This South Island fly fishing Mecca is the #1 heli-fishing experience in New Zealand and possibly on the planet.
Cedar Lodge is located on New Zealand’s South Island, about 90 minutes northeast of the resort community of Queenstown. The snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps surround the Makarora Valley and the cozy lodge that has hosted the most illustrious names in fly fishing for nearly twenty-five years. The owners and hosts at Cedar recently purchased this venerable lodge from Chris and Shauna Daughters, who had purchased it years ago from the original owner, Dick Fraser. He had passed his mantle of knowledge of the waters and trout habits on to Chris and Shauna, who themselves have spent many years roaming around both the North and South Islands. Eleven Adventures will carry on the Daughter’s and the Fraser’s legacy, including the fishing program, accommodations, and amazing meals.
Still, of all the wonderful things that are said about the guides at Cedar and the spectacular location, it’s the fishing at the lodge that has made this spot a must for serious fly-rodders. When you lift off from the heli-pad located on the property and turn in any of three directions, they are immediately inside Mt. Aspiring National Park. These are the most productive fly fishing grounds in the country and, arguably, the most difficult to get to on foot. The alpine geography of the park is spectacular. Other than the two-lane highway that carves through the center of this national treasure, there are no roads, and the trails to many of these incredible streams and rivers are extremely rugged.
All the water of New Zealand is open to the public, but Cedar Lodge using their B-3 Squirrel helicopter, can be on water in minutes that seldom sees anyone but Cedar guests. There are, in fact, more than two dozen blue ribbon streams and rivers within easy striking distance, fisheries with enough diversity to appeal to any angler. The most distant are the wild, rugged, coastal rivers, home to both sea-run and resident trophy browns and rainbows. The angling menu is completely filled with crystal clear spring creeks and classic freestone rivers.
What isn’t available is a lot of space. The best of the New Zealand fishing season is short, November through March, and much of the lodge is reserved each year by returning guests.
Headed out on your next adventure with us? The Fly ShopⓇ has you covered. As a thank you to our travel guests, enjoy 15% off all retail purchases for a year! — the perfect chance to gear up before your trip.
Whether it’s flies, leaders, apparel or a new rod and reel outfit, we’ve got everything you need to make your journey more comfortable, more successful, and more fun. (some exclusions apply)
