As our spring and summer seasons approach the New Zealand trout fly fishing season draws to a close. Large wild brown trout make their way up rivers into the headwaters and side streams getting ready to spawn, and rainbow trout sit in the deeper pools to overwinter before spawning in the early spring.

It is during this time that we can plan our next adventures for the following season, there is a wealth of opportunity across both the north and south islands for the fisher and non-fisher. Have you always wanted to visit New Zealand but not yet made, or looking for something different? Here are a few ideas to inspire you…

North Island Fly Fishing

Poronui Ranch

Poronui Ranch is a luxury fly fishing lodge nestled in the Taharua valley south-east of Taupo on New Zealand’s spectacular North Island, offering guests exclusive access to trophy trout in privately owned and managed waters.

The 16,000 acre property is one of the best fishing lodges New Zealand has to offer and has been a favoured fishing and hunting ground for both ancient Maori tribes, and since 1877, the English settlers. The landscape at Poronui is as varied as the sky is big. Crystal clear mountain water tumbles through forests of beech and native ferns, then twists its way through alpine meadows of wild grasses on the valley floor.

What makes dry fly trout fishing at Poronui Ranch so special is the exclusive and immediate access to so many of New Zealand’s best quality fishing waters and guides. The property has almost 25 miles of private water with a mix of wild rainbows and browns. It is also possible to arrange heli-trips if you would like to.

Tongariro Lodge

The lodge sits on the banks of the Tongariro River, established in 1982, it is surrounded by the beautiful Tongariro National Park. For 30 years it has had an excellent reputation for good dining, accommodation, quality outdoor activities and the very best in New Zealand trout fishing guides.

This famous New Zealand fishing lodge provides private comfortable lodge accommodation in one bedroom chalets and 2 to 5 bedroom villas, all with private facilities and views of the Tongariro River or mountains beyond. The lodge is the ideal venue for fishermen, but also offers a wide selection of family adventures.

The Tongariro Lodge Guides provide access to over 40 rivers and three Lakes, offering the most diverse range of rainbow and brown trout fly fishing opportunities in New Zealand. The crystal clear waters make the fishing for large rainbow and brown trout very exciting as you watch each twitch of the fin and flick of the tail. The Taupo region is a year round fishery famous for its salmon like trout runs in the autumn and winter months to spawn in the head water of the rivers.

Cavalli Beach House

The Cavalli Beach House Retreat is situated on the iconic Far North coast in the spectacular Bay of Islands region of New Zealand. The lodge fits beautifully into the fully landscaped surroundings on an absolute beachfront site which takes advantage of the stunning views of the private Rapaki Bay, the Mahinepua scenic reserve peninsula and the Cavalli Islands beyond.

The retreat offers fresh delicious cuisine in the shared dining area, a fabulous way to enjoy fresh local produce, quality wines and share in the company of other guests and your hosts.

It is very easy to relax at Cavalli Beach House and with in-house massage services and a more adventurous range of activities available that can recommended and arranged onsite including saltwater fishing.

South Island Fly Fishing

Owen River Lodge

Owen River Lodge is located near Murchison, in the Nelson Lakes area of the South Island New Zealand. While mountains and forests abound, the area enjoys a remarkably mild climate. The lodge is a boutique contemporary styled 5 star rated fishing lodge which opened in November 2003. The views from the Lodge and guest cottage suites are breath-taking, with sensational outlooks to the Owen River, the valley, Mount Owen & the Kahurangi National Park.

The lodge sits on the bank of the Owen River and with almost a kilometre of river frontage. It is an ideal locale for that quiet after-dinner cast during the evening rise. The food at Owen River Lodge could best be described as stunning.

Within the grounds at Owen River Lodge, just past the organic herb and vegetable gardens you will find the massage/therapy room & the outdoor Jacuzzi/spa. To ensure your absolute privacy, guests are accommodated in six purpose built guest cottage suites which are located in the garden. Each comes complete with stunning views of the river, the valley and the mountains beyond.

Minaret Station

Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is the epitome of comfort and luxurious accommodation in the wilds of the Southern Alps. Only accessible by helicopter the lodge treats guests, both those staying at the luxury lodge as well as those partaking in one of its many Alpine adventures to an authentic Alpine experience.

Guests staying at Minaret Station’s luxury lodge are hosted either exclusively, or as part of a group, in any one of the four luxuriously appointed Alpine Chalets. The individual Chalets are separately positioned amongst native alpine grasses and herb fields, each harnessing unique vistas of the valley and surrounds.

The location is perfect to explore the great New Zealand outdoors with a plethora of onsite activities available to guests. From fantastic hikes, mountain biking, heli-tours, guided fishing and hunting through to jet boating and skiing (in the winter).

Stonefly Lodge

Stonefly Lodge is situated on 150 acres of private forest just 50 minutes from Nelson. It offers the complete package for visitors from around the world looking to experience fly fishing in New Zealand. With beautiful views, 5 star accommodation on the banks of the Motueka River, the lodge offers a world-class stay. Exactly what you deserve when fly fishing and exploring Abel Tasman and the surrounding landscape of the region.

This region repeatedly records the most sunshine hours of all of New Zealand, combined with the crystal clear waters and dozens of rivers and streams to choose from, the guided fly fishing experience offered from Stonefly Lodge can be most memorable. The average brown trout in this region is 4 lbs – 5 lbs, with fish of 8 lbs+ quite common and the chance of a trophy 10 lbs+ brown trout only a cast away.

The location for the Lodge was chosen not only because of the unique river setting but because of its central position in relation to the main attractions of the wider region which are the three major national parks, and Nelson’s regional wineries all within an hour’s drive from the lodge.

For more details about New Zealand and to begin planning for your next trip please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.