Stonefly Lodge

Overview

Stonefly Lodge is the most highly accredited fly fishing lodge in New Zealand, it offers the complete package for any fly fishing enthusiast, providing expert guiding and instruction for the novice or experienced fly fisherman. Situated on the banks of the Motueka river in the South Island, the lodge offers access to dozens of world class brown trout rivers, spectacular New Zealand scenery and wilderness activities, all within an hours drive from the lodge.  Relax in luxury accommodation, and enjoy gourmet cuisine with professional friendly staff after an exhilarating day of fishing and activities.

Fishing & Guiding

Guided Fly Fishing in this region of New Zealand is world renowned for its spectacular fly fishing locations. Stalking and casting dry flies to big wild brown trout in crystal clear water is a fly fisherman’s dream come true.

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 Fishing Lodge can be most memorable. Average catch size of brown trout close to the lodge is approx 4lb-6lb, with catches of 8lb plus quite common and the chance of a trophy 10lb brown trout may only be a cast away.

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 various flow rates at a particular time of year.

Whilst the lodge is surrounded by many rivers and streams accessible by a short 4WD excursion from the lodge, the lodge’s own helipad and the close proximity to Kahurangi National Park provides the opportunity for anglers to experience heli – fishing at it’s very best. Kahurangi National Park consists of 1 million acres of pristine wilderness with literally dozens and dozens of back country rivers and streams only accessible by helicopter or a 4 day hike in. Remote – like you’ve never experienced before. Your heli trip from the lodge can take you past “Lord of the Rings “ film sites and scenery only New Zealand can offer. Expect to cast to trout in the 6-10Lb range.

All the team of 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, their ability to stalk and spot trout, and their individual personality. 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.

Accommodation & Dining

Luxury accommodation is provided up stairs with 4 guest rooms all with spectacular views from private balconies overlooking the Motueka River and beyond to the Mt Arthur Range in Kahurangi National Park. Fine linen sheets, top quality duvets, hand crafted furniture, local New Zealand art, all add to the ambiance of the spectacular wilderness setting. All rooms are equipped with private ensuites, writing desk, luggage storage, hairdryer, heated towel rails, and bath robes.

All guest rooms, and the entire lodge, has wireless connection and the lodge offers an i-pad for use in the guest rooms for in-house entertainment if required. Breakfast can be served on the guest room private balconies if required. Each room has a super king bed that can split to two singles, allowing the lodge to accommodate 4 couples or 8 singles at a time.

Relax after an enjoyable day fishing or exploring one of the National Parks and indulge in a private massage in your room by one of our local massage therapists / beauticians.

The atmosphere in the evening focuses on the entertainment at the bar and dining experiences at the family table next to the open kitchen. Our chef uses mostly organic produce from our extensive gardens to provide a 4 course gourmet dinner with seafood and meats obtained locally in Nelson.

Activities

Centrally located between three of New Zealand’s major National Parks, (Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Park) the 5 star Luxury Lodge offers access to some of New Zealand’s best scenery. For the non fishing person the region offers a wide variety of spectacular tours from hiking, wine tasting, cycling, kayaking, and exploring one of New Zealand’s recognised boutique arts and craft regions. Many of the tours can be self guided and arranged from the lodge. A charter boat cruise of Abel Tasman National Park being the most popular tour.

With the on site helipad our guests can also enjoy heli-biking, heli-hiking, scenic flights and Lord of the Rings heli tours.