Enjoy immediate access to some of the best fly fishing waters in New Zealand.

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Enjoy immediate access to some of the best fly fishing waters in New Zealand.

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Seth Berger

Stonefly Lodge


Phone icon1-800-547-4322 Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm (ET) Email iconorvistravel@orvis.com Link iconstoneflylodge.co.nz
Item #2BJL0000

The Story

New Zealand's Stonefly Lodge combines world-class fly fishing with luxury accommodation and fine cuisine. Stonefly Lodge is one of only a few fly-fishing lodges that have been accredited with the "Luxury Lodges of New Zealand" membership.


The Fly Fishing

This region receives more sunlight than any other part of New Zealand and is graced with incredible mountains and crystal clear waters flowing through numerous rivers and streams inhabited by wild trout. This combination of pleasant weather, scenery, and trout fishing opportunities has made this part of New Zealand a favorite with knowledgeable anglers, many of whom visit annually.

On a typical day, skilled anglers have a realistic chance of catching two to three fish, averaging four to seven pounds. Each fish will likely present enough challenge to make it interesting, but this type of fishing requires a bit of patience and persistence on the angler's part. Trout fishing in New Zealand is often a game of finding the fish and this sometimes calls for some hiking. Blind fishing is not common, or productive, in New Zealand, and with fish that average much larger than fish in the US, it is sometimes necessary to cover some water in order to find them. Don't be surprised if you walk ¼ mile between fish, or if once you find a fish, you get only a few casts to try and entice them to take your fly. It is this challenge that most skilled anglers truly enjoy and what makes fly fishing in New Zealand truly unique.

Heli-fishing is popular in New Zealand and allows anglers to reach more remote areas where the larger trout often reside. In New Zealand, unlike the US, larger fish are often found in the headwaters of rivers and streams. The farther upstream you go, usually the bigger the fish get. Since most headwaters are in remote regions with very limited access, a helicopter is usually the best way to reach the larger fish. It is also a wonderful way to see the spectacular scenery of the area. We encourage you to consider at least one day of heli-fishing during your stay at Stonefly Lodge. Heli-fishing is best booked on-site, in consultation with your guide, and the rates vary depending on the destination and size of your party. The helicopter departs from the lodge's private helipad and flights can be arranged on short notice. Many anglers say the flight alone and the spectacular scenery is worth the trip.

Stonefly lodge stocks a full range of waders, boots, rods, and reels for guest use. Your guide will have all the flies required for the fishing days.

All of the fly-fishing guides at Stonefly Lodge are members of the NZ Professional Guides Association and are hand selected for their vast experience of the local waters, ability to stalk and spot trout, and individual personality.

Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.

Learn More

Click here to learn more about our reservations, deposits and our cancellation and refund policy.

Accommodations:

Architecturally designed and engineered, the Lodge is built from natural stone and timber acquired from the 350 acre property. Stonefly Lodge is designed to meet the needs of the most discerning traveler and yet provide home comforts with personalized hospitality from the experienced hosts.

This multi-award winning lodge has been recognized for excellence in its environmental sensitive development and environmental sustainability. The total complex is powered by alternative energy sources built on-site to reduce the project's environmental footprint.

The Lodge interior focuses on the large stone double sided fireplace which provides the ambiance to the games room, dining room and sunroom. A large open kitchen adjoining the dining area offers the relaxed atmosphere where guest dine together, or private dining opportunities can also be catered for. Breakfasts can be served on the guest room private balcony. The cuisine is made fresh from the extensive garden with home made produce, local quality meats and fresh seasonal seafood. Special diets are easily catered for.

Complete with library, a snooker table, and the "Matai Bar", guests will have the ideal setting to relax after an exciting days fly fishing or after exploring the numerous sites and attractions of the local region. Four guest rooms are located upstairs complete with ensuites, heated towel rails, and private balconies overlooking the Motueka River and surrounding mountains.

The upper landing area above the dining room provides a quiet secluded place to utilize our fly tying area and guest computer or just indulge in a game of chess or relax with a good book, before retiring to your accommodation.

The lodge has been designed for entertainment and will be an ideal "sole use" facility for groups up to eight.


Food & Drink:

Our focus in the evening is on the cuisine. Guests dine together at the large guest table, central to the ground floor and faces the open plan kitchen and central fire place.

We provide a selection of canapes with complimentary drinks in the lounge / bar area usually around 7pm, followed by a 4 course gourmet dinner each night. The menu changes each night with the chefs catering for all the guests specific dietary requirements and preferences. Breakfast is a combination of continental and a full cooked to order country breakfast. Lunch is provided for the fisherman by way of a pack lunch carried by the guide, and enjoyed on the side of the river between fishing holes.

