Fly Fishing New Zealand Style
September 8, 2009 by bridget
Filed under Latest News
Southern Rivers Fly Fishing Guides , Wanaka
Season – October to April
Greetings from Wanaka, South Island New Zealand. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of visiting this truly amazing part of New Zealand here’s just a little taste through the eyes of a fly fishing enthusiast.
Wanaka township is situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka at the base of the Southern Alps east of the divide. This mountainous region is a constant reminder to all who venture through it that this is the domain of Mother Nature, a greater power, or just the unknown. From its bright white snow capped mountain tops to the dark craggy unforgiving bluffs, from the bush-clad gullies down to the smooth valley floors the stark contrasts and beauty of this region are enough to distract any passionate fly fisher away from their constant pursuit. If it were not for the crystal clear streams, rivers and lakes tempting us with the best sight fishing in the world one would be content in laying down their rod, sitting back and absorbing the intensely powerful energy the mountains breath down into the valley floor.
Shaped over thousands of years these rivers and lakes have evolved into the ideal pristine habitat for breeding trout and the growth of these wild fish. Rivers run incredibly clear and it is for this reason that fly fishing to large sighted Brown and Rainbow Trout is in abundance here.
This water clarity does not give the fly fisherman the definitive advantage against the trout, as trout have a finely tuned sense of sight. Adding to this the wild trout of our region have a well-evolved ability to recognise the harmless four legged mammals over a dangerous two-legged mammal and in a lot of cases will spot a person before we spot them.
Certainly for me the most exhilarating moment when fly fishing is watching a large trout rising from the depths to inspect the tasty morsel you have offered it. Contemplating as it ascends whether what it sees is what it wants to eat. You hold your line firmly, your breathing stops, the whites of your eyes grow and you wait as if time slows to a trickle. The trout opens its huge mouth, as you take half a breath. Then with its mind made up it closes down firmly on your fly, you wait your compulsory one and half seconds then BOOM there’s an almighty splash as you strip the line up off the water setting the hook. WOOOHOOO! You scream as the trout rockets away from you. Its now that you can catch up on the lack of oxygen and take a couple of quick breaths before settling into the next stage of the battle.
As a fly fishing guide the ultimate feeling is when the guide and client team work in harmonic unison to spot a good fish, present the perfect fly and net the fish. As witness to the perfect catch I get to experience internal exhilaration and anticipation as well as seeing the physical expressions my client subconsciously exhibits during and after that crucial moment described in the previous paragraph. After all emotions are purged by a client there’s one that is last and best of all “pure elation” as the trout is released to where it came from and the reflecting can begin.
Guiding fly fishing enthusiasts of all abilities in this mountainous paradise is such a privilege. Meeting great people and building life long friendships whilst hosting and facilitating their experiences in this part of the world just can’t be beat. Many of our clients and good friends visit here every year choosing this region because of it diversity and reputable wild trout waters. Undoubtedly challenging yet incredibly rewarding these rivers and lakes boste the best dry fly and sight fly fishing in the world.
With the help of a professional guide when fly fishing unfamiliar waters you will learn and develop invaluable skill and patience that will help when out smarting wild trout. I believe that you only stop learning in life when you die and this applies equally to fly fishing. Expert guidance is highly recommended when fly fishing in NZ and vast local knowledge will take you a long way toward your dream fly fishing experience.
Without fail Wanaka’s natural beauty blows me away in so many ways everyday. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must feel like for a visitor seeing it for the first time.
If you haven’t had a taste of it I recommend you try it.
Jacob Berry – Southern Rivers Fly Fishing – Wanaka, New Zealand
Canape’s for a Garden Venue
September 1, 2009 by bridget
Filed under Latest News
Red Lemon is a contemporary catering company based in Central Otago, New Zealand.
Red Lemon caters for any celebrations; weddings, special birthdays, anniversary parties, corporate functions or work events.
Red Lemon is the creation of Cate Saunders. Cate’s love of food began at a very early age and the food industry has been her passion for the past 4 years. Her career started at the New Zealand School of Food and Wine but quickly took Cate off-shore to gain 3 years experience throughout Europe, UK and America; from chefing for lodges in France to catering companies in Amsterdam to preparing exclusive meals for private parties on Cape Cod, 8 various countries in 2006 alone. The flavours range from contemporary Italian and French, to the zesty freshness of Asia.
Red Lemon now has a brand new mobile kitchen, enabling them to cater anywhere in Otago.
Hawkshead Lodge and Gardens, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand welcomes the garden catering experience from Wedding ceremonies to Themed Corporate events.
Visit http://www.hawkshead.co.nz/
Testomonials – Red Lemon Pride
“Thanks for the delicious and beautifully presented canapés you prepared for the Wanaka Chamber of Commerce Business After 6 networking function we hosted – we had many positive comments from our guests! We also appreciated your simple, no fuss approach to planning our arrangements.”
Dale Smith
“Thank you so much for all the work you put in, and for the fantastic afternoon tea that you created for our Wedding day. The nibbles were amazing and flavoursome. We were so stoked with the whole afternoon, everyone had such a good time. That’s exactly what we were looking for; and as testament to your fabulous catering skill, there was not a crumb left over.”
Amber and Dan
“Thank you for catering for our recent corporate outing. With the terrible weather we experienced the day could have been a disaster, but thanks to your amazing flexibility, great rapport building with the client and the exceptional quality and variety of food that you produced the day was a huge success. We look forward to working with you again soon and recommending your services to our clientele”
Kerry Quin
Red Lemon – Cate Saunders
m: 021 977 217 p/f: 03 444 7767
RD 4, Ranfurly, New Zealand
The importance of choosing your Marriage Celebrant
September 1, 2009 by bridget
Filed under Latest News
When you choose your Marriage Celebrant you are choosing someone who will be directing and steering the very heart of your wedding ceremony.
It is important that you and your celebrant have the same beliefs and ideals andthat you make a connection with him/her on a personal level.
Your celebrant can be instrumental in providing invaluable assistance to ensure your ceremony is everything you desire. Remember this is your very special day and your ceremony will set the benchmark for the rest of the celebrations.
The celebrant will ensure your ceremony flows smoothly, meets all legal requirements and reflects the very unique relationship of the bride andgroom.
Book your Celebrant as soon as you have a confirmed wedding date.
Most celebrants take bookings up to 12 months to 2 years in advance.
A good celebrant will suggest a rehearsal to help you, your wedding partyand your parents feel comfortable and relaxed. He/she will also provide you will sample material i.e. ceremonies, vows, poetry etc. If there is one way to make your ceremony truly yours, it’s the act of writing your personal wedding vows. Personalising your vows allow you to express yourselves as individuals and as partners.
The celebrant should be a good listener and be prepared to provide testimonials from previous ceremonies, assist you with the documentation and be available to answer all your questions. Ask if the celebrant can supply a signing table, microphones, floral displays and other ceremony enhancement packages.
I believe that every couple and every wedding is unique.
Whether your ceremony is a small informal affair or a large traditional celebration I provide all couples with the same level of commitment and professionalism to ensure the romance and wedding traditions are not compromised.
Flexibility and a sense of humour are two very important attributes to assist a couple to de-stress, relax and treasure the experience of their wedding day.
It is my job to make sure that happens. The bottom line is – It is your day. Happy Planning.
By Jools MacKnight, Registered Marriage Celebrant