Thread: New fly rod advice - weight and brands/models?

I plan on getting back into fly fishing this season and have decided to purchase with a new rod this year. I mainly fish Otago/Southland - think the Taieri and Mataura and associated smaller streams, also occasionally large rivers like the Waitaki and Clutha. Plus the odd trip to the Otago tussock Lakes, oh yeah and the big Southern and Fiordland lakes too. Hell, on review, basically whereever I find myself in the South!

I know I want a four piece for transport and the odd walk in trip, but I assume that's pretty standard these days. I was thinking I'd get a 6 weight as a reasonable all-rounder for everything.

However, I own an old (early 1990's) Sage two piece running a 7 weight line which is probably pretty good for the bigger water, so thought perhaps a 5 weight might be good, especially on the smaller streams? This a bit like, "can I do all my hunting with just a .308 or do I need other calibres as well", and I've answered that one with adding a .223! Certainly I have found the weight 7 a bit to much in many fishing situations in the past.

Also, have a budget of around $6-700 for rod, reel & line. I don't need the best, just something mid range will do, does this seem reasonable..? What brands or models do folk recommend? NZ made would be awesome if possible.

Its been a long time since I looked at fly gear and haven't even had one out on the water for the best part of decade. Any advice would be appreciated.