Edge of Fiordland Float Trips
There’s something for everyone on an S² Float.
We are one of the few operators in New Zealand that offers float fishing trips using drift boats. Our floats are run on tranquil, low gradient sections of river or lakes. We run single day floats or multi-day trips using leave no trace campsites beside the river.
Good Fishing
Floating allows us to access more remote parts of the river that inherently receive less fishing pressure. Fish size and density vary seasonally and geographically; as a general rule, small to medium size Rainbow Trout dominate by numbers however larger Brown Trout dominate by size. The abundance of Rainbows make our floats a great option for beginner anglers wanting to learn about the nuances of fly fishing. For the astute angler who can nail accurate casts, the chance of a trophy brown is always possible.
Good Food
We take a lot of pride in the food we provide to clients, whether it’s a lunchtime spread on a day float or an evening culinary delight served at camp on an overnight trip.
We like to focus on local ingredients for our catering and happily accommodate all dietary restrictions and preferences.
Good Fun
Although fishing is our passion and plays a primary role in our floats, it is only one part of the equation that precipitates in a fun day on the water. S² floats are all about experiencing the water at a leisurely pace, so you can soak up the scenery, good company and hopefully there’s no shortage of laughs and smiles along the way. Using fishing as the excuse to be out there making fun memories is what our float trips are really all about.
Day Float Trips
Starting at NZ$1,500 for 2 clients
Single angler rate NZ$1,300
Our day floats typically cover 5-10kms of low gradient river. It is usually an early start and late finish when including travel time from the main towns in our region. The floats are a minimum 8 hours on the water and include a riverside lunch. We employ a mix of fishing from the boat while drifting, fishing from the boat while parked (or at anchor), along with disembarking from the boat to fish from the bank. We have several lakes and still water locations we can fish using drift boats in addition to the Waiau River. The floats are well suited to fly fishing, spin fishing, spey fishing and Czech nymphing. They are also a great option for older anglers or clients with physical limitations that find New Zealand’s traditional walk-wade fishing prohibitive.
Rental waders and boots $50/person/day
Rental fly rod and reel $50/person/day
Overnight Float Trips
The Minimalist – Starting at NZ$3200 for 2 days / 1 night 2 clients
Single angler rate - $2850 for 2 days / 1 night
Minimalist trips are great for a single angler or two clients that are comfortable with very basic camping conditions and simple meals. There are strict weight restrictions for the gear and passengers, especially when there are two clients. Everyone needs to pitch in and help with camp set up and break down. Clients need to share a tent on the Minimalist trip. We can run these trips a little higher end if we only have a single angler, as this frees up weight and space in the stern of the boat for additional gear and supplies.
The Glamper – Starting at NZ$3,800 for 2 days / 1 night (1-2 clients)
Deluxe glamping trips utilise a gear boat in addition to the fishing boat. The gear boat floats downstream ahead of the fishing boat to set up camp and prepare the evening meals. This gives the fishing boat more time to fish and enjoy the river. We roll into an established camp greeted by the camp manager with appetisers ready to go. The gear boat carries all the camping gear and supplies, so we can take a lot more comforts and do the trip in style. Client’s get their own individual tents and camp cots on the Glamper trip. This is the best way to experience the river and get the most out of the trip.
Longer multi-day trips priced upon request. Our overnight floats are all inclusive*
*Includes all meals during the float trip, fishing tackle, dry bags, guiding/hosting, vehicle shuttles, waders/boots, camping equipment, New Zealand Goods and Services Tax, Dept Conservation Activity Fees, and safety equipment. Excludes your NZ fishing license and alcoholic beverages.
Pre and Post Trip Farmstays
NZ$325per person / night for two guests (each getting their own private room)
NZ$500 per night for a single guest
Add a night at the S² farmstay to the start and/or end of your float trip. You will have a private room, appetisers, evening meal and breakfast. Farmstays also include access across the station to 9kms of the Waiau River, in case clients wish to fish the evening rise after dinner.
Due to our remote location, many of our clients choose to stay at the S² farmstay before and/or after their float trip experience.
