New Zealand travel and fly fishing guide. Sharing my experiences and ideas to help you learn more an Find out how Matt can make your trip the one of a lifetime!
(3)
Your guide, Matt Butler is a passionate kiwi, fly fishing guide and your local planner on the ground in Wanaka, New Zealand. If your visiting NZ to adventure and explore and indulge in the whole kiwi experience, Matt can create unique trips that will give you the most genuine experience you can dream of, getting you to those special waters and helping you discover the special places our country ha
s to offer. Get in touch and let Matt know what your wish to get out of a trip, whether you are looking for a backcountry adventure, an introduction to fly fishing, or a multi-day road trip of fishing and exploring.
Closing out 2023 with a few highlights. It’s been a packed year with plenty of work, travel, events and everything in between. It’s been a year of ups and downs. But overall one to look back on knowing I made those of it. Now here’s to the next one.
2 years to the day I have launched the next version of my first product, the KEA KIT. It’s took a fair bit of development and testing to create a kit that was not only a improvement on the last one, but offered people the certainty they need in the outdoors. It’s is now live on Kickstarter and has ticked up over $100k raised in just 72 hours, about 3x faster than the first version!
Go check it out and if you like it, through your support behind it, every bit counts!
Check it out here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/keaoutdoors/kea-kit-better-prepare-for-outdoor-adventures?ref=2nhnml
12 years since we first met as young hooligans in Banff, Canada. Nick finally made it to NZ and we headed out to show him some of our amazing country. Throw in his first brown trout and it was a perfect trip to close out the summer.
The new truck looking pretty at central plateau. It was a long held dream to get my hands on a Everest and after many years of putting it off, when I saw the new model I just couldn’t resist. It’s everything I hoped for and more, just a epic ride. After ticking up the first 5000km on a country wide roady, I can’t wait to take it into some of my favorite South Island haunts. With a few more mods/sign writing to come, it’s going to be a standout! Roof-Tent and Awning courtesy of
Started off 2023 at a different pace, taking time away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy the backcountry with a new truck, something I have been working towards for a while. Next up is a 3 week road trip to the North Island to get it decked out for adventure, enjoy some events and also do some business along the way. See you out there!
Embrace Every Adventure - is getting ready to take on our next stage of growth over the coming summer and it has made us rethink why we exist. The underlying purpose came down to our mission to provide the gear and knowledge that gives you the freedom to get outside more often. KEA gear is for the outdoor lover, not the 'Mt Everest Conqueror'. Our gear is functional, but also versatile and reliable so that is stands up for you whenever and wherever adventure calls. We are here to support you to get out and do what you love more often. Hopefully you can join us on the journey - Matt, Founder of KEA Outdoors.
📸
Ever thought about becoming a Fly Fishing Guide? Well this week we talk to Chris Dore, one of NZ's most revered and well known guides. Learn about how Chris started, the challenges he's faced and his thoughts on what it means to become a guide in one of the most technical and spectacular trout fisheries in the world.
https://www.keaoutdoors.com/blogs/living-wild/living-wild-how-to-become-a-revered-fly-fishing-guide
Chris Dore is one of New Zealand's most revered fly fishing guides. Anyone who loves the sports will likely have followed his social media, read his blogs or even been out on a guided day with him. I first met Chris in 2016 as I was a budding guide trying to soak in as much knowledge as possible. Hi...
Hi All. If your new to fly fishing or just keen to learn more, this is #1 of a 5 part series where I write about how to approach your angling journey and step it up to the next level.
I will be sharing these articles over the next few months to help you up-skill and learn more about the art of fly fishing!
https://www.keaoutdoors.com/blogs/learn-grow/the-art-of-fly-fishing-it-s-not-so-scary-getting-started-in-one-of-new-zealand-s-most-mysterious-activities
Fly Fishing, the mere word can cause dismissal or confusion to casual observers with connotations such as “it’s an old man’s sport”, or “it’s just standing in one place and swinging your arm all day long”, often coming to mind. The fact is, Fly Fishing can be as simple or as complicate...
KEA STASH - GO: The bag for those on the move. From the trail to the river and everything in between it is your personal trash bag to take with you on every adventure!
This size is great for:
Hiking/Backpacking
Remote Camping
Fishing/Hunting
Thru-Hiking
Road-Trips
Kayaking
Cycling / Motorbikes
Pre order here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beredioutdoors/kea-stash-the-trash-bag-for-every-adventure?ref=aco90q
KEA STASH - XL: The big bag for big adventures. Set this guy up at your campsite or in the back of your truck. Rolls down small but carries a lot of trash when you need it.
This size is great for:
Car camping
4x4 Off Road
Road-Trips
RV/Camper
Campgrounds
Boats
Rafting/Drift Boats
Pre-Order Here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beredioutdoors/kea-stash-the-trash-bag-for-every-adventure?ref=aco90q
The STASH is now in its home run on Kickstarter and it’s be a great success to date. If you still haven’t jumped on board, how’s the time to lock in your early bird deal! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beredioutdoors/kea-stash-the-trash-bag-for-every-adventure?ref=aco90q
Hey All
I just posted my latest blog about fly-fishing for Roosterfish in Baja Mexico, this article details my amazing first trip that was a roaring success. Originally published for 'Rod & Rifle' magazine, it also includes the video from my trip back this year in June with some awesome Rooster footage from the drone!
Cheers
Matt
Check it out: https://www.keaoutdoors.com/blogs/live-wild/cruising-the-beaches-of-baja-california-sur-mexico
Just imagine digging your toes into warm white sand, peering out over a turquoise ocean while listening to the water softly lap at the shore. A warm breeze momentarily takes away the heat of the sun … your eyes remain fixated … watching, waiting. The water is so clear, you feel as though you can...
How do you use it? The STASH is the easiest (& cleanest) way to store trash on your adventures. Not to mention it’s a breeze to clean! With just 18 days left on the Kickstarter campaign, now is the time to secure your early bird deal: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beredioutdoors/kea-stash-the-trash-bag-for-every-adventure?ref=84twgd
The KEA STASH is designed to go with you, wherever adventure takes you. From the mountains to the campsite, car to the creek. Always pack your STASH so you can enjoy mess free adventures!
Hey All. It's week 2 of the campaign & I made it into Stuff over the weekend (NZ's national media) to share our journey of building KEA to where we are now. Check it out: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/prosper/129555084/wanaka-startup-kea-outdoors-taking-on-big-names-in-adventure-game?fbclid=IwAR1EDPW07g_PRvrzr2QPZud97Mxblr77ISHb_oV_p9DM7gC6nTQK-9ZsC9o
Matt Butler is a man on a mission to arm 'weekend warriors' with the best gear available.
KEA STASH is…. well lots of things! But most of all it helps you enjoy mess free adventures. So jump on the link below and back us now, you won’t regret it!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beredioutdoors/kea-stash-the-trash-bag-for-every-adventure?ref=84twgd
💥 KEA STASH is LIVE 💥 It’s the leak-free, smell-free, trash compacting bag for mess free adventures. Jump in now and secure your early bird discount for a limited time only!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beredioutdoors/kea-stash-the-trash-bag-for-every-adventure?ref=7ffere
Leak-Free, Smell-Free & Reusable Trash Bag For Every Adventure - Fill It, Crush It, Stash It!
Introducing KEA STASH | The Compacting Trash Bag For Mess Free Adventures
The time has finally come, the STASH is launching on Kickstarter this time next week!
We will be counting down the days until launch this week and everyone that backs us on launch day can save up to 30%!
If you haven't seen the video yet and you're looking for a laugh... check out the video here: https://youtu.be/X_4Ez0l3c6s
After 30 months stuck in NZ, the longest time i'd spent at home concurrently in over a decade, I finally managed to spread my wings again and go exploring.
Those first few weeks in the US felt like my first trip all over again, 18 years old and being overwhelmed with the hustle, bustle, obscene wealth and inequality. Except this time it felt 10 notches above.
I spent time visiting old friends and investigating new opportunities in the outdoor industry including visiting the Outdoor Retailer Expo in Denver, a true eye-opener. But after those 3 weeks in the US I was more than ready to get down to Mexico and operate at a slower pace.
Landing in Baja was like Deja Vu, little had changed, I had the same car and stayed nearby the same place. Everyday we hit the beach in what began to feel like a sense of Groundhog Day. The fishing was unlike other years I had been, we saw very few, some days none. We got a few good shots, a few nice follows and spent many hours on the beach (17 days all up for me) but failed to nail a Rooster of any reasonable size. Although I did manage to land many small Roosters and a nice size Jack Crevale (the mexican GT) off the beach.
I refused to go on a boat and get a fish, instead I persevered because in Baja, you just never know when it may happen, as it has for me previous times, this time just wasn't meant to be.
This short clip helps me to remember what the days were like, calm and slow, but never boring. We ran at our own pace, never rushing or wondering what might have been:
It is a magnificent part of the world and a wonder to spend time there. As with any Fly Fishing I do these days, the fish may be the reason I go, but they are not the reason I return.
Now i'm back in NZ, going from 35c degrees to Zero in just a few days has taken a bit to get used to but i'm now refreshed and ready to make the most of the rest of the year. I will be launching a new product in the coming weeks, one I have spent a lot of time and effort and ill be sharing more as we build up to launch.
Until then, enjoy what is probably my calmest and least fishy video ever.
https://youtu.be/a8pRjdFAi90
Are you sick of carrying your messy, bulky trash in the backcountry? Well we were, so have gone and created the STASH, the trash compacting, 100% smell-proof/leak-proof trash bag for every adventure.
Check it out: www.kealaunch.com
Sign up for launch and you earn FREE outdoor Gear!
KIWI SUMMER GIVEAWAY: BE IN TO WIN 1 of 2 Outdoor Prize Packs valued at $250!
Includes gear from , backcountry food from and an annual subscription to
TO ENTER: Head to the link below, sign up and then share with your mates to earn extra points for more chances to win.
https://kiwisummergiveaway.kickoffpages.com
*Entries only available in New Zealand & 18+ years old.
It’s been a pretty crazy summer down here in the south this year. Endless hot, sunny days without a cloud in the sky. Decided to take young Fletcher out for a fish on a day that hit 33 degrees! It also fired up the fishing with cicadas getting gobbled by almost anything and everything. Fletcher even got christened with a well placed size #10 hook in the leg after deciding to sit in a unfortunate spot! After a quick bit of riverbank surgery and he was back into it nailing another fish on the dry. Gotta try make the most of these days while the remain.
Smashed out an epic trip this week on a spot I’d been scoping for years but never quite managed to make happen. A day of savage cicada eats was shouldered by a brutal ascent/decent and endless swamp and bush bashing. It was as tough as it was spectacular but definitely one that will not be forgotten. Fishing makes us do some crazy stuff!
Today I finally landed this trophy brown on a special piece of water where I have spent many years trying. I’ve come close several times and would’ve casted to this fish before without success. So it was great to land this guy and finally crack the magic 10lb mark in a place that offers the ultimate challenge.
Opening Day - This week I began my life as a normal angler again, after 6 years of guiding its good to be back on the river for just fun only! This season started a bit different this time as I took young Fletcher on a learning trip to the south after I began mentoring him in Fly Fishing last season. It was a tricky few days as the rivers were swarming with keen anglers but we managed to get in a couple of PBs for Fletch and I managed a few too. It’s good to see so many anglers keen to get amongst it, shows the sport is alive and well, but sticking to common etiquette will go a long way to keeping everyone happy, so please keep that in mind when your out there. I’m back to doing what I love, but won’t be as active as previous years as the new business is my focus now so I will just share as I go. Good luck out there!
Following a successful campaign on Kickstarter, the KEA KIT is now available for pre-order on Indiegogo. These order will be part of the first production run so will be delivered at the same time! So you don't have to miss out, jump on now and check it out: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/kea-kit-outdoor-survival-system-for-any-adventure
Some more news out on the KEA KIT, this one is a follow up from article they did a few months back!
Wanaka entrepreneur Matt Butler reckons the past week has seen him work the hardest in his life. Dealing with multiple time zones and notching up...
Wanaka
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when TravelTruly posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
