Get ReadyOwenforRiver Lodge
SUMMER PLANNING GUIDE
Let’s Get Planning
Eleven’s Experience Team is here to help you design the perfect adventure. This guide outlines what to expect during your stay and how to prepare for your upcoming trip. We look forward to meeting you at Owen River Lodge, but until then, let’s start making some plans.
Getting Here
FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS
From the moment your booking is confirmed, your Eleven Team is available to help with travel arrangements. We strongly suggest planning your air travel as soon as possible to secure best fares and ensure availability. Your Experience Team will reach out shortly after you book to kick off this process.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visitors to New Zealand have varying entry requirements based on their nationality, duration of stay, and accompanying items. Everyone must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond their stay, a ticket for return or onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds. We recommend that all travelers make copies of their passports and keep them separately.
Travelers will need to obtain a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) visa before they travel. You can request the NZeTA online
More information about entry requirements can be found on the New Zealand Immigration website.
Most international flights arrive at Auckland Airport (AKL) on New Zealand’s North Island. From there, you have two main options:
Fly to Nelson Airport (NSN): A short domestic flight, followed by a 90-minute drive to the lodge. Fly to Christchurch (CHC): A domestic flight, followed by a four-hour drive to the lodge. Our team can arrange a private driver to meet you when your plane lands. Transfer rates start at NZD $525 one way or NZD $1050 return.
For those who’d like to make the most of their travel day, we can also organize personalized tours with advanced notice—think wine tastings, beach stops, shopping, and more. Please connect with your Experience Team during the planning process for details.
BY PLANE: BY CAR:
If you decide to drive, we’d be happy to provide you with specific directions based on where you’re coming from. Owen River Lodge is located at 173 Owen Valley East Road, Owen River 7077, New Zealand.
The lodge is located approximately 100 kilometers south of Nelson, which is about a 90-minute drive and 300 kilometers north of Christchurch, a four-hour drive. The roads are easy to navigate and paved from both Nelson and Christchurch. Please note that check-in is at 3:00pm.
Fly Fishing
Learn what to expect on your New Zealand fly fishing adventure.
WHAT WATER WILL WE FISH DURING OUR STAY?
Owen River Lodge has 25 accessible rivers within a one-hour drive and 20 more which are accessible only by helicopter. A number of these rivers are Designated Wilderness rivers (DW’S) which require a wilderness pass to access. These passes cost NZD $40 per day and are organized by our lodge team.
From smaller streams to larger freestone rivers, our rivers offer a great diversity of size and type. Many rivers and streams run through farmland offering easy-to-reach access, while bigger mountain rivers welcome the adventurous, fit angler to navigate boulders the size of small houses. Our professional guides are brilliant at choosing suitable rivers to match your fitness levels and preferences.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON FLIES?
Our go-to flies are: Mayfly, Caddis Pupa, Stonefly, Midge, Coloburiscus, Cicada (Terrestrial patterns) Brown and Green Beetles, Willow grub, Blow flies, Ants, and more. We use nymphs patterns such as Pheasant tail flashbacks and tungsten-beaded Hare and Copper nymphs size 12-18, Green/Grey Caddis variations size 10-14, and dry flies like Adams, Blow flies, Humpies and emergers (CDC) imitations. Leaders are often 15-18 feet, which can be an adjustment for guests accustomed to 9-foot leaders. The brown trout in New Zealand are very line shy, so a longer leader is more practical for success.
WHAT IS YOUR GUIDE TEAM LIKE?
We are excited to have the best guiding team at the top of the South Island. Owen River Lodge has six full time guides and two part time guides who are unique, talented, patient, and experienced. They’ve been fishing and guiding the Nelson, Marlborough, and West Coast areas for years, and they’re experts at tailoring your experience exactly to you. Our guides have amazing eyesight and can pick up trout while sight fishing in the most difficult light and water. Their local knowledge and experience is unparalleled in our zone of the South Island.
WHAT GEAR DOES THE LODGE PROVIDE?
Owen River Lodge provides a full array of fishing equipment for our lodge guests. You’ll enjoy complimentary access to the industry’s best, including Sage and Thomas and Thomas fly rods, Hatch Iconic fly reels, Patagonia waders and boots, Simms neoprene wading socks, Simms wading staffs, and an extensive assortment of commercial and customtied guide flies.
Other Adventures
Owen River Lodge offers a variety of additional adventures beyond fly fishing. Our team will arrange your activities entirely to your preferences. Please note that some of these adventures are priced separately.
LOCAL FARM TOURS
Our neighbors are classic kiwi farmers. Delightfully down to earth, these friendly sheep and beef farmers will show you behind the scenes of their operation on a “Tiki Tour” (Kiwi for “let’s check out the farm”). If your timing is right, you may even get to see the sheep being shorn.
LOCAL SELF-GUIDED HIKING
New Zealand’s “Great Walks” are world-renowned. Mount Owen towers above the surrounding landscape at the end of the Owen Valley, where you’ll find two walking traacks. There are also several well-maintained walking tracks in and around Murchison. Further afield, there are some sensational well-marked walking trails around Lake Rotoiti, about a 20-minute drive from the lodge.
LOCAL RIVER SWIMMING
The lodge sits on the banks of the Owen River, which has several great swimming holes. Refresh yourself after a day fishing with a cool dip in the river. If you’re a dog lover, Keeley the lodge dog might just come along.
SELF-GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKING IN MURCHISON
Right outside the lodge, there’s a wonderful country laneway that meanders along the Owen River nearly all the way to Mount Owen. It’s a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. The lodge has several mountain bikes for our guests to use free of charge.
Third Party Adventures
All third party offerings are priced separately. Please speak with your Experience Team for pricing details.
JET BOATING IN MURCHISON
This is the most exhilarating jet boat trip in New Zealand. We’ll coordinate your experience with Buller Experience Jet boats, who operate down at the Buller Gorge. Between the adrenaline rush, stunning views, and sheer fun of zipping across the water, this is a must-do.
WHITEWATER RAFTING AND KAYAKING IN MURCHISON
The Murchison region is a world-famous hub for whitewater rafting and kayaking. There are several rafting companies operating in Murchison who offer half- and full-day trips. We’d be pleased to arrange your experience.
WINE TOURS IN NELSON AND MURCHISON
Tour the vineyards of Nelson/Moutere Hills or Marlborough. The lodge is located approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) from either the Nelson/Moutere Hills or Marlborough vineyards.
LUNCH BY THE SEA
Nelson has fabulous restaurants that offer phenomenal cuisine and ocean views. Head out for a special meal in an entirely new setting to enjoy the fullness of the South Island.
ARTS TOUR
Embrace the Kiwi spirit of innovation, independence, and diversity on a personalized tour of the Nelson region’s most fascinating artscapes.
From the best galleries to the area’s most celebrated craftspeople, you’ll experience the island’s unique blend of Māori and Western culture as you explore over 300 full-time artists’ work in our region.
NELSON DAY OUTING
Looking to add a special experience to your trip? Take your adventure up a notch by enjoying cocktails, wine, and chef-prepared après on a beautiful overlook high up in the Andes mountains.
BULLER GORGE SWING BRIDGE
Walk along New Zealand’s longest swing bridge or catch the flying-fox across the Buller River. Unique and unforgettable, this is a memorable way to do something new and different.
CHAUFFEUR DRIVE
Let us arrange a driver to show you around the region. They’ll know all the best spots and can take you wherever and whenever you want. A full day tour including lunch is NZ $1,200 per day for up to three passengers.
Wellness
Take relaxation to the next level by adding a wellness treatment to your trip.
Wellness
Offerings
All wellness offerings are priced separately. