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Calm Sea

Riverview Lodge Hanmer Springs - New Zealand

Riverview Lodge is set within the picturesque area of Hamner Springs, which is less than a 90 minute leisurely drive north of Christchurch.

It looks upon the joining of the water of the Waiau, Hamner and Percival rivers and to the beauty and presence of the mountains beyond.

John and Robyn Gemmell who have owned and operated Riverview Lodge for the past 25 years, host only four couples at a time ensuring that the stay is a memorable and personalised one for their guests.

If you are lucky enough to fish this area after a mouse plague, you better go up one or two sizes with your fly gear! The Browns gorge themselves on these rodents and stack on heaps of weight in a very short period of time.

This location has not been given the tag of “Dry Fly” Brown Trout capital of the world without reason. Now I know we always talk about our best catches and don’t mention our quiet days! But . . . . . a morning's fishing from a regular English client has to be told again! Five trout averaging 13.8Ib. They came in at two at eleven pound and one each at fourteen, fifteen and eighteen pounds respectively!!!

Most fishing people would like to match that in a lifetime.

Services & Facilities

Guide:- John Gemmell as a fishing guide, has fished the rivers in this area with clients for the past 25 years. His knowledge of the area and its waters enables him to make a fishing safari a memorable one. Riverview Lodge hosts people from all over the world. Along with John, he is assisted by Johnathan Greensmith and Andrew Trowbridge who have excellent knowledge of the local waters. Only nine kilometres from the lodge is one of the most romantic, action packed and relaxing resort towns in New Zealand - Hamner Springs. This little village offers a variety of attractions which include hot mineral pools, forest walks, horseback riding, jet boating, rafting, bungy jumping, outback tours and golfing.

Local Activities
Hanmer Springs is one of New Zealand's most popular Spa Resort towns. It is situated around famous thermal spa pools where one can sit and soak, or be pampered with a private sauna, massage, facial, manicure or pedicure. There are many retail shops in the Village with Merino Mink garments; ladies fashions; Wild South casual clothes; Shoes & Handbags, and Kiwiana souvenirs.

For those looking for something more physical there is a beautiful 18 hole golf course, forest walks, horse treks, jet boat rides, rafting, and for the more adventurous bungy jumping.

The local Marble Point Winery is open for wine tastings, lunch and sales.

Partner's program - activity options
Robin at Riverview Lodge can arrange an activities program that non-participants can enjoy. While the others in the party are enjoying the great outdoors, you too can also have an enjoyable day doing whatever appeals.

Day options include:
A Spa & Beauty packages in Hanmer Springs
Lunch & Wine Tastings at our of local vineyard - Marble Point
Whale Watching, Dolphins & Seals at lovely seaside town of Kaikoura
N.Z. Tranz Alpine Scenic Train thru Southern Alps from East to West of South Island.
Escorted drive thru the scenic Lewis Pass, with some adventures on the way.

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