Several things make the Murchison area a great fly fishing destination. New Zealand has the best sighted trout fishery in the world with fantastic dry fly and nymph fishing.
There are literally hundreds of rivers, streams and lakes in the Murchison region most accessible by road, boat or helicopter. The location is truly spectacular with magnificent mountain backdrops, forests and a remarkably mild climate.
The famous American author/angler Zane Grey described New Zealand as an "Angler's Eldorado". He was right on the mark - especially when you look at the trout fishery. You may have heard New Zealand's rivers described as being "Gin Clear" - well its true!
Imagine stalking a 10lb brown trout, in water so clear, that water which looks 2 feet deep is actually up to your waist! The region is renowned as a brown trout fishery, with the average trout size ranging from 3lb-6lb (there's nothing average about that!). And our fishery has granted many an angler's dream of landing a 10 pounder.
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.
The variation in seasons/weather and trout diet/ behaviour means that there are 3 distinct "seasons" within the fishing year.
Early Season: October and November - Early season fishing in New Zealand has some advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, the fish haven't seen an angler for 5 months. Due to snow melt and rain, the rivers are running high - making crossing the larger ones challenging (or downright out of the question!) At this time of the year the weather is changeable, make sure you bring your dull-coloured rain coat. It's early in the season that trout seem to love big nymphs - the stone fly is a classic early season fly. Typically 75% of your catch will be using a nymph under an indicator.
Mid Season: December to February - This is the time for classic dry fly fishing at its best. The rivers have dropped a little, the weather is warmer and more stable, insect life has increased. Mid season should see you catch 80% of your fish using a dry. The Parachute Adams is the classic NZ dry. This time of year will also see terrestrials like cicadas making guest appearances on the water. "Stubborn" fish may need to be encouraged with a small tungsten nymph under a dry or indicator. With all this dry fly action, it will come as no surprise to you that the fishing pressure increases.
Late Season: March and April - Dry fly, terrestrials and small nymph time! There's a good chance of mayfly activity on some waters. The weather is less stable than mid season, though river heights should still be comfortable. It's starting to cool, however truly icy weather is a rarity in the Murchison district at this time of year. The changing weather conditions means you need to adapt to the conditions of the day. The good news is that most of the overseas anglers have departed, so the angling pressure is lessened.
Accommodation
The Lodge is a boutique, contemporary styled fly fishing lodge, which opened in November 2003. It is located in the Owen Valley, of the Murchison district of the South Island in New Zealand. This unique location places us right in the middle of the best trout fishery in the world. It is situated 2 kilometres down a country lane from the main highway, a leisurely 75 minute drive from Nelson or approximately 3.5 hours from Christchurch.
To ensure your absolute privacy, guests are accommodated in cottages located in the garden with stunning views of the river, the valley and the mountains beyond. The cottages were constructed in 2003, when the lodge was extensively refurbished. The luxuriously appointed cottages are just a short stroll from the lodge bar and dining room.
The cottages are configured with either a king-size double bed or twin king-size single beds. There are 6 cottages, giving a total capacity of 12 guests. The cottage design emphasises timber and space, accentuated by the exposed beam ceilings. They are equipped with en-suites bathrooms, reverse cycle air conditioner, ironing facilities, an alarm clock (so you won't miss the morning polaroiding), and tea and coffee making facilities.
Everybody knows that the way to an angler's heart is through their stomach! Naturally, your stay at the lodge includes all your meals. The Nelson region produces some of the best produce and quality wine in the world. We focus on featuring the best of New Zealand produce.
Before you take on the rivers, take on our country style hearty breakfasts. Choose from fresh fruit, cereals, muesli, fresh breads and eggs done every which way. We'll pack you a picnic style lunch for you to enjoy whilst on the river, a real feed, not just a snack. New Zealand's unique cuisine has grown from a fusion of highly distinct cultures - Maori, Polynesian, Asian and every kind of European. We call the cuisine that emerges from this fusion - Pacifica cuisine. Enjoy pre dinner nibbles by the bar, sharing the day's adventures with other guests. Then, after a day walking and fishing, we know you're going to look forward to a great meal.
Your host Felix Borenstein and his staff and guides are a friendly professional team who will do everything they can to make you fishing adventure a memorable one.
Guides
The secret to maximising your fishing experience is to use an experienced fishing guide. We have been fortunate to secure the services of some of New Zealand's most experienced, knowledgeable and friendly guides.
All of 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 weather you are an experienced fly fisher or just beginning.
Equipment
The lodge has a selection of brand new fly fishing equipment for our guests to use free of charge. This includes fishing boots, waders of all sizes, rain coat/jackets, 5, 6 and 7 weight fly rods and wide arbour reels. Please email us before you depart home, just to make sure we have your size available at the lodge.
Feel free to bring along you own equipment. A list of what is recommended in New Zealand can be emailed to you on request.
Other Activities
- Wine Tasting
- Horse Riding
- Golf
- Tennis/Squash
- Rafting/Canoeing
- Tramping / Hiking
- Cycling / Mountain Biking
- Hot air ballooning, skydiving, and gliding
- Caving
- Massage and Beauty Therapy
Getting There
We can arrange transfers and self drive hire cars from Nelson which is 75 mins from the lodge or from Christchurch which is 3.5 hours away. Both are major airports with Nelson being Domestic only and Christchurch being Domestic and international.
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 product pages.