Minaret Station
Lower South Island
Minaret Station is everything you could want in a remote fishing lodge. You can’t drive there, or reach it by boat. You can’t drop in by fixed wing plane, or realistically even walk there. But you can arrive by helicopter, as everyone else does.
Minaret Station is a family-run lodge, and part of a vast working sheep and cattle station that starts down on the flat land around the shore of Lake Wanaka. Flying from the flats up through the narrow valley, the country changes quickly from grassy farmland to gnarly, stunted trees and then alpine tussock. Giant rock faces loom high above and entire mountains appear before us as the helicopter flies up the wild steep gorge. Suddenly a bowl-shaped valley opens ahead and the lodge appears as tiny dots in the distance. We cross the valley and drop quickly on to the helipad beside the main lodge building.
Until a few years ago the accommodation here was in luxuriously appointed tented cabins, but these have now been replaced by equally luxurious mountain chalets. Designed and fitted with some lovely New Zealand features like the woollen rugs (from sheep on the property) and earthy alpine tones, they are cosy and inviting. The view out every window is stunning, and the chalets are connected to the main lodge building by sturdy wooden boardwalks.
All the fishing here is heli-fishing – just like the heli-hiking, the heli-biking and the heli-skiing. Which means you are not limited by how far you can drive or walk in a day to get to your fishing spot. From Minaret Station you’ll be able to fish anywhere from northern to southern Fiordland, or any of the inland rivers around the Queenstown-Wanaka area, including the mighty Clutha River and its tributaries.
Accommodation:
there are four free-standing chalets, all with commanding views across the remote alpine valley
each chalet has a large bedroom, a separate dressing area that can take an extra bed, and a well-appointed ensuite
woollen rugs, possum wool throws, and decor to match the colours outside all help to bring the outdoors in
each chalet has a private hot tub on the deck
unlimited wifi, a nespresso machine and complimentary mini bar add to your comfort
The Main Lodge:
the lounge, dining area, study/den and Mountain Kitchen share the main lodge area and are the heart of the lodge
a big open fire warms the space year round
there’s a satellite TV in the study and wifi throughout the building
a full breakfast, lunch (picnic or seated), pre-dinner canapés and a 3-course gourmet dinner are included each day
menus change daily to suit what is in-season and on-site
chefs use the best of delicious local meats, fruits and the exceptional Otago wines
the Mountain Kitchen is also available as a day venue, with helicopter transfers departing from Queenstown or Wanaka. The day can be spent at the lodge and around the farm. A three-course lunch with beverages is served in the middle of the day.
Enquire about a Mountain Kitchen Lunch day trip from Wanaka or Queenstown.
The Fishing:
all fishing at Minaret Station is heli-fishing, so the options are endless
there are also drive-out guide fishing options available from Queenstown and Wanaka
the wild rivers of Fiordland are all within easy reach by helicopter, weather permitting
access to world-class river fishing for brown and rainbow trout, and a short season of salmon fishing as well
ultra-clear rivers mean that whilst anglers can see the fish, the fish can also see the angler. Sight and stalk is the method of choice and by far the most exciting
anglers often use dry fly, streamer and nymph techniques on the same stretch of water
sea fishing is also available by helicopter to the fertile fishing grounds off the West Coast. Species include bluenose and grouper, kahawai and blue cod. Fishing is by boat
the main trout fishing season is October to April, with lake and sea fishing open all year round
heli-fishing starts from NZD$8,950 for 2 people per day. Includes professional guide, private helicopter charter & fully catered gourmet picnic lunch. Fishing equipment NZD$75 per person. NZ Fishing License an extra cost - see below
Tariff:
Lodge accommodation - from NZD$3,150 per night for 2 people (twin share), low season rates. Includes a full breakfast, lunch (picnic or seated), pre-dinner canapés and a 3-course gourmet dinner with paired wines, all beverages and access to reserve wines & spirits
Helicopter Transfers start from NZD$2,400 per person return from Wanaka; and from NZD$2,700 per person return from Queenstown
Seasonal rates are available
Multi-day stay/fish packages available
Cancellation and covid policies apply
New Zealand Fishing Licenses for Non-residents start from NZD$35 per day or NZD$250 for a season pass
Season:
Minaret Station is open all year. Children are welcome.