Owen River Lodge
Owen River Lodge is renowned as one of the top luxury fly fishing lodges in New Zealand, boasting exquisite cottage suites with elegant designs, and breathtaking views of the river, Owen Ranges, and Kahurangi National Park.
Nestled in the northern region of the South Island, the lodge enjoys an ideal location for accessing a multitude of intimate blue-ribbon streams and iconic freestone rivers, offering anglers unparalleled opportunities to catch large, wild brown trout, considered some of the best in the world.
With a team of exceptional guides, Owen River Lodge is known for its relaxed, understated, and highly professional level of service, provided in stylish surroundings. Guests can also indulge in delightful culinary experiences with fine food and wine, as well as partake in a range of non-angling activities.
Whether you’re a couple, a solo traveler, or a small group, Owen River Lodge promises a truly unforgettable fly fishing holiday from October to April each year, creating lasting memories and cherished moments.
Species
Offers unparalleled sight fishing for sizable brown trout.
Season
Season runs from October to April.
Accommodations
Provides exceptional lodge accommodation.
Perfect For
Single anglers, couples, groups and familiesFly Fishing
Staying at Owen River Lodge provides an unparalleled fly fishing experience, with access to over thirty blue-ribbon streams and rivers, many just a short drive away and others reachable by helicopter.
From the intimate Owen River to the iconic Wairau, the region offers diverse fishing opportunities for wild Brown Trout, ranging from three to six pounds on average, with the chance to encounter larger fish of ten pounds or more in each season.
The fishing style in this region is classic New Zealand sight-fishing, where spotting the fish before they spot you is key. Unlike lake-fishing, most of the casting is done at medium to short distances, with accuracy being more important than casting distance.
Anglers typically use a five or six weight rod, ranging from nine to ten feet in length. The lodge provides top-of-the-line equipment, including Simms G3 Gore-Tex waders, jackets, boots, and a wide range of current model Sage rods and reels, available in both ladies’ and men’s sizes.
To make the most of your time and increase your chances of success on the rivers, it is recommended to enlist the services of one of the lodge’s expert guides. Their intimate knowledge and skills will assist both seasoned pros and beginners alike.
A typical fishing day begins around 8:30 am to 9:00 am and wraps up around 5:00 pm, with lunch included and enjoyed streamside.
In addition to the local waters, Owen River Lodge also offers heli-fishing options, where you can be transported to remote and stunning locations inaccessible by road or foot, for a truly unique fishing adventure.
TRAVEL PLAN
To purchase a fishing license, you will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity and a photo ID.
For all citizens, except Australians, entering New Zealand, a tourist visa is required. Upon entering the country, passport control will provide a three-month tourist visa.
There are several international flight options available to Wellington, Auckland, or Christchurch, followed by an internal flight to Nelson. The transfer from Nelson to the lodge is by helicopter.
LODGING
Nestled in the picturesque Owen Valley near Murchison, in the Nelson Lakes district of New Zealand’s South Island, Owen River Lodge is a secluded retreat spread over sixteen acres of lush gardens and farmland. Boasting almost a kilometer of river frontage, it offers an ideal spot for some pre-fishing practice or a tranquil evening cast during the mesmerizing evening rise.
For ultimate privacy, the lodge features six guest cottage suites set amidst the beautiful gardens, each offering stunning views of the river, valley, and mountains beyond. The contemporary-designed suites are spacious, airy, and well-appointed, featuring king-size, double, or twin beds, en-suite facilities, air conditioning, minibar, safe, and ample storage for fishing gear. The expansive verandas provide a perfect spot to relax and unwind in the late afternoon or evening.
The main lodge building houses the dining room, lounge, sitting room, lodge shop, fly-tying area, and a well-stocked bar. Guests can also enjoy the lodge’s special features, including a dedicated massage room and an outdoor jacuzzi/spa, perfect for relaxation after a day on the river. Stay connected with Cable TV, DVD, and Notebook PC facilities in one of the guest lounges, or access the WiFi network with satellite-delivered broadband from all guest suites and the main lodge building.
At Owen River Lodge, culinary experiences are a highlight, with the food prepared from the freshest locally-sourced produce, including ingredients picked from the lodge’s own vegetable and herb garden. Bookings include all meals, beer, house wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring a truly satisfying dining experience.
While Owen River Lodge is primarily a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts, non-anglers can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, hill-walking, and spa treatments, making it an ideal destination for all nature lovers.
Stay connected with WiFi available throughout the lodge, allowing you to stay in touch with the world while enjoying the serene surroundings of this idyllic retreat.
