Who We Are!

Over the years I have won numerous prizes and awards for both trout fishing and hunting including the All Species Cup and the International Saltfly Championship. Plus a world record for Snapper on a fly.

Trout fishing and hunting is in my blood. I was brought up in this lifestyle from day one. I have lived in the area all my life and know my fishing and hunting areas backward.

In 1985, becoming a professional guide was a natural progression of allowing me to share with others the wonder of our land and its bountiful fishing and hunting opportunities.

I have been an honorary Ranger for Eastern Fish & Game for a number of years and do all I can to protect the freedom of fishing and hunting in the hope that generations to come can enjoy the same.

Search & Rescue is also part of my life and I volunteer my time for those that are in unfortunate situations where rescue is necessary.

Josh Ryder - Guide and son of Graeme & Joan Ryder

Like my father Graeme, I too was brought up with hunting and fishing in my blood. The only difference is that I'm your younger version, to which I'll say no more.

I've certainly been taught by the masters (grandfather and father) and have been professionally guiding since 1992. I live for hunting and fishing and when not guiding am out there doing it for my own pleasure.

I anxiously await the game bird shooting season each year. It's wonderful to be sitting in a Mai Mai (blind), watching the dawn break and seeing water fowl zero in on your decoys.

If I had to choose, I think perhaps my greatest love is pig hunting. The devotion and comradeship from my beloved dog pack is unconditional. I have personally trained each one from a pup and they know exactly what is expected of them. They are fearless in challenging wild boar.

At the age of 19 years I won the Safari Club International (NZ Chapter) Young Hunter of the year award and have won many other fishing and hunting tournaments.

I am certified in advanced first-aid.

Joan Ryder - Proprietor and Manager of Guiding & Lodge

I'm not a guide, but I'm Graemes' wife and Joshs' mother. I organise all the bookings and deal with the general running of the guiding and Lodge business.

Actually, it's hard to call it a business because it's our home and life style all wrapped up in one.

Clients are not just customers, they're potential friends of which many return year after year.

I’m a professional fly tier and certified Kiwi Host. I wrote monthly articles for The New Zealand Trout Fisher magazine for 10 years. Do live radio slots and update local fishing information on Fish & Game and Reel Life internet sites.

My loves are trout fishing, salt water fly fishing and pig hunting.

I have won many prizes and awards for fly fishing, including being top woman angler in the Air New Zealand Saltfly Tournament, top woman angler in the Rotorua International Trout Tournament and hold New Zealand and World Saltfly records.

I really enjoy meeting people from all over the world.