Eleven Owen River Lodge Sheet

Owen River Lodge

OVERVIEW

Over three decades of brown trout excellence.

Owen River Lodge is where New Zealand’s reputation for big trout was built. Located in the South Island’s Tasman region, the lodge accesses nearly 30 brown trout fisheries. Here, landing six-pounders is basically routine. Your guide team draws on decades of experience to equip you with the right techniques and access to productive water. On top of offering the world’s best sight fishing, this multi-award-winning lodge is just down the road from some of the best hiking, mountain biking, and wine tasting on the planet.

Lodge Details

Highlights

Owen River Lodge isn’t just an angling powerhouse—it’s also a lodging icon. Four-time winner of Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, the property’s three secluded cottages sit along the banks of the Owen River and have verandas and a hot tub overlooking Kahurangi National Park. The culinary program offers farm-to-table creations sustainably sourced from the gardens woven throughout the property.

VIEW DETAILS

Getting Here

Recommended Route

› From the international airport in Auckland (AKL), take a domestic flight to Nelson Airport (NSN)

› Hire a private shuttle or rent a car to drive 90 minutes to Owen River Lodge

› Address: 173 Owen Valley East Road, Owen River 7073, New Zealand

Property Facts

› Three riverside cottages, each with two privately accessed rooms with separate bathrooms and verandas (beds configured as either one king or two twins)

› Main lodge with dining room, lounge, bar, and veranda

› Massage room, outdoor hot tub, and riverside lounge

› Two acres of riverside vegetable gardens, harvested for meals

› Lodge shop and fly-tying bench

SOUTH ISLAND

NELSON AIRPORT (NSN)

OWEN RIVER LODGE

Dates & Rates

Season Dates

The season runs from September to April, with specific dates varying each year. View current season dates here

Inclusions

Guided Adventures

› Daily guided walk and wade fishing

› Access to over 30 fisheries within 1.5-hour drive

› Guided by expert, tenured Eleven guides

Rates Individual Rooms

Private buyouts and individual rooms available. View current rates here

Helpful Links

LODGE INFORMATION

FLY FISHING INFORMATION

SEASONAL CONDITIONS

POLICIES & INFORMATION

› Industry-leading gear provided, including Thomas & Thomas and Sage fly rods, Hatch and Sage fly reels, Simms and Patagonia waders and boots, neoprene wading socks, wading staffs, and a full assortment of commercial and custom-tied guide flies

› Other non-guided activities

› Hiking and mountain biking

› Use of on-property mountain bikes

› Unlimited rounds of casting on our 9-hole casting course

Food & Drink

› Daily chef-prepared breakfast, lunch, après, and dinner

› In-room snack and drink assortment

› A selection of house beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages

Travel & Logistics

› Ground transfers to and from all guided fly fishing

› Custom pre-arrival planning with Eleven’s Experience Team

Popular Add-Ons

Eleven has it all. Try adding on heli-accessed fly fishing trips, whitewater rafting, or a massage. Speak to your experience team for details and to book.

Seasons

SPRING

Fresh Water, Fresh Fish

October – November

Spring marks the reset. Rivers run high and cold, trout are freshly out of spawning season, and fishing pressure is at its lowest. Browns feed aggressively on subsurface nymphs, making this a prime window for technical nymphing and early dry-fly opportunities. Expect large fish holding deep—often 6–8 lb—and willing to move for well-presented stonefly and mayfly patterns. Weather can be changeable, but with access to 25 nearby rivers and heli-reachable backcountry water, clear fishing is almost always an option. This is a season for anglers who value solitude, movement, and opportunity.

SUMMER

Clear Water. Big Decisions.

December – March

Summer is when the South Island shows its hand. Rivers drop, visibility sharpens, and trout are fully in their prime. Sight-fishing dominates— large wild browns averaging 4–5 lb, with true trophies pushing 8–10 lb. Success hinges on precision: long leaders, clean drifts, and calm execution under pressure. Early summer brings classic dry-fly fishing with cicadas and hoppers; by late summer, educated fish demand subtlety and restraint. It’s not about volume—three or four fish a day is a strong result—but every take is earned, visual, and unforgettable.

FALL

Low Water. High Reward.

March – April

Fall is a thinking angler’s season. Rivers are at their lowest and clearest, trout are selective, and presentations need to be exact. Browns remain large and powerful after a full summer of feeding, but they demand patience— long leaders, small flies, and disciplined movement. With fewer anglers on the water and cooler, more stable weather, days feel focused and unrushed. This is a season for experienced anglers who value technical challenge, quiet water, and finishing the season strong before winter settles in.