The lodge has it's own glass houses and provides a good proportion of the fruit and vegetables from our extensive gardens. Our head chef has extensive international experience, having worked in London, New York, Sydney and New Zealand. His focus is on fresh, natural products sourced locally, and all the breads, pasta, pastries, sorbets, and ice creams are made on site.

Our wine list boast fine wines from New Zealand and around the world.

What is Provided:

Our accommodation rates at Stonefly Lodge are inclusive of: Luxury Accommodation, full cooked country breakfast, pre dinner drinks with canapes, and a 4 course gourmet dinner. Our guided fishing rates include: a professional guide, 4WD transfers to the rivers and streams, a pack lunch, and use of all lodge fishing gear, (waders , boots, Helios 3 rods and ORVIS Reels).

Transfers to the lodge can be arranged but are not included in the rates.


Gear Recommendations:

Stonefly Lodge provides all the gear for fly fishing , however for guests wanting to use their own gear we suggest:

Rods 5 -6 weight, 8ft 6' to 9ft.

Reels Reels should hold 100 metres plus of backing and have a good drag system.

Fly Line Floating line to suit the rod weight, with double taper or weight forward most suitable. We recommend the use of dull natural colours such as olive, green or grey. Leaders Should be 9ft to 14ft tapered down to 10lb (3X), tippets would vary from 6lb to 2lb (5X) depending on the water being fished.

Waders Good quality breathable waders.

Boots Studded rubber soles rather than felt soles are now required on New Zealand waters.

Vest We recommend vests with natural or camouflage colours as with any other type of clothing.

Flies Your fly fishing guide will provide advice on which fly to use on each occasion, and flies will be available from the Lodge. Please contact us for our extensive fact sheet on flies, (sizes and colours) for this region. The Lodge has anextensive fly tying station for guests who would like to tie their own special flies.


What to Bring:

Misc: Polaroid glasses, insect repellent, wide brim hat, raincoat, sunblock cream, and a camera to capture the unforgettable moments.

The lodge stocks logo-ed ORVIS guide shirts, and we provide complimentary fishing caps.

Season:

Peak season: 15th December to 14th March
Shoulder season: 1st October to 14th December, 15th March to 30th April


Species:

Predominantly large wild brown trout, with one river that is accessible by Helicopter has a good quantity of Rainbow trout.


Region/Terrain:

Stonefly Lodge is centrally located between Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park covering the north-west corner of the South Island of New Zealand. Both parks are world renown for holding large wild brown trout and offering both spectacular scenery and unbelievable fly fishing experiences.

The wide choice of rivers available from Stonefly Fishing Lodge enables guests to experience relatively gentle flowing easy access rivers to more adventurous back country streams requiring more accurate casting and a suitable level of fitness. The location also allows a wide choice of rivers from different catchment systems enabling the fly fishing guides to pick the most appropriate fly fishing destination according to the anglers experience, current weather patterns, and various river flow rates at a particular time of year.

The lodge sits on the banks of the mighty Motueka river between the confluence of Wangapeka River and the Baton river allowing guests to access spectacular fly fishing close by many other streams.

Nelson Lakes
Nelson Lakes consists of 250,000 acres of wilderness and is mainly a no fly zone so 4WD is the main method of access however some really exciting backcountry rivers are accessible by boat across the lakes.

Kauhurangi National Park This national park consists of 1 million acres of wild pristine wilderness, literally packed with backcountry rivers and streams only accessible by a three-day hike or helicopter fly in from our helipad at Stonefly Lodge which is the closest helipad to this region.

Detailed river list at: https://www.stoneflylodge.co.nz/rivers_and_seasons.htm


Typical Weather:

The lodge is open from 1st October to 30th April each year. October and November are our Spring months with average expected temperature to be 18 degrees C, or 63 degrees F. Mid December to mid March is considered our summer with average daily temperature expected to be 26 degrees C, or 76 degrees F. April (fall) has an average temperature of 18 degrees C, or 63 degrees F. Our heaviest rainfall often occurs in early spring, (August & September), each year.

Season & Rates:

Season:

November 1st – March 31st

  • Holiday Season: December 20th – January 4th, exclusive use only
  • High Season: November 1st – December 19th and January 5th – March 31st

Rates:

All prices are in NZD. Call Orvis Adventures for specials.

  • Holiday Season (exclusive use only): $8,000 per night
  • High Season: $1,190 per person/night, double occupancy
  • Guided Fishing: $950 per day
  • Heli-Fishing: Available upon request. The rate is determined by the time taken in the helicopter to the remote site and the number of people on each flight so this price can only be worked out on an individual cost basis when booked.

