New Zealand has the best sighted trout fishery in the world with fantastic dry fly and nymph fishing. The Hanmer River Valley two hours drive north of Christchurch on the South Island is up there with the best of them. Large and wily Brown trout inhabit the Hanmer, Waiau and other rivers in the area and 5lb catches are common.

Each season a few lucky anglers land a number of 10lb brutes.

The waters are crystal clear and mountain feed and the valley is usually under snow each winter. The back drop is spectacular mountain scenery which makes it a pure joy even when the fish are not biting.

The river fly fishing season begins on the 1st of October and ends on the 30th of April, thus the season starts in spring, moves to summer and ends in autumn. Early in the season the rivers are generally running higher due to snow melt and the fish are less likely to spook as they have not seen an angler for a few months. Nymph fishing is popular at this time.

During the summer months of December to February dry fly fishing is more popular as insect life has increased due to warmer temperatures. The evening rise can be very productive over summer.

Late in the season it is dry fly, terrestrials & small nymph time with cooler days and fewer anglers around.

Accommodation

The lodge is perched on a ledge overlooking the river valley. Thus it combines stunning views with luxury accommodation, fine cuisine and great hospitality. This unique lodge is built using an abundance of local timber and stone and offers the warmth and ambience of a fishing lodge of days gone by.

The property offers five bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms, a large lounge with stone log fire, pool room, large outdoor decks and lovely gardens.

The day starts with a hearty home-style breakfast before heading out with your guide. Lunch will be provided by the guide in the field and each evening guests can relax and enjoy fine dining whilst watching magical sunsets from the lodge. The property is just 8 klm from Hammer Springs, a quaint alpine tourist village with many attractions.

Guides

The guides are locals who have spent years honing their skills on the local waters which they now know intimately. They will teach you what you need to know and it does not matter whether you are an experienced fly fisher or just beginning.

Equipment

The lodge has a limited selection of fly fishing equipment for guests to use. Feel free to bring along you own equipment.

Other Activities

• Wine Tasting
• Horse Riding
• Golf
• Tennis/Squash
• Rafting/Canoeing
• Tramping / Hiking

• Cycling / Mountain Biking
• Hanmer Hot Springs

Getting there

We can arrange transfers and self drive hire cars from Christchurch which is 2 hours from the lodge. Christchurch is a Domestic and International airport.

Other destinations

Many clients choose to visit other destinations whilst in the country. Why not visit the North Island of New Zealand as well which is a very different fly fishing experience. Please see our North Island pages for Lake Taupo, Tongariro River and Rotorua Lakes.

Pricing

	Cost
4 nights/3 days	From NZD$2820
7 nights/6 days	From NZD$5200
Prices are per person on a twin share basis. Various packages available. Prices are indicative only. Please contact us for possible update.

Our price includes the following:

• Accommodation
• All meals from dinner on first night to breakfast on last day
• The use of all lodge facilities,
• Professional fishing guide (max 2 clients per guide)
• GST