Lake Rotoroa Lodge

Lake Rotoroa Lodge is one of the most famous lodges in New Zealand. The lodge, with its idyllic lakeside location, nestles in the Gowan River valley at the northern tip of New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps. It is a lodge that has focused not only on the needs of the travelling fisherman, but also on numerous non-fishing interests and activities within about an hour’s drive, making Lake Rotoroa Lodge a wonderful retreat for fly fishermen and their companions alike.

In the heart of the best of the South Island fishing, the lodge has access to more than 30 rivers in a one-hour radius, which afford fishermen reliability when it rains and often allows the guests to fish when those in other areas cannot. An outstanding team of fishing guides, who are not only excellent on the river but also understand that their job is as much about relationships with guests as guiding, ensure that rods return year after year. On a daily basis you will be driven to your fishing, however, for those that want to go further afield a helicopter can be arranged to access some wonderfully remote water.

The lodge itself was built in the early 1920s, and has been lovingly restored and protected to this day. There are ten individual guest rooms, which have en-suite bathrooms, include brass beds replete with feather quilts. Add to that some eccentricities in the décor, artworks, fixtures and fittings and the result is a charming New Zealand country house. There is a comfortable sitting room and bar in which to unwind at the end of the day and the lodge's elegant dining room, allows the guest to enjoy a wonderful menu, complemented by wines from the region's world-renowned vineyards.

For the non-fisher, the lodge can offer an array of activities. So if you just want to soak up the atmosphere or try something more adventurous, the staff at the lodge will be only too glad to plan your day. At the end of the day, the lodge allows its guests to relax in wonderfully comfortable accommodation, and the staff is dedicated to guests' enjoyment with an extraordinarily uplifting attitude.

Lake Rotoroa Lodge

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Lake Rotoroa Lodge

Lake Rotoroa Lodge

Weekly Schedule:

No fixed entry or exit days and no minimum period of stay.

Season:

1 October to 30 April

Rates:

Please contact us for rate information, which is quoted based on the duration of your stay and current exchange rates.

Price includes:

•    Full board and accommodation.
•    Guide per two fishermen.
•    Road transport to the fishing.
•    All soft/carbonated drinks.

Price does not include:

•    International flights.
•    Internal flights.
•    Transfers.
•    Fishing License.
•    Optional fly-outs by helicopter.
•    Alcoholic beverages.
•    Gratuities to guides and lodge staff.
•    New Zealand departure tax.
•    Items of a personal nature.

Deposit
A 30% deposit per person secures a reservation. Deposit is refunded, less $300 per person, if written cancellation notification is received by Frontiers 90 days prior to departure. Thereafter, deposit is forfeited in full unless client finds replacement. Balance of land package is due 60 days prior to departure. At this point, participant is responsible for total land cost and no refund will be made. There is no refund for any unused portion of the land package. Trip cancellation insurance will be offered to each U.S. registrant. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment by Frontiers is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts cancellation/refund and responsibility clauses.

Lake Rotoroa Lodge

Time difference
GMT +13 hrs (1 October to mid-March – New Zealand’s summer)

Flight Time from the UK
London - Auckland (via Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Singapore or Sydney): 20 to 24 hrs

Internal flights
Auckland - Christchurch: 1 hr 20 mins
Auckland - Nelson: 1 hr 20 mins
Auckland - Taupo: 45 mins
Auckland - Queenstown: 1 hr 50 mins

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
None

Species
North Island: Mixed brown and rainbow trout fisheries. Rainbow only during the winter months
South Island: Predominantly summer, upstream river fishing for large brown trout 3-10lbs with some rainbow trout rivers

Season to Travel
Summer Fishing: October - April
Winter Fishing: May - September (predominantly around the Taupo region)

Tackle and Kit
9ft single-handed 4-8 weight rod (a 6-weight rod is the ideal choice to cover a variety of fishing situations), dry flies, streamers and nymphs, lightweight waders or wet wade, with rubbersoled boots, lightweight rain jacket and polarised sunglasses.

Clothing
Comfortable layered clothing that can be adjusted according to the weather.

Other Activities
Sailing, farm stays, wine tours, extreme sports, skiing, hiking, wildlife and cultural tours.

Lake Rotoroa Lodge