Eleven Cedar Lodge, New Zealand

Eleven Cedar Lodge’s remote location and backcountry heli-fishing programme offers anglers an incredible opportunity to explore this remarkable region. Non-fishers will find plenty of entertainment too with heli-adventures, wine tours, golf, hiking and horse riding among the activities on offer. 

A helicopter programme offering access to a large variety of gin clear water 

Guests can plan their stay to combine fly fishing with other adventures so groups with varying interests are wonderfully looked after here. New Zealand is known as the trout capital for the world for good reason and with more than 30 years’ experience heli-fishing in this area, Cedar Lodge is a perfect spot from which to test your skills against these wily fish. With the massive range of fisheries, from tight rivers and small creeks to big braided rivers, the guides can tailor fishing to each angler’s experience and wishes.  Fishermen depart the lodge each morning and walk 100m to the helipad to be taken into different systems and beats each day – flights vary from around 10 to 40 minutes.  A packed lunch is taken to be enjoyed on the river bank and guests return to the lodge in time for appetizers and cocktails. Nothing beats sight fishing for trophy sized brown and rainbow trout in gin-clear water surrounded by picture postcard scenery and the use of the helicopter means plenty of daily flexibility and plenty of chance to fish areas that see very little pressure.   

New Zealand’s brown and rainbow trout are wild and vibrant.  Smart, strong and healthy they require the angler to stalk carefully and present the fly accurately.  While they’re not always easy to catch, casts of 25 to 45 feet will typically suffice as long as special attention is paid to that crucial first cast. Cedar Lodge’s experienced team of guides will ensure anglers of all abilities can have a wonderful time here, and although most catches are around the three to six pound mark, there’s always a chance of a trophy-worthy trout exceeding that elusive 10lb mark. 

Guests can fish exclusively or are welcome to opt for a combination, fly fishing some days and embarking on a variety of adventures like hiking or biking on others. 

Personalised service in a relaxed environment 

Cedar Lodge sits in five acre grounds on the banks of South Island’s Makarora River and is bound by the majestic Mount Aspiring National park.  Established in 1979, the lodge comprises four guest rooms, a lounge and dining area. The en-suite rooms feature two twin or one king sized bed with all modern conveniences including in room WiFi. The rooms are designed to complement the serene beauty of the natural surroundings of the South Island and decor and furniture create a tangible feel of the outdoors within the interior. Just eight guests at a time will enjoy delicious farm-to-table meals and enjoy true Kiwi hospitality. 

Gorgeous river setting 

The lodge is a drive of around 1hour 45 minutes from Queenstown airport which is served by regular fights from Auckland. The interesting town of Wanaka is approximately an hour away and there is plenty to see in the local area including some of the region’s famous Pinot Noir vineyards.