Backcountry Helicopter Fly Fishing New Zealand
Experience some of New Zealand's best wilderness fly fishing with Ollie Bassett, the current three-time overall New Zealand National Fly Fishing Champion (2024, 2025 & 2026). Based around Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty region, Ollie is a full time professional fly fishing guide offering wilderness helicopter accessed fly fishing adventures for large wild rainbow and brown trout in beautiful remote surroundings. Sight fishing for large trout in truly wild and crystal clear backcountry rivers is unique to New Zealand, and an incredible fly fishing experience.
Helicopter Fly Fishing Trips
Helicopters offer a fantastic way to access remote and seldom fished rivers in the rugged wilderness of New Zealand's North Island backcountry, and save hours or days of walking, maximising time spent on the water. Backcountry fly fishing is a true once in a lifetime experience, walking up river spotting large trout in clear water and then making a plan to catch them with dry fly or nymphs.
Ollie is a member of the New Zealand Professional Fly Fishing Guides Association, and holds a concession to legally operate on backcountry Department of Conservation land. Safety in these remote environments is of the utmost importance, and Ollie is trained in comprehensive first aid, carries a full first aid kit and a personal locator beacon at all times. Ollie flies only with experienced pilots, utilising Hughes 500E helicopters, which are reliable and frequently used in the remote New Zealand backcountry.
Helicopter Fly Fishing Trip Options
Each trip is fully customised based on your goals, experience level, time of year and the number of days you have available.
Full day trips begin with pickup from your accommodation in the morning, before a drive to the hanger to meet the helicopter pilot. Flight times vary depending on the river, but typically range from 15 - 30 minutes, and are highly scenic, offering unparalleled views of rugged New Zealand mountains and native bush. After a full day of backcountry fly fishing, we will be picked up in the helicopter, before a flight and drive back to civilisation.
Multi day campout trips are another exciting option for a true wilderness experience, staying in New Zealand backcountry huts or camping near the river. All equipment can be provided.
Helicopter flight pricing
Return (drop off and pickup) helicopter flight prices and landing fees start from $2700 NZD (for one or two anglers), and vary depending on the river and helicopter base. Guide fees are not included in the flight price
What's included in a guided fly fishing trip?
Use of high quality waders, boots, rods, reels and other fly fishing equipment is included in all guided trips. Picnic lunch and refreshments are provided on full day trips. Camping equipment can be provided for overnight trips
Do I need fly fishing experience for backcountry trips?
Backcountry fly fishing trips are best suited to fly anglers of intermediate to advanced skill levels due to the clear water and large clever trout
What should I bring on a guided trip?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and any personal items you may need during the day. Weather conditions can change quickly, so dressing in layers and bringing a rain jacket is advised.
Do I need a fishing license?
To fly fish in the Bay of Plenty you will need a Fish and Game New Zealand license. These are not included with the booking, and can be purchased separately through the Fish and Game New Zealand website, with non resident day licenses currently costing $38 NZD.
How many anglers can you guide on a trip?
Guided fly fishing trips are limited to two anglers at once due to logistics and health and safety reasons. For larger groups, please contact Ollie to make a custom plan.
Which areas do you run helicopter backcountry trips from?
Ollie Bassett runs helicopter fly in backcountry trips with pick up from Rotorua, Tauranga or Ōpōtiki, or from Turangi (as part of multi day bookings only).
Is it possible to do hike in trips?
Yes. Ollie Bassett offers multi day/overnight hike in guided backcountry fly fishing trips. These are suitable only for anglers with a high level of fitness and mobility, and able to walk more than 10 miles/16km per day on rough terrain
