Situated on the banks of the Mangles River, at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, you’ll find River Haven Lodge which provides access to a range of fine fly fishing opportunities, with modest but comfortable lodging.
Centrally located, the lodge grants easy access to the Murchison and Nelson Lakes region, home to many excellent rivers that are renowned for their big Brown Trout from small streams to larger freestone rivers.
Guides who know the Murchison District, plus all-inclusive packages that include great meals and a private bar, River Haven Lodge can cater to your every need for a fly fishing holiday on a budget, you won’t soon forget.
Luxury riverside log cabins equipped with air-conditioning and heating, and a laptop computer to allow you to stay connected. The cabins feature luxurious bedding with Egyptian cotton sheets, goose down comforters and pure cotton quilts for that perfect night’s sleep.
Outside each cabin, there are custom-made patio chairs to enjoy the sunshine.
The private lodge bar is the ideal place to relax after a day on the river before sitting down to a three-course meal and a glass of wine.
There is also a large variety of other activities available in the region. These include wine tours, rafting, trekking, mountain-biking, jet-boating, golf and more.
Access to the lodge is by transfer from Nelson Airport.
WIFI is available in the lodge.
Ideally situated on the banks of the Mangles River, a tributary of the Buller, allows guests immediate access to some of the best fly fishing waters in the top half of the South Island.
This region offers dozens of rivers and streams to choose from along with experienced guides. The average catch size of Brown Trout in this region is between four and five pounds, with catches of over eight pounds being quite common and the chance of a trophy ten-pound Brown Trout may only be a cast away.
The wide choice of rivers available from River Haven Lodge enables guests to experience gentle flowing, easy access rivers to more adventurous backcountry streams requiring 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 the year.
Within an hour’s drive, guests can access dozens of quality fly fishing streams and rivers within the Nelson Lakes and northern Murchison region. With the aid of a helicopter, dozens more fly fishing locations become available to guests at River Haven Lodge, targeting the ever assertive wild Brown Trout.
River Haven Lodge can be a base for many different fly fishing experiences, and we can offer guided two and three-day excursions to some spectacular remote locations in high country waters in the region which involve overnight accommodation in DOC (Department of Conservation) Huts.
Sleeping gear, safety gear and meals are all catered for. Excursions can be by road, boat or helicopter depending on the location chosen and all packages take you into some of New Zealand’s most pristine wilderness fly fishing environments. These trip options access very remote waters with the lure of exceptional fly fishing experiences. However, a moderate to high level of fitness is required depending on the various flow rates and weather conditions at a particular time of the year.
Fishing is usually by walking and wading and can involve some hiking. Rods in the 5-6# 8’6 -9ft are ideal. Layered clothing is the best approach. Although some gear is available at the lodge, we would advise all fishing guests to bring their own gear including rods, reels, lines, flies and leaders down to 2lb but use the waders from the lodge. Clothing should blend to allow for a stealthy approach.
Passport with a minimum of six months validity and photo ID to purchase a fishing licence.
A tourist visa is required for all citizens (except Australians) entering New Zealand. A three-month tourist visa is provided by passport control when entering the country.
There are various international flight options to Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch. Then take an internal flight to Nelson. The transfer to the lodge is by helicopter.
Let us do the groundwork for you.
Our tailored fly fishing and accommodation itineraries are designed with you in mind to suit your preferences. They are also quoted in your local currency with very favourable exchange rates.
Fly Odyssey has access to the best guiding and lodging rates, suitable tides and updated availability to this destination which can vary throughout the season.
This includes flight bookings, transit accommodation, transfers and a host of non-angling activities and experiences.
We specialise in group stays to the region, and our long involvement with our partners on the ground in New Zealand will ensure you are well looked after both on and off the water.
This includes extended stays in Queenstown, Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington.
Please enquire for the latest rates and availability, including information on any applicable special offers.
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Creating and sharing memorable travel experiences with our clients and friends provides us with genuine satisfaction. All of our trips are bespoke, tailored to your needs, and we always love hearing all about the adventure on your return.
Our knowledge of travel logistics saves you time, and our highly experienced team is here to ensure it’s spent on the water and not at the desk or on a long flight connection that you didn’t require. Since 2006 we have developed a valued client-base that has travelled to all corners of the globe.
We are a fully-accredited travel agency, where all of our flights, accommodation and associated travel bookings are made in-house, which means that you pay less. We have access to a huge range of specials, deals, great volume pricing and excellent currency exchange rates which allows us to pass these benefits directly onto you.
On the fishing front, our extensive expertise and experience around prime seasons, species, moon-phases, tides and personalised customer service is centred around one principal – preparation. This includes detailed gear and equipment lists, the fly patterns, transfer details, up-to-date fishing reports and some of the finer aspects that can often be overlooked.
We travel extensively and understand that your free-time is important. Just as we all understand from experience, that the key to a successful trip is pre-trip preparation.
Our highly experienced team has fly fished the world for the last 25 years, and we understand the considerations and gear needed to turn a good fly fishing trip into a great one.
Fly fishing and travel is our passion. It’s all we do.
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