Owing to its position adjacent to the Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown has an alpine climate. Winters are cool with nighttime temperatures approaching freezing. Summers can be hot and dry. Fishing is popular no matter the month, with guided trips always available, although expeditions to remote locations may be hampered by inclement weather occasionally. Queenstown is a popular vacation spot for tourists from around the world; you may want to book any fishing tours well ahead of your visit.
Flights to the Queenstown Airport from major cities in Australia and New Zealand are readily available. Both Qantas and Air New Zealand have frequent direct service from several locations in Oceania. Bus service is available to the town from other South Island cities such as Dunedin and Christchurch. Once there, guided fishing tours will provide you with transportation (often by boat) to angling locations. The distance to these destinations vary, with some fishing done in adjacent Lake Wakatipu and other expeditions traveling further to local rivers and streams.
According to Destination Queenstown, the regional tourism organization, a variety of fishing-related businesses operate year-round, with a multitude of options for angling. Spinning, jigging and trolling are all available methods, while fly fishing is particularly popular among enthusiasts. Those with extensive experience fishing may want to utilize a professional tour guide for small-group or individual expeditions to remote locations such as the Shotover and Arrow rivers. Novices may be interested in larger group voyages on Lake Wakatipu. The degree of instruction and duration of fishing for these trips largely depend on cost and experience level, with outings ranging from a few hours to several days.
New Zealand boasts an abundance of nature and the waters surrounding Queenstown are no exception. Chinook salmon, prized for their rarity and flavor, were introduced to local waters in the early 1900s and are plentiful. Trout, both brown and rainbow, flourish in the area rivers and lakes. Most anglers prefer to keep their catch, with some tours offering the option of cooking the fish on-site. Another alternative is taking your caught fish to a local restaurant in town, as many establishments will cook it for a small fee.
How much you spend on fishing in Queenstown largely depends on the duration and nature of the expedition you plan on taking. According to Fish and Game New Zealand, licenses are required for anyone (including children) who wish to fish in local waters. Usually, the guide or touring company you hire will take care of this procedure for you, including the cost in its price. Tour operators also generally offer equipment (such as boots, rods and reels) and this is included in the cost. As of 2010, costs for fishing outings in Queenstown ranged from around NZ$100 for two-hour tours to upwards of NZ$1000 per day for remote outings.
