New Zealand, South Island

6 Days/ 5 Nights/ 4 Days Fishing – From $3,075

Owen River Lodge

The Owen River Lodge is located on the south island of New Zealand, which is settled inside the world famous Nelson Region. This area is internationally recognized as being one of the best brown trout fisheries in the world. The fishing possibilities in this region are endless - imagine yourself sight-fishing to an 8-10lb brown trout in water so clear it looks only a foot deep when actually it's up to your waist! With over 30 different blue-ribbon streams and rivers all within an hour of the lodge, and countless others reachable by helicopter, this fly fishing destination offers anglers the broadest range of fishing waters.

FISHING PROGRAM

The famous American author/angler Zane Grey described New Zealand as an “Angler's Eldorado”. He was right on the mark – especially when you look at the trout fishery. New Zealand has developed a reputation for having the best sight river for fishing trout in the world. You may have heard New Zealand’s rivers described as being “Gin Clear” – well its true!

While mountains and forests abound, the area enjoys a remarkably mild climate. The Lodge is centrally located, with easy access to the Nelson/Marlborough and West Coast fisheries where the average trout size ranging from 3lb>6lb. The fishery has even granted many an angler’s dream of landing a 10-pound trout!

Heli-flyfishing - at an additional cost guests can access some true wilderness fishing locations by using a helicopter to access streams that would otherwise take days to reach.

Rafting - for an extra cost guests can hire a certified rafting guide for great rafting down the rivers.

TRIP DURATION

6 days/5 nights
4 days fishing

PACKAGE PRICE

(2007-2008 Season Rates):

EARLY SEASON AND LATE SEASON

01 October 2007-30 November 2007 and 1 April 2008 - 30 April 2008
6 days/5 nights/4 days fishing $3075 per person

HIGH SEASON

1 December 2007-31 March 2008
6 days/5 nights/4 days fishing $3195 per person
(double occupancy), airfare and airport transfers not included.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

$325 - low season
$350 - high season

EXTRA DAY RATE

$250 - extra night (low season)
$275 - extra night (high season)
$460 - extra day guided fly fishing

DEPOSIT AMOUNT

50% of trip cost. May be paid with check, credit card, certified check or money order. Final payments are typically due 60 days prior to departure.

TYPICAL AIRFARE

Our in-house travel agency can help you make your flight arrangements. Note: airfares are subject to change and confirmed only at time of booking. Airline ticketing, refund, change and baggage restrictions may apply.

PACKAGE INCLUDES

• All lodge accommodations, facilities and meals
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Internet access if needed
• Use of loan fly fishing equipment (Sage rods, Simms waders, Simms fishing boots, mountain bikes)
• Fly Fishing guide (flies included)

NOT INCLUDED

Domestic and international airfare, airport transfers, alcoholic beverages, fishing license, gratuities to guides and staff, telephone calls, and any items of personal nature.

SEASON

January through October

AVAILABLE DATES

Call us to confirm space availability or to request specific dates

GETTING THERE

You will usually fly into Los Angeles and board your international flight to Auckland, New Zealand. After which, you will take a domestic flight to Nelson where your lodge representative will be waiting to transfer you to the lodge.

CAPACITY - 8

ACCOMMODATIONS

Your cottage is very comfortable and equipped with air-conditioning/heating and with tea & coffee making facilities, an ironing board, bathrobes, toiletries, a torch, a hair dryer, an electronic safe and an alarm clock.

MEALS

You will begin the day with a country style hearty breakfast including fresh fruit, cereals, muesli, fresh breads, pancakes and eggs. For lunch, you will have a picnic on the river. Dinner consists of gourmet cuisine prepared by a professional Murchison chef. A restaurant menu is provided with meals that include an entrée, main course, and dessert. Get ready for this wonderful Pacifica cuisine.

NON-FISHING ACTIVITIES

Massage - After a long day on the river there is nothing better than a relaxing massage in the privacy of your own room.

Mountain Biking - Right outside the lodge, there's a wonderful country laneway that meanders along the Owen River almost all the way to Mount Owen. The lodge has several modern mountain bikes the guests can use free of charge.

Walking/Hiking - New Zealand's "Great Walks" are world-renowned. There is a hiking outfitter that runs guided walking tours through this rugged and beautiful area.

Shopping - The lodge has a selection of Owen River Lodge embroidered fleeces & vests. Thermals - for wet wading, Umpqua flies, leaders, tippet, Rio & Cortland fly lines, Waterworks/Lamson reels, polarized sunglasses and insect repellent for sale.

Art and Crafts - There are 300 full time artists and craftspeople active throughout the Nelson region. They include ceramic artists, sculptors, glassblowers, painters, designers, woodworkers, jewelers and textile artists. The lodge can arrange a tour of the region's galleries, artists shops and craftspeople workshops.

Winery Tours - Nelson boasts several leading wineries, including Waimea Estate and Kahuragi Estate. The lodge can arrange a day tour.

White Water Rafting/Kayaking - The Murchison region is a world renowned center of white water rafting & kayaking. There are several rafting companies for hire in the area.

Jet Boating - Experience the most exhilarating jet boat trip in New Zealand. Outfitters operate down at the Buller Gorge.

Buller Gorge Swing Bridge - Walk New Zealand's longest swing bridge or catch the flying-fox across the Buller River - located down at the Buller Gorge.

Golf - The Murchison Golf Course is a delightful nine hole course situated on the banks of the Buller River, on the outskirts of Murchison. Ask the lodge for details. Clubs can be arranged for rental.

SAMPLE OUTLINE ITINERARY

(Subject to revision per flight schedules. Detailed itineraries are prepared on confirmation of reservation)

• Day 1: Arrival at lodge
• Days 2-5: Four days of guided fly fishing for trophy trout on the South Island of New Zealand.
• Day 6: Departure Day

ENTRY

A valid passport with at least six months validity is required for U.S. citizens. Passengers assume all responsibility for obtaining valid passports.

HEALTH

Be sure to bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Note: health precautions are offered here as an informational service only. See your doctor or health clinic.

LANGUAGES

English

WEATHER

Varies according to season.

TRIP INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase trip cancellation insurance to cover any losses should you have to cancel to due to unforeseen illness or other emergency. Certain restrictions do apply. Premium rates are typically about $65 per $1,000 of coverage, and usually include some benefits for lost baggage, trip interruption, and emergency evacuation. Forms for Travel Assure may be obtained by calling our office.

PACKING

Our recommended packing list and other briefing materials will be furnished on receipt of your trip deposit and reservation form.

Contact Kent at 770-330-7583 for info or to arrange your booking