PORONUI LODGE
When we close our eyes and imagine what a luxury fishing lodge in New Zealand should look like, a place like Poronui comes to mind. What began as a rustic fishing camp on the banks of the Taharua River has evolved into a sophisticated world-class wilderness fishing destination that is also set in an absolutely idyllic setting.
The Māori heritage runs deep in Poronui; in fact, much of the land around the property is owned by Māori. Fishermen can enjoy privileged access to much of this area and 25 miles of water in Poronui. The rivers that flow through the scenic Ka’imanawa Range on the North Island are completely unspoiled, filled with rainbow trout as well as brown trout, and can be accessed on foot or by helicopter. Camping options are also available for adventurous anglers looking for an authentic wilderness experience.
TONGARIRO LODGE
Steeped in a rich heritage of fly fishing, Tongariro Lodge has been around for decades and is a favorite among dedicated anglers, former presidents and even royalty. This traditional fishing lodge is ideally located on the banks of the world-famous Tongariro River, which flows into the large Lake Taupo and offers fishing opportunities throughout the year. It is ideally situated in an area that is famous for its robust rainbow trout fishery.
Indeed, the first rainbow trout introduced to New Zealand were first brought to the region from North American stocks in the 1880s and have been thriving ever since. And while Oncorhunchus mykiss is undoubtedly a symbol for the region, the Taupo catchment also boasts a strong brook trout population. For decades, anglers have gravitated to the central North Island plateau to chase the trophy trout that live in the area, and Tongariro Lodge has always been one of the most popular places for them to put their feet up at the end of a long… and productive – day of fishing.
OWEN RIVER LODGE
Every detail of Owen River Lodge has been thoughtfully designed with fishing in mind – the lodge prides itself on being one of the best brook trout fishing destinations in New Zealand (and it’s easy to see why). Located in the Owen Valley in the Nelson Lakes region of the South Island, this lodge has access to no less than 25 exceptional rivers and spring streams, all within an hour’s drive.
MINARET STATION
For an exclusive adventure unlike any other, look no further than Minaret Station Alpine Lodge. This special destination exemplifies the best of super-luxury and rustic comfort and is located at the beginning of a beautiful glacial valley in the mountains (but you can only get there by helicopter).
It is one of the most authentic, exclusive and secluded locations we could ever offer; indeed, it is the first and best destination of its kind in New Zealand. Minaret Station was founded by the legendary Wallis family of Whanaka and was built on a rich tradition of outdoor heritage – the family still owns and operates the Lodge as well as one of the largest helicopter fleets in the country. As a result, helicopters are an integral part of this experience as they allow guests to enjoy a wide range of unique outdoor activities, from biking (downhill), hiking and of course fishing some of the cleanest and most remote trout rivers on earth.
CEDAR LODGE
If it’s good enough to be mentioned in a book called “Fifty Fly Fishing Places to Go Before You Die,” it’s probably a place worth considering when traveling to New Zealand. Cedar Lodge is unique for many reasons, but one thing that sets it apart from other fishing lodges is that they are the only ones on the South Island that are owner operated and run by helicopter fishing, which greatly reduces the cost of this extravagant and exciting way of fishing.