Fishing
A combination of both wild brown and rainbow trout are found in this region. Cedar Lodge has a catch and release policy and embraces environmentally sustainable fishing practices. As the only lodge with heli-fishing capability on New Zealand’s South Island along with helicopter access to Mount Aspiring National Park, anglers will enjoy a fly fishing experience like no other. Your fly fishing guides are very knowledgable and will work to ensure you are put in prime position along with fly presentation advice giving you the best possible chance to catch a prize trout. Don’t forget your camera!
Your typical day’s fishing on this trip will start with an early morning coffee accompanied by a full breakfast. From around 8.45am, Cedar Lodge’s helicopter will start ferrying anglers to remote fishing locations that are normally otherwise unaccessible. The journey times will vary and are dependant mostly on weather and river conditions and can be anything from 10 minutes up to 40 minutes.
Cedar Lodge
Cedar Lodge is a privately owned and operated fly fishing lodge and sits on a peaceful 5 acre setting along side the Makarora River, infamous fly fishing territory! The lodge enjoys mesmerising views of the Mount Aspiring National Park and is near other well known South Island fly fishing destinations such as Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and the Young River. Cedar Lodge has 4 rooms (twin-single), dining room and a comfortable lounge area. All rooms have Wi-Fi access.
Fishing Licenses
Fly fishing in New Zealand requires all anglers to hold a fishing license before they go fishing. A fly fishing experience at Cedar Lodge requires 2 licences. Firstly, as visiting angler to New Zealand all guests will need to purchase a Non-Resident License (NRL) at a cost of NZ$161 per person. Secondly, each angler will also need a Back Country License (no addtional cost). The Back Country License can only be obtained after you have purchased your NRL. Your licenses can be purchased through the Fish and Game New Zealand website.
Food & Wine
The cuisine on this trip will match scenery and the fishing! Expect to enjoy New Zealand’s finest lamb, venison and seafood accompanied with fresh seasonal vegetables. Cedar Lodge’s deserts will take your breath away. All meals are mouth watering and thoughtfully prepared by highly regarded New Zealand chefs. Matching wines will accompany every meal and will showcase some of country’s best wineries such as Villa Maria, Matua Valley, Kim Crawford and Church Road.
Getting There
The nearest international airport to Cedar Lodge is Queenstown. Getting to Cedar Lodge from Queenstown’s airport is then approximately a 2 hour drive. We can organise both private transfers or car hire for your trip to the lodge. Depending on your group’s size, either option may work out to be more economical so enquire with us and we will be able to assist.
We can customise any of our featured packages to suit your personal travel requirements. Mates’ Escapes can also build fully tailored one-of-a-kind itineraries from the ground up, if you can dream it up we can certainly make it happen.
We can tailor a trips regardless of your group size, be it 2, 8 or 20. Get in touch with us and let’s discuss your options.
Booking Conditions
- A deposit of 50% is required to confirm your booking.
- Final Balance is due 90 days prior to your arrival.
- 3 Day (4 nights) minimum stay
- Rates are based on twin share occupancy
Payment Options
- Direct Debit into our Bank Account. Details will be shown on your invoice.
- Credit Card (Surcharges apply).
- Cheques can be made payable to PlaySeeGo Travel Group Pty Ltd and posted to PO Box 34, Kew East, Victoria, 3102.
Additional Terms
Cancellation policy for Cedar Lodge is as follows:
- Cancellation outside 90 days of your booking, a 100% refund will be given.
- Cancellation of 90 days or less of your booking, customer will be charged 100% of their deposit.
Booking costs are subject to change until final payment has been received and cleared by Mates’ Escapes.
Please refer to our General Terms & Conditions that are also used in conjunction with this package’s terms.