Has anyone any advice for tackle for new zealand especially lines and what weight of a rod to bring or would i get away with a 7 weight

What ever you take make sure its not felt soled wading boots!!

On rods, it depends what's likely to tempt you more, Rivers or lakes.
My first trip was with a 9'6 6 wt and I felt over cooked for most of the fishing.
Next time I took a 9'4 wt for the presentation and control on the rivers and found that perfect for most fishing. (I didn't fish in lakes or for salmon).

I wouldn't go out there without my 9 foot 6 weight TCR.. Incredible rod for casting into the wind, which you will be doing lots of if you intend to fish the south island.. It doubled my catch after i changed from my loomis 10foot 7 weight.. which was useless casting into the wind. Simply too soft..

cheers
jJ

Remember to take everything with you as it is expensive down there.

Jim

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Whereabouts are you fishing? North/South or both?

For South Island I take a 9 footer in a #5 and another in a #6. The #5 sees most use. Your #7 would probably do at a pinch, I just prefer lighter, less powerful rods.

I take a #5 and a #6 floating line, but usually use the #6 most of the time. A sink tip is useful for streamer fishing and I take an intermediate too, in case floods dictate that I have to end up on the lakes.

Make sure your reel has a good drag and takes plenty of backing. Sometimes it is needed.

What else? Waterproof camera, good polaroids (I take 2prs amber and brown), decent sized net, a folding wading stick. Good boots with studded Aquastealth and that is about it.. You may find a buff and sungloves useful as protection from the dreaded sandflies if fishing west of the divide on South Island.

Have fun.

Alex
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a waistcoat come in very handy.....so you won't have to carry a bag for day trips... keeping your hands free is important.. so you just hook the weigh net to the back of the waistcoat..

cheers
JJ

Camera.....you MUST take a good camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and don't be tempted by any glacier walks, they are seriously dangerous!!!!
Enjoy!!!

Fished there about 8 years ago before the wife and the 4 sprogs arrived, I am green with envy

It would be more in your line Orange Dabbler to save yourself for some nice stockies on Owel

Condoms or should I say Flying C'S work well

A 9' 5 weight reasonably fast action will suit all situations.

If you enjoy lake fishing there are some great sight fishing opportunities on the majority of lakes on the south island.

When are you planning on being there. Fly patterns are dependent on season and region.

Cheers
Mat

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im off on the 26th for the month