Proudly hosted by Kristina Placko and Britt Davies—Wāhine on the Water is a carefully curated three-day, two-night event, designed for ladies ready to try something new. Set in an idyllic corner of Southland, this ultimate girls weekend blends fly fishing and connection in nature.
You’ll be guided through the fundamentals of fly fishing by an experienced guide, while also being supported to slow down, tune in, and build confidence at your own pace and ability.
You’ll leave not only with the skills to begin your fly fishing journey, but with a deeper sense of confidence in your ability to try new things, adapt, and trust yourself in unfamiliar environments.
This experience is suited to all levels and is designed to feel supportive, practical, and genuinely enjoyable — not technical or intimidating.
Over the weekend, you’ll experience:
Fly casting fundamentals and guided river time
Streamcraft, trout behaviour & “Think Like a Trout” sessions
Gear, knots, and everything you actually need to get started
How to read topographic maps, weather forecasts and river levels
Mindfulness & reflection practices
Shared meals, fireside time & connection
Small group learning (max 8 wāhine)
Professional photography to capture the experience
What’s included:
Return transfers from Queenstown Airport
2 nights tipi accommodation on a private farm with exclusive river access
All meals (beautifully catered)
Professional fly fishing instruction and guiding
Manawa facilitation & group experience
Use of rods, reels & all fishing gear required
NZ fishing licence for the weekend
An awesome goodie bag & take-home resources
Investment$1690 per person
A 20% deposit ($338) secures your place, with the remaining balance payable in instalments if you choose.
No prior experience is needed — just a willingness to step in and give something new a go. To keep the experience personal and high quality, this weekend is limited to 8 ladies.
If you’ve been craving more time outdoors, or are looking for a place to start something new, this is a considered, supportive place to begin. You’ll leave with the foundations to keep going — and the confidence to give it a go on your own.
Book now, these spots will not be around for long!
Meet your hosts
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With experience in the fishing industry throughout Australia and New Zealand, Kristina has worn many hats and as a result brings a broad expertise to anglers of all levels—from beginners to seasoned fly fishers realising their New Zealand fly fishing dreams. As the founder and lead guide of Stray South Fishing Outfitters NZ, fly fishing is more than a sport - it’s a life long journey of education, enrichment and exploration. Kristina’s work focuses on enriching lives through education of fly fishing incorporating a wellness aspect to reconnect people with both nature and themselves.
Kristina will be facilitating the fly fishing skills, trout behaviour and river levels segments of the weekend.
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Britt is an outdoor facilitator and the founder of Manawa.
Growing up fishing and duck shooting in Tauranga, she developed an early connection to the outdoors, which later expanded into a love for remote landscapes and backcountry experiences across the South Island.
Through her work with Manawa, Britt designs and facilitates women’s trips, workshops, and events that combine practical outdoor skills with personal growth and reflection. Her approach centres on creating environments where wāhine feel supported to learn, challenge themselves, and back their own decisions.
Britt will be facilitating the navigation and weather components of the weekend, as well as the mindfulness and grounding practices woven throughout the experience.