Trip Overview

In the heart of New Zealand's South Island, located 1 hour from Wanaka and 2 hours from the adrenalin capital of the world Queenstown, the lodge's 5 acre property lies along side the banks of the Makarora River and is bounded by the majestic Mt. Aspiring National Park. This is prime fly fishing territory. New Zealand trout are wild; both Rainbow and Brown Trout reside in the pristine waters near the Lodge. In fact, it's not unusual to see both species occupying the same pool or run. Almost all of the fishing requires angler and guide to stalk the fish, locate their target, carefully prepare for the presentation of the fly, and anxiously anticipate the strike.

The Lodge's fly-in helicopter concession affords anglers total mobility to remote waters where the lack of other fishermen permits unencumbered angling and numerous fishing options. It's the only owner operated heli-fishing lodge on the South Island. Pilots and guides collaborate each morning to find the best water for the day.

While New Zealand trout are not easy to catch and can be quite spooky, long casts are not the norm. Most casts are made between 25-45ft. The first cast is always the most important, so the guides will carefully position and coach anglers so that they can make an optimal presentation. Whilst a 10-pound plus trout is a rarity, guests will fish at trout that are consistently in the 3-6lb ranges. And from time to time some are fortunate enough to land the "big one".

Package

Your typical day begins with early coffee and an ample breakfast. Beginning around 8:45am the Lodge's helicopter begins shuttling guests from the helipad located just a few feet away from the lodge to spectacular fly-fishing locations. Depending upon river and weather conditions flights may be as short as 10 minutes and as long as 40 minutes.

Streamside lunches are served amidst the rising, bush clad mountainsides, spectacular waterfalls, and the lush native Beech forests of the river valleys. Nowhere else in the world can large, wild, Rainbow and Brown trout be caught on a dry fly in such a pristine environment. At the end of the day the helicopter picks you up streamside, and you are safely returned to the comforts of your home away from home. Soon after guests are greeted with hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and dinner.