Nestled beneath the soaring Southern Alps and surrounded by glacier-fed rivers, turquoise lakes, and sweeping mountain valleys, Wānaka stands as one of the most extraordinary fly-fishing destinations on earth. And in February 2027, we’re bringing a small, intimate group of women to experience its wild beauty in the most unforgettable way.

This 4-night, 3-day retreat is hosted in partnership with New Zealand’s renowned Women On The Fly Special Edition program,  a luxury, women-centered fly-fishing experience crafted to be equal parts empowering, restorative, and wildly fun. Whether you’ve never held a fly rod or you’re a seasoned angler with a growing bucket list, this retreat blends world-class guiding, breathtaking scenery, gourmet cuisine, and meaningful community into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Over three full days on the river, you’ll learn the art and rhythm of fly fishing under the patient, encouraging guidance of New Zealand–certified professionals. You’ll explore remote wilderness rivers home to wild brown and rainbow trout, learn to read water and trout behavior, and test your new skills in some of the clearest, most pristine water systems on the planet.

Each day brings the perfect balance of challenge and accomplishment and each evening brings laughter, connection, beautiful meals, and that warm, satisfying “we did that” feeling.
This retreat welcomes all skill levels and is intentionally designed for women who crave adventure, luxury, and purpose wrapped into one life-changing getaway.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

Luxury Accommodation (4 Nights)
Beautiful, modern apartments near Wānaka township are peaceful, comfortable, and perfect for evening connection.

Private Guiding for 3 Full Days

• 1 guide per 2 anglers

• All fly fishing gear + safety equipment included

• World-class instruction tailored to beginners and experienced anglers alike

All Meals + Local Wine & Beer Pairings

• Continental or cooked breakfast each day

• Riverside packed lunches on fishing days

• Three-course dinners at renowned local Wānaka restaurants

• Pre-dinner drinks and nibbles

Logistics + Convenience

• All New Zealand fishing licenses

• Airport transfers from Queenstown Airport

• All local GST (taxes)

A TYPICAL DAY

Morning
Breakfast → meet guides → travel to the river → casting warm-ups.

Daytime
Guided fishing, skill-building, exploring various river systems, packed lunch riverside.

Afternoon
More fishing, instruction, photography, breathtaking scenery.

Evening
Return to Wānaka → unwind → dinner + local wine → laughter + stories. Relax in luxury accommodation, soak up the summer sky and rest.

OPTIONAL ADVENTURE ADD-ONS

Scenic Helicopter Flight into the Southern Alps - An unforgettable 60–90 minute scenic helicopter journey over glacier fields, alpine lakes, Fiordland peaks, and remote wilderness valleys,  the crown jewel of South Island adventure.

• Approx. $600 USD per person, depending on group size

• Can be as an airport transfer or added at the end of a fishing day

• Seats 4–6 per helicopter

You’ll walk away from this retreat with:

• Fly casting fundamentals

• How to read river flow, depth, and trout habits

• Basic entomology and fly selection

• River safety and wading techniques

• Trout landing and catch-care practices

• Hands-on experience in real wilderness water

And more importantly… confidence, community, and a sense of accomplishment that only nature can give.

The lodging accommodations that are included in your trip are always tailored to women looking for a welcoming and spacious atmosphere to foster friendships! Our cozy accommodations offer ample room to relax and unwind, featuring large common areas where you can connect with fellow guests.  When selecting a space, we prioritize spaces that create a serene escape, complemented by shared amenities that encourage camaraderie and comfort. You’ll find well-maintained shared bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone. Please note that during this trip, you may need to share a bed / bedroom with another participant. We appreciate your understanding as this helps foster a sense of camaraderie and community among all attendees. Feel free to socialize in the kitchen and living areas or enjoy the fresh air outside. Whether you’re joining us for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay, we strive to choose an environment that nurtures a sense of community while providing all the comforts of home. Embrace the chance to make new friends and create lasting memories during this unique experience! Once you connect with your trip coordinator, they will share more specific details about your lodging accommodations.