Included:

  • Accommodations
  • Guided fishing (if scheduled)
  • All meals
  • Pre-dinner drinks and appetizers, and house beer and wine with dinner
  • Use of all fishing equipment
  • Wi-Fi
  • Local Taxes

Not included:

  • Airfare
  • Airport transfers (can be arranged)
  • Heli-fishing
  • Guided excursions
  • Fishing License
  • Laundry
  • Travel Insurance

Other:

All our guided fishing is catch and release. Free wifi within the Lodge Parking space available for guests Guests may stroll down to the river in front of the Lodge for a chance at catching a trout.


Additional Activities:

Stonefly Lodge is located central to 3 National Parks, offering a wide selection of guided and unguided hikes and we have 28 wineries and 24 boutique art and craft studious within an hours drive of the lodge. Other activities available from the lodge are helicopter tours for Lord of the Rings sites, white water rafting , horse riding, and sea kayaking. On site we have 18 km of hiking trails within our 350 acre property, and in- room massage service for those weary bodies after a full day's activity from Stonefly Lodge.

Reservations, Deposits & Payments

The deposit is 50% of the trip price unless stated differently in the trip proposal and materials (trip planner and confirmation email). In some cases, deposits are non-refundable, this depends on the destination and will be clearly noted in the trip proposal and materials as well. Deposits may be made by check or credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. The balance of the trip cost is due 90 days before departure, except where specified differently on individual itineraries. The balance will be charged automatically to the credit card used for the deposit, unless otherwise specified. Any changes made to the method of payment after the final balance has been collected are subject to processing fees.

A reservation form and release are required prior to departure.

All prices must be paid in U.S. dollars. Deposits are not transferable from one trip to another.

Prices quoted are based on foreign exchange values and tariffs currently in effect and prices are subject to change. Orvis Adventures reserves the right to adjust prices accordingly until the time of departure.

Planning information

When your reservation is confirmed, you will receive planning information to guide you through trip preparations. Details about arrival and departure, clothing and equipment, trip cancellation insurance, pre- and post- trip extensions, visas and documents and activities are included in the planning information.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Although cancellation fees may be higher for some trips (stated in the trip proposal and materials), the following minimum cancellation fees will apply:

Days Prior to Trip Fee
+ 90 days $300 per person
89 days or less 100% of cost

For trips that include an Orvis gift card or Orvis merchandise, the retail value of the gift card or merchandise is non-refundable upon delivery. Cancellation fees cannot be waived for any reason, including health, business or personal emergencies, or weather.

We strongly urge you to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

No refunds will be made for unused portions of a trip, including late arrival or early departure. Guide fees and hotel costs are not refundable if unused as outlined in the itinerary. Orvis reserves the right to modify an itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control. In the unlikely event that Orvis must cancel a tour, all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes a full settlement.

Orvis is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation of any canceled trip, including airline tickets and visas fees.

Cancellation Insurance

Your planning information includes information for travel insurance covering cancel for any reason, cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, lost baggage and medical evacuation. We urge you to obtain this coverage.

Share policies

Trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms & cabins are limited. If you request a single room, a single supplement will apply as noted in the itinerary. We will confirm the single room as early as possible, but in some cases it may not be earlier than 30 days prior to the trip. If you request a roommate, we can usually pair you with another guest of the same gender, and no single supplement will apply. If you request a roommate, and one is not available, we will only charge you the single supplement if required by the lodge or facility used in the trip.

Children under 18 must share a room with a parent or other family member. In some cases this may be waived.

Passports and documents

International trips require a passport. Check your passport early and make sure it has six months validity at the time of travel. A visa is needed in some countries and we will send you complete details and instructions.

Arrival and Departure

Group transfers from a central location such as an airport are described in the itinerary, and are included in the land cost.. Transfers are not included in the land cost if you arrive early or leave after the scheduled departure day.

Equipment & Clothing

You will receive a detailed list of appropriate gear with your trip planning information.

Airline reservations

The land cost of your trip does not include airfare.

Limitation of liability

This section defines Orvis Travel’s responsibility with regard to all travel arrangements made by Orvis Travel, including individual travel and pre- and post- trip extensions. Please read it carefully.

Upon sending your deposit to Orvis Travel, you acknowledge that you have read and understand all the terms and conditions outlined here, and agree to be bound by them.

All trips that involve outdoor sporting activities such as shooting or fishing, or travel through remote places by vehicle, boat, small plane or on foot, put you at risk for accidents and serious injuries in the normal course of the activity. That is the nature of travel to such destinations and you acknowledge that you accept these hazards as a condition of participation.

Orvis Travel, its Owners, Employees, Associates and Agents give notice that they act only as the agent for the owners, contractors and suppliers providing means of transportation and/or other services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly from: acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers.

Baggage and personal effects, including items purchased, guns, fishing equipment or sporting goods are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times and no employee/agent of Orvis Travel, its subsidiaries, affiliated or associated companies is authorized to accept these for storage, safekeeping, or transportation.

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