Owen River Lodge - New Zealand

The famous American author/angler Zane Grey described New Zealand as an “Angler’s Eldorado”. He was right on the mark – especially when you look at the trout fishery. New Zealand has developed a reputation for having the best sighted river fishing for trout in the world.

You may have heard New Zealand’s rivers described as being “Gin Clear” – well its true! Imagine stalking a 10 lb brown trout, in water so clear, that water which looks 2 feet deep is actually up to your waist! Owen River Lodge is located in the Nelson area of the South Island (the top of the South Island). The Lodge is centrally located, with easy access to the Nelson/Marlborough and West Coast fisheries. This places us right in the middle of the best trout fishery in the world.

Thus you can enjoy fly fishing on numerous blue ribbon streams and rivers, with over 30 waters accessible by road (most within 1 hour’s drive), and countless others by helicopter.

The region is renowned as a brown trout fishery, with the average trout size ranging from 3lb to 6lb. Our fishery has granted many an angler’s dream of landing a 10 pounder. The Owen River Lodge offers a friendly, professional service for both experienced and novice fly fishers.

Services & Facilities

The Owen River Lodge is a luxury, specialist fly fishing lodge, opening in October 2003. The lodge sits on the bank of the Owen River, providing our guests with views which are simply breath-taking, with sensational views of the Owen River, the valley and Mount Owen. Our facilities comprise the main lodge building which includes the dining room, lounge room, sitting room and of course the bar.

Guests are accommodated in cottages located in the garden with stunning views of the river, the valley and the mountains beyond. In 2003, the lodge was extensively refurbished, and the cottages were constructed. There are six cottages, giving us a total capacity of 12 guests. We are located on 16 acres of land with almost one kilometre of absolute river frontage to the Owen River, making it ideal for that quiet after-dinner cast during the evening rise. Owen River Lodge is first and foremost a fly fishing lodge; however, we certainly cater for non fishing guests.

Our priority is to offer our guests friendly, no-fuss hospitality and to provide you with the very best trout fishing holiday. 

The luxuriously appointed cottages are just a short stroll from the Lodge bar and dining room. Each cottage overlooks the river, with the Mt Owen ranges soaring beyond. The cottage design emphasizes timber and space, accentuated by the soaring exposed ceilings.

The cottages are equipped with a king-size bed, a reverse cycle air conditioner, ironing facilities, an alarm clock (so you won’t miss the morning polaroiding), and tea & coffee making facilities. Each has an en suite bathroom equipped with oversized towels, a hairdryer and of course shampoo and conditioner.

Spacious verandas provide a great location for a late afternoon reading session as the sound of the river murmurs up from below. Alternatively, you can watch for rising trout, or just soak up the breathtaking views.