Minaret Station, South Island, New Zealand

Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is the epitome of comfort and luxurious accommodation in the wilds of the Southern Alps. Only accessible by helicopter, the lodge treats guests, both those staying at the luxury lodge as well as those enjoying one of its many Alpine adventures, to an authentic New Zealand Alps  experience.

The most challenging and rewarding trout fishery on the planet

The south island of New Zealand offers what is perhaps the most challenging and rewarding trout fishery on the planet. There are not many places on the globe that can match the quality of fish that you will find in the rivers and lakes of this region. The scenery and quality of the water alone will leave you wondering if you’ve just stepped into a story book. Sight fishing to these unprecedented fish in these unprecedented rivers is truly the Holy Grail of trout fishing.

The season at Minaret Station runs from October 1st to the end of April with some rivers remaining open until the end of May. The fishing can vary from traditional nymphing and streamer tactics in the early season to fishing large dry flies as the summer progresses. The diversity in waterways alone is staggering. From the meandering, willow lined streams of the low lands to the spring creeks, vast lake edges and the high country freestone rivers that New Zealand is so famous for.  Angers will commonly sight individual fish before casting to them which adds a visual element to the experience that is unrivalled in trout fishing.

The early season is like spring in most mountain environments. You can expect cooler temperatures and marginally higher river flows. The tributaries of the great southern lakes are often full of post spawn rainbows and brown trout that have just had a winter off. As the season progresses and temperatures warm bringing the abundant terrestrial life that makes NZ summer fishing so exciting. Beetles and large cicada patterns are often the order of the day in peak summer. The best mayfly hatches of the season arrive as approaches and air and river temperatures drop.  Every season has something to offer to the avid trout fisherman.

The authentic alpine experience

Guests staying at Minaret Station’s luxury lodge are hosted either exclusively, or as part of a group, in any one of the four luxuriously appointed Alpine Chalets. The individual chalets are separately positioned amongst native alpine grasses and herb fields, each harnessing unique vistas of the valley and surrounds.

Guests are afforded the privacy, warmth and comfort of tasteful high country design, with each chalet featuring sheepskin carpets, a king sized bed, an en-suite bathroom and a hot tub on adjoining private deck, where they can relax and recline beneath the stars.

Central to the Alpine Lodge is the Mountain Kitchen. Linked to the chalets by a series of raised wooden boardwalks, the Mountain Kitchen features two separate living areas, wood-burning fires, a well-stocked library and cellar and first class dining facilities.

Sitting at the head of picturesque glacial valley

Minaret Station is set at the head of a picturesque glacial valley within the untouched landscapes and beauty of the southern alps of South Island, New Zealand.

The lodge is a 20-25 minute helicopter flight away from the town of Wanaka on the western side of Lake Wanaka.

The location is perfect to explore the great New Zealand outdoors with a plethora of onsite activities available to guests. From fantastic hikes, mountain biking, heli-tours, guided fishing and hunting through to jet boating and skiing (in the winter).