River Haven Lodge
Upper South Island
River Haven Lodge sits above the Mangles River near Murchison, close to where it joins the mighty Buller River. It’s a fabulous location for fishermen with several other prolific trout rivers joining the Buller River nearby. It’s a great place to base yourself for a few days, or more, and enjoy some of the best brown trout fishing available anywhere.
The lodge is a 1 hour 40 minute drive south from the nearest airport in Nelson, or an easy helicopter flight if you prefer. There’s a helipad on site. Located just a few minutes from the small town of Murchison, River Haven Lodge is central to fabulous fly fishing and outdoor activities in the Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes national parks. This is a self-catering lodge, each cabin having a full kitchen and small dining area. Evening drinks and canapés are offered in the lodge after fishing and there are several cafes in Murchison for evening meals and breakfasts.
For the non-fisherman there’s plenty of outdoor adventures to fill your plate. Mountain biking and hiking are exceptional in the nearby national parks, as are kayaking and rafting (Murchison is New Zealand’s white water capital), photography and bird-watching, and wine tours in the Nelson and Marlborough wine regions.
Accommodation:
there are 3 free-standing riverfront log cabins overlooking the Mangles River and surrounding bush-covered hills
and 1 ensuite room in the main lodge
each has top quality bedding and linen, with goose-down duvets and pure cotton quilts
each cabin has a full kitchen, open plan living, separate bedroom and a personal computer. Fast wifi is also included
king beds in cabins, convert to two singles when needed, with beautiful custom-made leather sofas in the lounge
air conditioning keeps the cabins cool in summer and warm in winter, and an HRV system circulates clean air
the cabins all have surrounding verandahs, and are just a moment’s walk from the main lodge
The Main Lodge:
the bar area – the ‘Engine Room’ – is the central social space and gathering place for pre-dinner drinks and snacks
lunch is included in your fishing day – once again it’s fresh with mostly home-made goodies
the lodge sits on a 5 acre block, with 2 acres of native, vegetable and herb gardens, and room for free-range chickens
The Fishing:
the fishing season runs 1 October to 30 April
access 30 rivers by vehicle and another 20 by helicopter – you’ll be spoilt for choice. Waterways range from small creeks to large rivers
world-class sighted fishing for wild brown trout in glass-clear water
all guides are highly experienced, tie their own flies to suit the season and are non-smokers
guiding fishing is NZD$865 per day for 1 person (NZD$895 for 2 people) with all gear and tackle, transport and lunch included; licences extra
Tariff:
Lodge accommodation - from NZD$590 per night for 2 people (twin share); and from NZD$450 per night for 1 person. Room only
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:
River Haven Lodge is open for the fishing season – Oct 1 to Apr 30.