Yes, we know this part might seem a bit tedious, but it’s important! We kindly ask that everyone who registers for a trip visits the FAQs and Policy page on our website. If you sign up for a trip without reviewing this information, it’s your responsibility. There’s a wealth of valuable information there that could influence your decision. Please make sure to check out all the FAQs and Policies on our website before signing up for a trip with us. Thank you!

We want to ensure that every trip with Her Wilderness is enjoyable and memorable, but we acknowledge that sometimes things don’t go as planned. Mother Nature has a significant impact on our outdoor adventures, so we encourage you to approach each trip with a positive attitude and a "go with the flow" mindset. If this feels unreasonable to you, we kindly ask that you reconsider registering for our events. Weather can be unpredictable, affecting activities like hiking, hunting, and fishing, and our top priority is always your safety. For instance, if your trip is focused on duck hunting but our guide believes a goose hunt is more feasible, we will follow their expert recommendation. If this kind of flexibility is not something you're comfortable with, we encourage you to think twice about joining us. We expect all participants to maintain a positive attitude, regardless of the circumstances. Many of our trips have faced changes, cancellations, or rescheduling, yet the understanding and adaptability of the group have made all the difference that still allows for an incredible experience! We take pride in creating fun experiences, even in challenging situations. Please be aware that our trips may involve sharing accommodations with others, unpredictable weather that could impact planned activities, limited bathroom facilities for larger groups, and the possibility of not harvesting the specific animal you hoped for. These are real scenarios that can arise, and while we’ll do our best to minimize issues, they can happen. We strive to maintain a drama-free and stress-free environment. If any participant brings negativity or drama, they will be asked to leave without a refund and will not be allowed to return. Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and valued, so we ask for your cooperation in keeping a cool, calm, and collected attitude throughout the trip. We truly appreciate each of our customers and are committed to providing the best possible experience for all participants. Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories together!  

We’re thrilled to announce a new booking and payment system aimed at enhancing your experience! Starting October 1, 2024, all trip registrations will be processed through WeTravel. Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email via the WeTravel platform. Your trip coordinator will then reach out with detailed information about your adventure and schedule two virtual video meetings for all trip attendees. The coordinator will share their email and other contact information with you at their discretion, so please respect their boundaries and contact them only through the provided information. A quick reminder: personal social media profiles are not the best way to reach out to your coordinator. During the virtual meetings, hosted on Google Meet, you’ll discuss important details such as packing lists, travel plans, and more. To ensure smooth communication, please register with a valid email address that you check regularly. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at questions@herwilderness.co. We look forward to making your experience exceptional!

Arrive into Queenstown Airport (ZQN) and enjoy a private transfer to your luxury accommodation in Wānaka. Settle into your space, unwind from travel, and soak in the scenery. That evening, we’ll gather for a welcome reception with drinks, nibbles, introductions, and an overview of the days ahead.

Kick off your first full day with a delicious breakfast before meeting your guides and heading out to a nearby river system. Spend the day learning casting basics, reading water, and practicing beginner or advanced techniques depending on your experience. Enjoy a riverside lunch and a relaxing evening back in Wānaka with a beautiful dinner and local wine pairings.

After breakfast, venture into a new stretch of pristine water with your guide team. Today brings a blend of skill-building, exploring remote wilderness terrain, and refining your fly selection and presentation. Lunch will be enjoyed outdoors along the river. Return to town late afternoon for dinner, connection, and rest.

Your final fishing day takes you to another glacier-fed river, where you’ll put your new knowledge and rhythm together. Practice landing techniques, reading trout behavior, and navigating different river structures. After your final afternoon on the water, we’ll enjoy a celebratory "Galentine day" farewell dinner an evening of stories, connection, and reflecting on everything you conquered this week.

Enjoy a slow breakfast and peaceful morning before your private transfer returns you to Queenstown Airport. Depart New Zealand feeling refreshed, accomplished, and connected with new friends and unforgettable memories.