Cedar Lodge

New Zealand trout are wild. Both rainbow and brown trout reside in the pristine waters near Cedar Lodge. In fact, it's not unusual to see both species occupying the same pool or run. Almost all of Cedar's fishing requires angler and fishing guide to stalk the fish, locate their target, carefully prepare for the presentation of the fly, and anxiously anticipate the strike.
Cedar Lodge's fly-in helicopter concession to Mt. Aspiring National Park affords anglers total mobility to remote waters where the lack of other fishermen permits unencumbered angling and numerous fishing options.

While New Zealand trout are not easy to catch and can be quite spooky, long casts are not the norm. Most casts are made between 25 to 45 feet. The first cast is always the most important. Our fly fishing guides View more... will carefully position and coach anglers so that they can make an optimal presentation.

Your typical day begins with early coffee and an ample breakfast. Beginning around 8:45am the Lodge's helicopter begins shuttling guests from the helipad located just a few feet away from the luxury lodge to spectacular fly-fishing locations. Depending upon river and weather conditions flights may be as short as 10 minutes and as long as 40 minutes.
Streamside lunches are served amidst the rising, bush clad mountainsides, spectacular waterfalls, and the lush native Beech forests of the river valleys. Nowhere else in the world can large, wild, Rainbow and Brown trout be caught on a dry fly in such a pristine environment. And remember, Cedar Lodge is a catch-and-release lodge, so bring your camera and some fresh batteries. At the end of the day our helicopter picks up you and your fishing guide streamside, and you are safely returned to the comforts of your home away from home. Soon after guests are greeted with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and dinner.

Whilst a 10-pound plus trophy trout is a rarity, guests will fish at trout that are consistently in the 3 to 6 pound range. And from time to time some are fortunate enough to land the "big one."
With so many varying beats of water to explore there is something for everyone at this luxury fishing lodge. If your rock hopping days are behind you, the South Island’s wide-open river valleys offer easy walks and comfortable fishing. For the fit angler rugged beats are on the menu as well. Using our chopper we’ll find the best option for fishing success each day. Cedar Lodge is the only owner operated heli-fishing lodge on the South Island. Our pilots and guides collaborate each morning to find the best water for the day. Heli-hiking is available for those interested.

Our NZ fly fishing guides are professional. They focus on instruction when needed and have the knowledge and experience to give you the best chance to catch New Zealand trophy trout. New Zealand trout fishing is challenging, but Cedar’s expert guides will put you in the best position to catch fish.
American angling gurus Lefty Kreh, Mel Krieger, Ernest Schweibert, Doug Swisher and Dave Whitlock have all been privy to the excitement of Cedar Lodge's unique angling experience. Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, Master’s Winner Nick Faldo, World Cup Champion David Carter and British Masters Champion Greg Turner all take time away from the links and make themselves regulars at Cedar Lodge.

Cedar Lodge's 5-acre property lies along the banks of the Makarora River and is bounded by the majestic Mount Aspiring National Park. Visitors are frequently impressed by the picturesque vistas afforded within Mount Aspiring National Park. Our fly fishing lodge is within short drives of scenic fishing destinations areas like Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, and the Young River. This is prime fly fishing territory. Queenstown, NZ is also a short distance away. Established in 1979 by Dick and Robyn Fraser, Cedar Lodge is comprised of 4 rooms, a lounge, and a dining area. Rooms are twin single accommodation with all the modern conveniences including in-room Wi-Fi. Each room has a beautiful ever-changing rugged South Island view.

We invite you to relax in the luxury of our lodge and fly fish the pris View more...tine rivers that lie just north of Queenstown, South Island. In this peaceful, natural setting in the heart of New Zealand you'll eat like royalty, sleep like a baby, and enjoy true hospitality.