Tucked into a quiet corner of a vast alpine valley, this Lodge sits deep in the mountains of New Zealand’s South Island, near the edge of Mt Aspiring National Park and just a scenic 90-minute drive from Queenstown. The surrounding rivers offer some of the finest brown and rainbow trout fishing found anywhere in the world.
The Lodge delivers a seamless blend of world-class fly fishing, exceptional cuisine, and a breathtaking natural setting. Daily rates include heli-fishing, so there’s no need to count helicopter days. As one of only a select few operations holding concessions within Mt Aspiring National Park, the Lodge also offers unforgettable heli-hiking adventures into this pristine World Heritage landscape.
The Fishing
With more than three decades of excellence, Cedar Lodge is New Zealand’s sole all-inclusive heli fly-fishing experience. Walk and wade untouched waters to stalk four-pound browns and bows on dries, with regular shots at significantly larger fish.
October through December
This is considered early season with spring rains helping the river levels to rise. It brings on some of the first hatches of the year which gets the fish feeding more aggressively and less selectively than later in the season. It’s a great opportunity for nymph fishing, dryfly fishing or utilizing a dry dropper technique.
January through February
This is the peak of the summer season, expect Clearwater heavy insect activity and summer like conditions. Much of the fishing done during this time of year is single dry fly an optimal conditions for site fishing.
March through April
This is the beginning of the fall season on our local waters Water levels are dropping air temperatures are cooling and we have some of our best shots at larger fish. It can be a challenging time of year with exceptional payouts for the patient an accomplished angler.
Lodging
Set on five pristine acres along the banks of the Makarora River, this exclusive New Zealand lodge lies just north of Wanaka and at the threshold of Mt. Aspiring National Park—one of the country’s most dramatic and untouched landscapes. The setting is nothing short of extraordinary, and with only limited availability, the lodge frequently books a year or more in advance.
The property offers just four elegantly appointed double-occupancy guest rooms, each featuring a spacious en-suite bathroom and ample room to unwind after a day in the field. Recently remodeled with comfort and sophistication in mind, the rooms are seamlessly connected to the main lodge and dining area by a sheltered breezeway. Expansive windows throughout the lodge capture uninterrupted views of the Southern Alps, ensuring the grandeur of the surroundings is always on display.
A private helipad positioned directly in front of the main lodge provides effortless access to daily helicopter departures, transporting guests in comfort and style to some of the most remote and breathtaking terrain in New Zealand.
The Dining
Every meal at the Lodge is genuinely mouthwatering—from hearty breakfasts to streamside lunches and every elegant course of dinner. The lodge has assembled an exceptional culinary team whose menus are inspired by New Zealand’s diverse food culture, with a strong emphasis on farm-to-table dining. Proud of its “clean and green” philosophy, the Lodge showcases the very best of sustainably sourced, local ingredients.
Each evening, guests enjoy a fabulous three-course gourmet dinner served in the al fresco dining area, perfectly paired with selections from the Lodge’s award-winning wine list, offering endless pairing possibilities. With Pacific-inspired creativity and South Island flavors on every plate, chef-prepared meals and après are included in your stay—allowing you to savor world-class cuisine without ever leaving the lodge.
Guided Adventures
The country surrounding the Lodge feels wild and limitless, a playground of massive alpine lakes, jagged mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, fast-moving rivers, and lush valleys. Some of New Zealand’s most iconic hikes lie right at the doorstep, including Gillespie’s Pass, Mount Brewster, the Blue Pools, and Timaru Creek. Remote glacial lakes invite exploration on foot, by jet boat, or by fixed-wing aircraft, while the Lodge’s helicopter access opens the door to unforgettable heli-hiking adventures across exclusive concessions—tailored for every fitness level. Back at the Lodge, a casual five-hole golf course offers the perfect way to unwind after a hard day on the water. When it’s time to turn up the adrenaline, Queenstown is just 1.5 hours away, delivering heart-pounding adventure alongside world-class dining, wineries, golf, and spa experiences.
