Cedar Lodge

Arrive to the lodge—which is nestled amongst the mountains of the Makarora Valley, a stone's throw from the river that bears the same name—mid-afternoon, drop your bags, and relax. Soak up the midday sun in the sheepskin-lined chairs on the deck or find some shade at the table under the big beech tree in front of the lodge. Or, for those that like to keep moving, head out to the lawn for some casting practice—or perhaps a casting competition—before your first day on the way. Golfers can even get some practice in on the lodge's 3-hole "course" which, rumor has it, was designed by Jack Nicklaus. 

Within easy striking distance of the lodge are several “big” rivers. In truth, the rivers themselves aren’t all that large. It’s the valleys they call home that are, through which they course in countless braids and side channels as they wind their way by bucolic grassland meadows and easily walkable cobblestone banks. Typically the last part of the journey made by water originating high in the surrounding mountains before flowing into one of the region’s mammoth lakes, these rivers are known for their eager, unselective trout, which help make them perfect first-day destinations for New Zealand newcomers. Spend the day walking and spotting trout—especially with the help of your guide who will help you resolve out of smudge and shadow fish you’d never have otherwise known were there. Pluck dry fly-eating browns and rainbows from bend pools shaded in hues of turquoise so impossibly rich and vibrant, Caribbean permit flats would look on in jealousy and blush.

Throughout Central Otago, Mt. Aspiring National Park, and other nearby regions, rivers course through steep-walled, beech-lined, backcountry valleys. Normally of moderate size, some of these rivers can swell to gargantuan proportions and terrifying flows when heavy rains fall, due to the large catchments they drain. Most days, however, these rivers flows pleasantly through their valleys, running past boulder-lined banks in their upper reaches and braiding through cobble lower down before meeting the larger rivers they flow into. Throughout their twists and turns, rainbows and browns rise greedily to large mayfly and cicada patterns. Accessing many of these rivers can involve river crossings and long, difficult hikes, but helicopter access affords anglers the opportunity to reach their best fishing mere minutes from the lodge.

In virtually every direction from the lodge, backcountry streams and creeks flow through tight valleys, gorges, and canyons. Though diminutive in size, these backcountry creeks hold trout every bit as big, powerful, and healthy as those found in bigger rivers. Though many of these creeks are frequented by trampers from time to time, thanks to the ruggedness and beauty of the country they flow through, they see few anglers due to the overnight hikes and dangerous crossings required to reach many of them. Typically characterized by gin clear, placid pools punctuated by swift-flowing, high-gradient riffles and runs, their backcountry trout require stealth and care, but reward anglers handsomely for both.

What will your next day on the water bring? With a laundry list of rivers, streams, and creeks accessible within a short helicopter flight of the lodge, the menu of options runs deep.