Stonefly Lodge
Upper South Island
Tucked away down a 2.5 km (1.5 mi) private road, Stonefly Lodge is hidden from the world like a magical 5-star secret. It is also barely more than a long-armed throw from the famous Motueka River and all its magnificent fishing for brown trout.
The lodge has four simply but beautifully appointed guest rooms, all with wide views across the river valley and nearby Kahurangi National Park. All power is generated on site and the lodge has been applauded for its sensitive environmental development and sustainability policy.
The Motueka River is renowned for its trout with some of the country’s highest trout populations; recent drift dives indicate populations of 100-500 trout per kilometre.
The lodge is centred around a high galleried great room with a large double-sided stone fireplace. The main dining area, bar, library-games area, and sunroom are all linked through this main room, providing a fabulous social space to mingle or withdraw, whatever your preference.
The property is a 50 minute drive from Nelson city, 3.5 hours from Greymouth on the West Coast and 4.5 hours from Christchurch. The Interislander ferry leaves from Picton, a 3 hour drive away.
Accommodation:
Stonefly Lodge is for exclusive use only and sleeps 8 adults.
the four double/twin guest bedrooms are all upstairs in the main lodge and each opens onto a private balcony with far-reaching views. Listen to the burble of the river below and watch the cloud swirling over the Kahurangi mountains.
each guest room has a full bathroom, with bath, and is finished in marble. Quality local toiletries are provided
rooms have polished wooden floors and wooden tongue-and-groove finishing. Colours are natural and soothing, reflecting the setting out the windows
each room has deeply comfortable beds, two desks, and there is wireless internet in all the rooms
bedding includes linen sheets and thick warm duvets. Much of the furniture is hand-crafted
The Main Lodge:
the lodge is built with timber milled from the 150 acre block it sits on. This timber is used extensively throughout the property
the entire lodge is centrally heated by the large log fire and rooms all open to the afternoon sun
the main room has a high cathedral ceiling, large dining table, and is warmed by the large stone fireplace
the open kitchen makes breakfast a nice social event, and creates a good conversational flow at the evening meal
there’s a large landing area on the first floor with fly-tying equipment, and a mud room out back to dry your gear
The Fishing:
there are dozens of rivers within an easy drive of the lodge and many more accessible by helicopter
fishing is stalking and sight casting for wild brown trout
excellent local guides are available from NZD$890 a day for 2 people, including equipment & packed lunch; licences extra
the Motueka river, right outside the front door (almost), is an excellent trout-fishing river
the average fish size is 1.5 – 2 kg (3 – 5 lb) but 3 kg (7 lb) fish are often caught, and the occasional 4.5 kg (10 lb) one as well
the lodge has good fishing gear available but if you want to bring your own – rod 5 -6 weight, 8ft 6′ to 9ft, reel should hold 100 metres plus of backing and have a good drag system
fly line – floating line to suit the rod weight, with double taper or weight forward most suitable. We recommend the use of dull natural colours such as olive, green or grey
leaders should be 9ft to 14ft tapered down to 10lb (3X), tippets would vary from 6lb to 2lb (5X) depending on the water being fished
Tariff:
Lodge accommodation - from NZD$7,000 per night for exclusive use of the lodge (includes tax). Minimum 3-night stay. Rate includes daily continental and cooked country breakfast, pre-dinner drinks served with canapes, and a 4-course gourmet dinner per adult. The Lodge is fully serviced daily
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:
Stonefly Lodge is open October to April