Lodge recommendations for NZ

Hi all, I am planning my first trip over to New Zeland this year and was wondering if anyone cares to make a recommendation on any lodges they may have stayed in or heard good reports on?

cheers

Marcus

Hi,
try this - lots of recommendations from Oz visitors to NZ.
[url=http://www.OwenRiverLodge.co.nz:1ca07]www.OwenRiverLodge.co.nz[/url:1ca07]

"If fishing is a sport, then I must be an athlete"

If you want further details, try [url=http://www.flylife.com.au,:d1b01]www.flylife.com.au,[/url:d1b01] the forum there is generally similar in tone and of an equally high standard to this one. They cover AS/NZ fishing well and you will read a number of good reports about Owen river lodge

VR

dave

I may never get over there, but I did really enjoy that Owens River site. Great pics!

Brian http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/smile.gif

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[url=http://bowcrow.tripod.com:842b0]Bowcrow Fishing Adventures[/url:842b0]

Mjz; Try going to. fishandgame.org.nz
This will allow you to contact the F and G guys in the area you will be fishing in. Hopefully they can help you. If not, E-Mail me and I'll try to give you some assistance. Have Fun. Jax

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I'm a much better Fly fisher when talking fishing, than when I'm Actually Fly fishing!

It all depends where you want to go. So many different types of water in dofferent areas from backcountry to metropolitan rivers.

Thank you for the positive feedback.
We only opened last season and have had a huge amount of support.

I am happy to provide references from guests that have stayed - if your interested
(from Australia, UK & USA)

FlyLife and Freshwater Fishing (Australian magazines) have both done "reviews" of the lodge - and more importantly our fishery.

Please check out my web site for copies of their reviews

Felix

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.........................

Owen River Lodge
Fly Fishing at its very best
Owen Valley East Road, Murchison
South Island, New Zealand
Tel:+ 64 3 523 9075
[url=http://www.OwenRiverLodge.co.nz:e9653]www.OwenRiverLodge.co.nz[/url:e9653]


[This message has been edited by OwenRiverLodge (edited 07 February 2005).]

If you're going to the South Island I can highly recommend Fiordland Lodge and Ron Peacock as a guide.

I met the owners of the Tongarira Lodge while fishing around Smithers, BC. I was not impressed with them. I would not fish with them at any price.

Most Americans go in January. It is quieter after February. Flyin gout by helicopter gets expensive. I suggest that you find out how much water you can access without having to go by chopper. That way, if you get tired of a river or want variety, the water is up, or the fish have lockjaw, you have affordable options.

I have always like Australians better than Kiwis. I believe that they have more persoanlity and are more fun to be around. Perhaps it is just my funloving nature/personality, but the Kiwis are too serious and often a little on the pompous side compared to the Aussies. I believe that the Aussies are some of the more enjoyable on-American people to be around. I might be inclined to fish with the Owen River Lodge boys just because they are Aussies.

[This message has been edited by Rawthumb (edited 07 February 2005).]

You'll hear nuttin but good reviews of owen river lodge, everybody i hear talk about owen river lodge are glowing reviews. They have alot of repeat customers as well, I'm saving for a visit :-)

I agree with Rawthumb regarding Heli fishing.

Before I decided to move here and open a lodge - I fished the region - 3 weeks a year for 7 years - and every trip was without a chopper.

I've had some fantastic fishing days fishing rivers that run right next to public roads as well as more remote streams that meant a 1 >2 hour walk in/out.

There have been days of huge hatches -catching 15 all on the dry & one special day when I landed a 12.5 lb & a 11.75lb brown...........

One of the great things about the fishery in New zealand is the lack of "private waters".

Basically 98% of tghe rivers are available for public use. Obviously quite alot of them are in wilderness regions that require alot of walking.

The sheer size of the fishery here (There are approx 30 streams you can fish - without a chopper within a 1 hour drive of the lodge) means that you are pretty much spolit for choice.

(Early this week, one of our guests caught an 8.5lb brownie on the river VERY close to the lodge)

It also means that if it's raining at the lodge - you can still generally wind clear water near by.

Have fun

Felix

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.........................

Owen River Lodge
Fly Fishing at its very best
Owen Valley East Road, Murchison
South Island, New Zealand
Tel:+ 64 3 523 9075
[url=http://www.OwenRiverLodge.co.nz:e7b77]www.OwenRiverLodge.co.nz[/url:e7b77]


[This message has been edited by OwenRiverLodge (edited 07 February 2005).]

In defense of kiwis

We get a lot of american tourists who are embarrassing as representatives of the States, they feel as visitors they have the right to be rude, arrogant and impatient. On the whole we are relaxed. We laugh at ourselves and are friendly. Guaranteed way to get the back up on a kiwi is to be demanding, you have to go with the flow. We dont care how much of your hard earned cash you paid to a travel agent to get here, thats not the point. You are coming to another country with a different culture we ask you to respect that. Kiwis and the NZ government are constantly bullied by the US government and some citizens. We are not some banana republic nor do we appreciate being treating like idiots. We are neither and do not appreciate being treated as such. Kiwis have a dry sense of humour, its not in your face and it may be going right over your head.
FYI American angling tourists have a proven bad reputation on NZ waters for expecting everyone else out there to get out of their way because they are paying to be there. Of course there will be suspicion on the rivers and lakes if you even hint at behaving like that.



[This message has been edited by Jo (edited 07 February 2005).]

In defense of Kiwis.

I agree with what Jo has said. I recently spent a month overseas in both Australia and New Zealand. Had a great time in both countries, met some wonderful people, and was treated very well. I have to agree that many Americans abroad can be demanding and arrogant. The Kiwi's are wonderful people. Give respect-Get respect.

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John G.
Albuquerque, NM




[This message has been edited by Fishnfool (edited 08 February 2005).]