Half-Day Fishing Charter on Lake Wānaka: Trout & Salmon

Fish the Southern Alps backdrop while cruising Lake Wānaka's remote bays and drop-offs.

A 3-hour guided fishing charter on Lake Wānaka puts you on the water with a local guide targeting Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Quinnat Salmon using trolling and spinning techniques. The boat departs Wānaka Marina and moves to wherever the fish are most active that day, passing the lake's islands and mountain views en route. Equipment, snacks, coffee and tea are included. A fishing licence can be purchased on site.

The experience

The charter starts at Wānaka Marina and heads across the lake toward the day's fishing grounds, which shift based on where the fish are biting. Along the way, your guide offers commentary on the region's history, flora and fauna while you take in views of the Southern Alps and the lake's untouched shorelines and islands. The boat stops at drop-offs, rocky shorelines and deep contours where Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Quinnat Salmon hold, and you'll fish using trolling, spinning, or whatever technique works best on the day.

Conditions permitting, the charter may include a stop at a remote beach or bay for shore-based spin casting, and a swim on warm days. The experience suits anglers and non-anglers alike (part fishing adventure, part scenic guided cruise), and stays compact enough to leave the rest of your day open. All equipment is provided, along with snacks, coffee and tea.

What’s included

• Fishing equipment.
• snacks.
• coffee and/or tea.
• local guide commentary on the region's history, flora and fauna.
• access to remote bays and fishing grounds selected by your guide based on daily conditions.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteNZ$ 38

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Reel South Charters

Is this one for you?The three-hour window leaves your morning or afternoon open for other Wānaka activities, so book this if you want to fish without sacrificing the rest of your day. Non-anglers travel free and enjoy the scenic cruise and mountain views while others fish.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What fish can I catch on Lake Wānaka?

Lake Wānaka holds Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Quinnat Salmon. Your guide fishes the drop-offs, rocky shorelines and deep contours where these species are most active on the day you go out.

How does the guide decide where to fish?

The charter is not a fixed route. The boat goes where the fish are biting on the day. Your guide reads the water and adjusts location and technique to match the conditions and what's feeding.

Can I fish if I've never done it before?

Yes. The charter welcomes anglers of all skill levels, and your local guide will show you how to use the equipment and techniques like trolling and spinning.

What's included in the price?

The charter includes all fishing equipment, snacks, and coffee or tea. A fishing licence can be purchased on site when you arrive.

Is there time to do something else on the day I book this?

The charter runs three hours, leaving you the morning or afternoon free depending on your departure time. It's sized to fit alongside other activities in Wānaka.