When flyfishing in New Zealand, the amazing clarity of the water allows your fish to see you before you see it.

Therefore the most essential aspect of your gear is its ability to blend into your surroundings.

Bright coloured clothes will spook your fish, as will flouro coloured lines.

Bring with you dark, dull clothes - greens and browns are ideal.

New Zealand brown trout have a reputation for being very wary - wily fish are the ones that survive and grow to become those outstanding big browns.

Rods
preferably 4 to 6 weight / 4 piece is easier to include with your luggage

Lines
floating in dull colours

Leader
9 feet long / 1X or 2X

Reel
any brand with good drag & 100m backing

Clothing
dark or dull coloured including raincoat (brown, green or camouflage)

Wading gear
light waders (gortex ideal) or wet wade with polypropylene longjohns & shorts (this is the best option in the warmer months of January & February) and felt soled wading boots with gravel guards.

Sunglasses
polaroid

Additional essentials
sunscreen, sun hat and insect repellent (for the occasional sandfly)