LOCATION
Lake Te Anau - Southwestern Region, South Island
SEASON
The New Zealand fishing season runs from October through late April
CAPACITY
Fiordland Lodge can accommodate up to eight anglers at a time. For larger groups and for non-anglers, additional accommodations are available.
SPECIES
Brown and rainbow trout
GENERAL INFORMATION
This is a destination that will satisfy couples, honeymooners, and families just as much as it will the hard core angler looking for the ultimate New Zealand angling experience.
Set in a pristine and picturesque World Heritage area, Fiordland Lodge is the ideal base for your New Zealand South Island fishing adventure. Private and serene, the elegance and splendor of the Lodge is mirrored in the breathtaking views of both Lake Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. Owners Ron and Robynne Peacock operate Fiordland Lodge, as well as the well known and well respected Fiordland Guides. This is a destination that will satisfy couples, honeymooners, and families just as much as it will the hard core angler looking for the ultimate New Zealand angling experience.
LENGTH OF STAY
Trips of any length are available, although we recommend at least a week, due to the long flight to New Zealand’s South Island. If you can swing it, stay for at least two weeks!
THE FISHING
Experience true wilderness fishing in a remote area of New Zealand surrounded by the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Lake Te Anau, and Southland. This is New Zealand fishing for brown and rainbow trout at its finest! Head guide Ron Peacock has been fly fishing for 30 years and has fished on hundreds of the South Island’s rivers. With a strong background in conservation land management, Ron spent 25 years as a National Park Ranger - 18 of those working in Fiordland National Park. Ron and his guides have an intimate knowledge of the rivers, mountains and forests of the region.
The mountains of Fiordland are clothed in rich rain forest and here true wilderness fishing is as good as it gets. During settled weather, the rivers run clear, and large brown and rainbow trout can be seen cruising in deep pools. Away from the mountains and forest, the rivers flow across farmland with an ever-changing landscape. Access along these farmland river banks is somewhat easier than in the mountains, and good stocks of both brown and rainbow trout area easily found.
With over forty rivers in close proximity to the lodge (all of which are managed as wild trout fisheries) Ron Peacock and his guide staff can provide you with a classic South Island fishing experience for any length of trip. The rivers that feed Lake Te Anau alone, the Upakaroa and the Eglington, are extremely productive fisheries full of wild browns and rainbows that love to gobble up large attractor dries. Typically, you will fish fast water for rainbows and focus on the slower glides and runs where fat, New Zealand “shovelhead” browns are found in gin-clear water. Keep in mind that each day of your fishing package will be custom-tailored to meet your expectations and desires. You can fish remote rivers in Fiordland Park via optional helicopter fly-ins direct from the lodge, or try backcountry fishing on rolling New Zealand farmlands accessed by vehicle. For those seeking classic, technical sight-fishing scenarios, Ron and his guides will work with you to target the large, trophy browns that are usually found in slower, ultra-clear waters.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT OFFERED
We always recommend you bring your own equipment whenever possible. For those that want to travel light, Fiordland Lodge does have fly rod outfits, tackle, and waders available. Please request loaner and rental gear prior to your arrival at the lodge.
THE LODGING
The open architecture of Fiordland Lodge reflects the vastness of Fiordland National Park itself. Echoes of the forest are found in the striking natural timber construction. High ceilings, full trunk pillars, and a massive riverstone fireplace provide a warm spacious environment with a sense of solidity and style. A commanding staircase leads from the impressive lounge area to an inviting mezzanine, complete with library and fly tying area. Located on the highway to Milford Sound, Fiordland Lodge offers style, comfort and privacy, yet is only five kilometers from the tourist township of Te Anau. On forty acres of land, Fiordland Lodge is set on a superb site with commanding views out across Lake Te Anau. This is a rural setting with rolling grasslands surrounding the Lodge. Lake Te Anau itself is a mere ten minute walk away. Across the lake to the west lie the mountains of Fiordland National Park, an area of over three million acres of untouched wilderness and part of the much larger Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area.
The Lodge's comfortable dining area serves excellent food coupled with superb wine. The fully licensed bar is a relaxing spot to enjoy complimentary pre-dinner drinks as well as a great gathering place for late-night fishing discussions. In the lounge, a latticework of huge log trusses soar to over thirty-six feet above and surround a large open fire, clad with local riverstone. The ten luxury guest rooms - one an executive suite with separate lounge area for private entertaining - look out across Lake Te Anau. Each guest room is furnished with king size beds and features a private bathroom. The lodge also offers two separate log cabins - ideal for families, small groups, or do-it-yourselfers interested in preparing their own meals. Features in the cabins include well-equipped kitchens, sleeping lofts, and spectacular views of Lake Te Anau.
RATES & DETAILS
2009
All rates are per person, quoted in US dollars.
Full Season Rates: December 1 - March 31, 2008
(Lodge Rooms Includes dinner, bed and breakfast)
- Double $410 per night
- Single $640 per night
(Executive Suite Includes dinner, bed and breakfast)
- Double $520 per night
- Single $860 per night
(Log Cabins Includes bed and breakfast)
- Double $210 per night
- Single $300 per night
- Children $100 per night
Special off-season rates and discount apply for the shoulder seasons
(October 1 - November 30 and April 1 - 30, 2007) and for the winter rates
(May 1 –September 30, 2007) Please contact Yellow Dog for details.
Since this is a not a typical lodge, we will customize your itinerary for requested fishing days and other activities. This way you can optimize time on the water or with your family or group.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
If you are staying in the lodge or in the executive suites, breakfast and dinner are included. For the log cabins, breakfast only is included. All New Zealand taxes, bottled water, and a complimentary glass of local wine are also included in all packages.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare from home town to Queenstown, transfers to and from the airport to the lodge, gratuities for guides and staff, airport departure taxes, and all additional activities. Fishing and other guided activities are added to the base price and the itinerary set up through Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures. This way we can custom tailor your package to meet your needs and desires.
DEPOSIT INFORMATION
A 50% deposit (per angler) of the total package cost for each trip is due to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures (YDFA) within 10 days of booking to secure the reservation. Guides and dates cannot be held or reserved without a deposit. YDFA reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $100 per person for date changes after the initial reservation has been made. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
HOW TO GET THERE
International airlines such as Quantas and Air New Zealand provide daily flights from Los Angeles (LAX) non-stop to Auckland, New Zealand on the North Island. These flights depart LAX in the evening and arrive 14 hours later the following morning in Auckland. Due to crossing the International Date Line, you actually arrive two days later then when you departed, but return to the U.S. earlier then when you leave on your return flight! From Auckland, domestic flights to Queenstown, South Island leave hourly during the day and the flight is around three hours. Expect total roundtrip airfare around $1,500 per person in U.S. dollars. From Queenstown a shuttle can be arranged to transport you to the lodge, or you can rent a car and drive yourself. Having a rental car will enable you to travel into town from the lodge, fish on your own, and see the area sights.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
A valid passport is required for all visitors to New Zealand and must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the duration of your stay. Citizens of the U.S., the British Commonwealth, and Canada, are NOT required to have Visas. Upon leaving New Zealand there is a $25.00 (N.Z. dollar) departure tax.
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES
Hiking, wildflower tours, glow-worm cave tours, horseback riding, lake and sea kayaking, mountain biking, rafting, bird watching, boat tours of Milford Sound, sailing, golf, shopping, and much more.
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