New Zealand 2023 Hosted Trip with David Arcay, Smart Angling and Altit

Before placing an order, please send us an e-mail at smartanglingcanada@gmail.com to confirm availability and register.

At the present moment, we have only 2 spots left.

HOSTED TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND’s NORTH ISLAND WITH DAVID ARCAY, JOHNNY GUMMER (ALTITUDE FLYFISHING) AND SMART ANGLING

Dates: February 12-20, 2023

Program

February 12, 2022: arrival in Taupo, pick up at the airport and transfer to accommodation; get groceries; rest.

February 13, 2020, FISHING DAY 1 river fishing day trip (includes lunch,snacks & beverages)

February 14, 2020, FISHING DAY 2: river fishing day trip (includes lunch,snacks & beverages)

February 15, 2020, FISHING DAY 3: river fishing day trip (includes lunch,snacks & beverages)

February 16-17, 2020, FISHING DAYS 4&5: river fishing overnight trip (Rafts, Guides & overnight campout gear, lunch and dinner inc.)

February 18, 2020, FISHING DAY 6: Lake bank fishing (includes lunch,snacks & beverages); return to main accommodation at end of day

February 19, 2020, FISHING DAY 7: river fishing day trip (includes lunch, snacks and beverages)

February 20: depart home

The Fishing

The fishing in New Zealand is nothing short of the very best in the world. The rainbows and browns are all wild and probably the strongest trout on the globe. Unlike South Island where the fish are spread out, on NZ’s North island rivers trout are both plentiful and big. We will be fishing a selection of amazing rivers and one lake that will give us opportunities for nymphing, dry fly, streamers, wet flies, including sight fishing for trophy fish.

Our host Johnny Gummer, one of NZ’s best guides, will help us adjust the program on the spot if needed so we can get the most out of the conditions every day.

Hosts

David Arcay needs no introduction: a four-time world champion, he is one of the world's top rods and one of the most forward-minded and innovative anglers. In March 2020 we fished together in NZ (he coached Canada’s team) and I can attest that his techniques work as good in NZ as anywhere else. A week of fishing with him on some of the best venues in the world is one of a kind experience.

Johnny Gummer is one of New Zealand’s very best guides and an accomplished instructor and competition angler. His in-depth knowledge of the local rivers and lakes will help the group get the most of the experience. Johnny is taking care of all logistics on the ground in NZ. With him on board we will be able to adjust the program on the spot if needed so we can get the most out of the conditions every day. He will also take care of the group’s on-the-stream lunches during the fishing days.

Smart Angling: Ciprian and I will be around as well, helping with anything we can and sharing the experience with you.

Hosted v/s guided fishing

This is a hosted (not guided) trip: your hosts will be driving you to and from the venues, fishing with you, sharing tips and advice but not guiding every step and cast you make. The hosts will be staying with you in the same accommodation sharing meals, fly tying nights and tall stories about the day’s fishing.

Days 4&5 at the famous Rangitikei river will be a fully-guided experience with extra local guides who will drift the group down the river on rafts and take care of the meals and camping

Price, Reservations and Cancellation Policy

We have worked very hard to offer the best possible price for the trip.

$ 5,950 CAD per person (apr $ 4,600 USD)

Included in the price:

Information and advice on trip preparation: gear, flies, etc.
Airport pick-up in Taupo and transfer to/from accommodation;
Accommodation: February 12-20 (incl.); we will be sharing an entire lodge in Turangi booked just for us with serviced rooms, a shared living room, porch, backyard, full kitchen and dining room and even a designated wader drying space. Strategically picked to minimize driving time to most rivers and easy walk to Turangi restaurants, groceries and local fly shops.
Transportation to and from fishing venues, each day;
On-stream lunches: Feb 13-19:
Lunch and dinner for Rangitikei day 1 and all meals: Rangitikei day 2;
Guides, rafts and all camping gear: Rangitikei overnight trip;
Hosted fishing with David Arcay, Johnny Gummer and Smart Angling.

Not included:

Airfare from your home to Taupo (airport code TUO);
Fishing licences (estimated $ 300 CAD/person);
All meals on Feb 12 and 20; Breakfasts and dinners on Feb 13, 14, 15, 18 and 19. You can join the group for joint groceries and share the cooking chores, or get your own meals at a local restaurant. We may end up with some sort of a mix of the two:)
NZ Visa;
Gratuities (at your own discretion:)

Reservations and Cancellations:

Initial deposit of $ 1900 CAD due upon reservation. Remaining portion of the fee due by end of September 2022.

Cancellations greater than 90 days from fishing dates will be refunded full deposit less a booking fee of $300.

Cancellations within 60 to 90 days from fishing dates will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

Cancellations within 30 - 60 days of fishing dates will incur a 75% cancellation fee.

Cancellations within 30 days of fishing dates will incur a 100% cancellation fee.

In the unlikely event that the trip is impossible because of new travel restrictions due to COVID 19, we will refund any deposits/payments in full.

6. Early Arrivals and Extended Stays

If you want to arrive early or stay longer, enjoy a one-on-one guided trip with Johnny, go heli fishing to the Island’s most remote venues, etc., let us know. Johnny can easily arrange this for you.

Hope to see you in Kiwi Land (pardon, Trout Land),

Ivo

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