New Zealand

Owen River Lodge

Fly Fishing Trip or Lodge Details:

A Qualmark certified 5 star lodge!

Situated in the north-west corner of the South Island, Owen River Lodge is located in the Nelson Lakes region and is surrounded by sheltering mountain ranges, giving it a surprisingly mild climate, with generally light winds and reliable rainfall. Water is typical New Zealand “Gin Clear” , and you will be stalking a 10 pound brown trout in water so clear that it looks 2 feet deep but is actually up to your waist!

The Lodge is centrally located, with easy access to the Nelson/ Marlborough and West Coast fisheries. Thus you can enjoy fly fishing on numerous blue-ribbon streams and rivers, with over 30 waters accessible by road (most within 1 hour’s drive), and countless others by helicopter. The region is renowned as a brown trout fishery, with the average trout size ranging from 3 to 6 pounds; 10 pounders are possible.

The Owen River Lodge offers a friendly, professional service for both experienced and novice fly fishers. Wireless broadband internet access is available throughout the lodge; they even provide the computer! Want to really relax? Then enjoy the Jacuzzi, a massage or beauty treatment in the new therapy room and spa.

There is a myriad of non-fishing things to do in this region from horse riding in the Tutaki valley, guided walks in the national park, farm tours, rafting down the Buller River, shopping trips to Nelson, a day tour of artist studios in Nelson/Motueka or wine tasting in Marlborough.

Season Information

October to April

Rate Information

RATES: Effective until April 2012 - NZ$540 per person per day, double, NZ$695, single, including GST. Guided fishing is NZ$745 per guide, per day, one or two anglers, and includes GST, flies, transport; but does not include a fishing license (available at the Lodge).

INCLUSIONS: Accommodations in one of the cottages, continental or cooked breakfast, lunch, pre-dinner snacks, and exceptional dinner, plus the use of all all lodge facilities, including the use of loan fly fishing equipment, waders, boots, mountain bikes etc. Rates include GST.

EXCLUSIONS: License, helicopter flights, alcohol, gratuities, telephone calls, items of a personal nature, etc.

General Information

LOCATION: 15 minutes north of Murchison, a leisurely 75 minute drive from Nelson or approximately 3 1/2 hours from Christchurch.

HOW TO GET THERE: International flights to Auckland (AKL), Christchurch (CHC) or Wellington (WLG) followed by a domestic flight to Nelson (NSN). Then rental car to the Lodge or by arranged shuttle.

OWNER: Felix Borenstein