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FISHING IN HAAST

From Alpine Rivers to Open Ocean

Haast is one of the few places where you can fish alpine rivers in the morning and chase bluefin tuna offshore in the afternoon.

From fly fishing wild trout in remote backcountry streams, to whitebaiting in classic West Coast rivers, diving for cray and pāua, spear fishing, shore casting, or heading wide for tuna, bluenose, groper, and blue cod — it’s all here.

Sheltered bays, rocky cliffs, river mouths, and the open Tasman Sea offer endless possibilities. Guided or self-paced, from a day trip to multi-day expeditions, Haast is your ultimate fishing playground.

Anything is possible here — we’ll make it happen.

Whitebait West Coast Haast

Fully Guided. Fully Inclusive.

We supply everything:

  • Whitebait nets & stands

  • Waders & all fishing gear

  • Local knowledge & hands-on guidance

  • All meals and drinks

  • Accommodation in a shared twin/double room

You don’t just watch — you learn.
From setting the net correctly, understanding tides and flow, to cleaning the catch and cooking proper West Coast whitebait fritters the way they should be.

Fresh whitebait. Straight from river to pan.

Sit down with a cold drink and eat what you just caught — it doesn’t get more authentic than that.

And if the river delivers, you’ll take some whitebait home.

Packages & Pricing

(Per person, shared twin or double room)

Day Trip – $450
Guided whitebaiting, all gear, lunch & drinks included.

1 Day / 1 Night – $700

Whitebait season is short. The river decides the rest.

If you’re coming to Haast — don’t miss it.

 

Book your Whitebait Package now.

WHITEBAIT SEASON IN HAAST

A true West Coast Experience

If you’re in Haast during whitebait season, this is a MUST DO.

 

There’s something special about whitebait season on the West Coast.

Early mornings by the river. Mist lifting off the water. Nets set just right. Watching the tide and reading the flow. It’s slow, simple, and quietly addictive.

Our Whitebait Package in Haast is fully guided and fully inclusive. We supply all the gear — nets, waders, rods, local knowledge — and guide you through every step. From setting the stand to lifting the net, cleaning the catch, and cooking proper West Coast whitebait fritters the way they should be.

You’ll learn the technique, the timing, and the rhythm of the river.

Fresh fritters cooked that day. A cold drink in hand. Good company around the table.

And yes — if the river delivers, you’ll take some whitebait home.

Simple accommodation in a shared house (twin or double rooms, shared bathroom). Good food. Local hosts. Real West Coast hospitality.

Fly Fishing Haast

What’s Included

  • Helicopter access into remote backcountry

  • Professional local fly fishing guide

  • Quality fly fishing gear (or bring your own)

  • Backcountry camping setup

  • All meals and drinks

  • Safety equipment and communication devices

Packrafts available as an add-on option.

Packages & Pricing

(Per person, minimum numbers apply)

1 Day Heli Fly Fishing – $1,250


Heli access, full guided fishing day, meals & gear included.

2 Days / 1 Night Expedition – $2,200
Heli drop-off, overnight camp, two guided fishing days, all meals included.

3 Days / 2 Nights Expedition – $3,000
Extended access to multiple river sections, camp setup, all meals and guiding included.

Additional Night – $600

Packraft option – $250 per person

What are you waiting for?

ALPINE FLY FISHING EXPEDITION

Helicopter Access. Wild Rivers. Untouched Trout Water.

This is not roadside fishing.

This is lifting off from Haast in a helicopter, flying deep into remote West Coast backcountry, and landing beside a river that few people will ever see — let alone fish.

Snow-fed headwaters. Braided alpine systems. Gin-clear pools cutting through native bush and open valley flats.

We set up a comfortable backcountry camp close to the river. From there, your fly fishing mission begins.

Remote Access. Real Adventure.

The helicopter gives us reach — but once we’re dropped, it’s all about reading the water and moving quietly through big country.

We target wild brown and rainbow trout in untouched systems where fish are strong, wary, and worth the effort.

You’ll learn:

  • How to read alpine water properly

  • Spotting fish in clear current

  • Fly selection for West Coast conditions

  • Presentation and drift control

  • Moving safely and efficiently in remote terrain

This is technical, rewarding fishing. Every cast matters.

And when a big backcountry trout rises to your fly in complete silence — it’s something you don’t forget.

Optional: Packraft & Fish the River

For those wanting to take it further, we can bring packrafts.

Float sections of the river. Fish from the raft. Pull over and stalk promising water. Access side braids and deeper pools that foot travel alone can’t reach.

It turns a great fishing trip into a full expedition.

Bluefin Fishing Haast

What’s Included

  • Experienced local skipper

  • Fully equipped offshore vessel

  • All fishing gear and tackle

  • Safety equipment

  • Fish filleting and preparation

  • Drinks on board

Cray pots and dive add-ons available depending on conditions.

Packages & Pricing

(Per person, minimum numbers apply)

Full Day Offshore Charter – $850
Target species of your choice. All gear and drinks included.

Two Day Offshore Package – $1,600
Two full days on the water. Flexible targeting based on conditions.

Half Day Coastal / Blue Cod Trip – $550

Cray pot add-on – Included when conditions allow
Dive for cray/pāua add-on – $200 per person

Private boat charter pricing available on request.

You ready?

BLUEWATER OFFSHORE ADVENTURE

Big Fish. Wild Coast. No Limits.

Out of Haast, the ocean isn’t a backdrop — it’s the main event.

Once we clear the river mouth and push into the Tasman, it’s game time. Bluefin tuna smashing bait schools, deep drops for bluenose and groper over rugged structure, or working closer reefs for blue cod — you tell us what you want to chase and we’ll shape the day around it. The fishing off Haast is raw, productive, and seriously underrated.

Maybe you want to feel that first bluefin peel line off the reel. Heavy drag. Arms burning. Proper fight. Or maybe it’s about loading the bin with quality table fish and bringing home fillets that don’t see a supermarket. Either way, you’re in good hands. Our skipper knows these waters, the tides, the temperature breaks, and where fish hold when conditions shift.

On the way out we can drop cray pots and haul them later, or pull in for a quick dive on a reef we trust. Fresh crayfish or pāua straight from the ocean to the deck. From tuna steaks to blue cod fillets and cray on the side — your menu starts here.

Cold beers in the chilly bin. Lines in. Eyes on the sounder. When the bite turns on, it’s chaos in the best way.

And the best part? You don’t have to stop at one day. Stay the night in Haast and head back out again. Different ground. Different species. Same wild coastline. No rush. No limits.

This is West Coast offshore fishing done properly.

If you’re ready to chase it — we’ll make it happen.

Into The West Logo

We acknowledge the mana whenua of Aotearoa New Zealand and honour Māori as the Traditional Custodians of this land and its waters. We pay respect to tīpuna and elders past and present, and recognise the enduring connection to whenua, moana, and sky. We commit to treading lightly and moving with respect on this land.

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