West Coast freshwater fishing

One of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, the TranzAlpine weaves its way to the West Coast through alpine passes, across rushing rivers with stunning valley views.

Disembark at Greymouth and pick up your rental car, or book a guided fishing tour at Greymouth i-site. Make your way to Moana, the small settlement on the shores of Lake Brunner, a brown trout mecca and lovely lakeside spot to spend a couple of days.

Journey on to the small village of Ross, where New Zealand’s largest gold nugget was found in 1909, weighing in at a huge 3.1 kg. You can try your luck gold panning at Ross Goldfields Information Centre, but you’re more likely to pull something heavy out the water further south at forest-lined Lake Ianthe, home to brown trout and Chinook salmon. Stay at the Department of Conservation campsite by the water's edge.

Local tip: consider fishing from a boat as the lake’s shallow margins and dense treeline make shoreline casting challenging.

https://www.wildernesslodge.co.nz/new-zealand/lake-moeraki-wilderness-lodge/Magical Lake Moeraki is at the heart of the remote and vast wilderness known as Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. When you’re not fishing for Chinook salmon, rainbow or brown trout in the rainforest-lined lake, you can spot some of the world’s rarest species on the nearby deserted beaches, including yellow-eyed penguins and Hector’s dolphins.

Anglers will appreciate the proximity of Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, a luxury eco-destination tucked between the lake and rugged coastline.

Explore on foot or jet boat back in time into prehistoric-looking landscapes with Waiatoto River Safari orHaast River Safari.