The Lodge combines performance and safety with top-tier gear and access. Thomas & Thomas rods, Hatch reels, and Patagonia waders are provided, while Hughes 500 and B2 Squirrel helicopters deliver unmatched speed and security. Exclusive permits grant rare heli-access to untouched waters in Mt. Aspiring National Park, the West Coast, and beyond.
RATES: Shared Room & Guide:
Spring (November 10, 2025 – December 21, 2026) & Fall (March 15 – 31, 2026):
3 Night/2 Day: $4,950 USD
4 Night/3 Day: $6,600 USD
5 Night/4 Day: $8,250 USD
6 Night/5 Day: $9,900 USD
7 Night/6 Day: $11,550 USD
Summer (January 5, 2026 – March 14, 2026):
3 Night/2 Day: $5,985 USD
4 Night/3 Day: $7,980 USD
5 Night/4 Day: $9,975 USD
6 Night/5 Day: $11,970 USD
7 Night/6 Day: $13,965 USD
• Private rooms and guides are available upon request.
• All rates include the New Zealand Government GST Tax of 12.5%
Included:
Included in your angling package: all accommodations, meals, liquor, guiding services, loaner waders and rods and reels, Wi-Fi, and daily helicopter fly-out (weather permitting). Prices are based on shared twin accommodations and two (2) fisher persons per guide (though there are sometimes a limited number of single spots available, at listed prices).
Not Included:
Not included in your angling package: International airfare to New Zealand, round-trip auto transfer from Queenstown to Lodge (a driver can be arranged for a fee, if desired (it is typically cheaper to rent a car, if guests prefer), airport fees, gratuities or items of personal nature. All rates are per person, double occupancy unless noted otherwise. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Getting There: Depart the States for New Zealand
Fly into Auckland (AKL), the primary international airport in New Zealand. Direct flights from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or San Francisco International Airport (SFO) via Air New Zealand depart in the evening, arriving two days later into Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand.
Air New Zealand flights will arrive into the Auckland Airport, a super-modern international facility, early in the morning. Here you will clear immigration (passport control) and customs. This is all very easy, and you will immediately know you are in a different land, by the courteous and polite nature of the airport officials.
From the International Airport it is a five minute, free shuttle bus ride (or a pleasant 15-minute walk, albeit with your luggage in tow) to the adjacent Domestic Terminal. Here you will take one of several daily domestic flights via Air New Zealand to Queenstown (ZQN) on the South Island. The flight takes only about an hour and fifteen minutes.
Once you arrive in Queenstown, there are two options. The drive from Queenstown to the lodge takes approximately 1 1/2 hours. Rent a personal vehicle at the airport or you can arrange for round-trip auto transfer from Queenstown to the Lodge, approximately $600 NZD. If there is a group, the amount will of course be split between everyone.
Depart New Zealand for the States:
After breakfast and saying your goodbyes, anglers will be transported via auto back to Queenstown in plenty of time to catch a flight up to Auckland to begin their journey home, or the continuation of their New Zealand angling or travel holiday.
Experience the Ultimate New Zealand Trout Adventure
Step into a world where every cast promises excitement, and every river reveals a new adventure. This Lodge puts nearly two dozen of New Zealand’s most spectacular trout rivers at your fingertips—accessible only by exhilarating helicopter flights that whisk you to hidden spring creeks and iconic freestone rivers. With expert guides crafting personalized itineraries based on your skill, the weather, and your pace, every day becomes a tailor-made fishing journey. From rugged, adrenaline-charged landscapes perfect for the daring angler to serene open rivers ideal for a slower, meditative experience, this all-inclusive Lodge delivers unforgettable moments against the backdrop of some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery.
Your ultimate fishing adventure awaits—where luxury, thrill, and nature converge in perfect harmony.
TRIP INSURANCE
Travel Insurance Fish Nation strongly recommends that you protect yourself and the cost of your next adventure by learning more about Redpoint Travel Insurance.
Please visit: https://redpointtravelprotection.com/partner/huntnation/
FISH-NATION – WE ARE YOUR FISHING ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS!
PHONE: 307-637-5495 email: info@fish-nation.com
Website: www.fish-nation.com