very scenic drive by look at the New Zealand landscape. Includes: Guide, food and lodging, license and New Zealand ground transport. $2250.00 US.

  • Package #2

    For those who want to rough it a bit and get away from it all this is the one for you. It involves a helicopter flight into the bush with an overnight stay at one of the Department of Conservation huts and two days fishing, or a float option for two days if one does not want to fly in. The float trip is on one of New Zealands finest wilderness trout rivers (water level and weather permitting). Plus local fishing for two days. Includes: The same as package #1 plus helicopter. $2995.00 US.

  • Package #3

    2 flights into the bush by helicopter. Each flight involving 2 days so as to maximize your time on the water and two days fishing local waters. This has been a very popular package for us. There is nothing quite like a chopper coming to pick you up to go fishing or hearing him coming to pick you up at the end of the day after a great day on the river. Includes: The same as package #1 and #2 plus one extra flight into the bush. $3995.00 US.


Custom packages can be arranged for daily flights upon request.

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After The Deal
New Zealand Eco Tourism


For those travelers coming to visit with us who are not fishing but would like to see New Zealand away from the trout stream, this is for you. The Eco Tourism here is trememdous with towering snow capped peaks in our forest parks to whale watching on the east coast. Inside of a one hour driving radius, we have three national parks that boast some of the most beautiful landscape in the world as well as golden sandy beaches within minutes of our lodge.

Close to us are many scenic nature walks. For you nature lovers this is an excellant place to experience New Zealand's flora and fauna. It is a truly amazing place and a must do on your list. White water rafting is also big here in the Nelson Region. These trips are very exciting and the scenery is breath taking.

If you are a city person, Nelson and Richmond, the two main cities in the Tasman sea board, are only a half hours drive. Both have shopping and wonderful restaurants, but they are also a good place to experience some good kiwi culture.

We could go on and on about the Eco Tourism here in New Zealand. If you have more questions about this we would be happy to help you in any way we can. We have very knowledgable guides to make your time with us more enjoyable.

These are all popular activities while ones partner or partners are fishing with us. Everybody always has a different story and a laugh at the end of the day, with drinking and eating at the tea table.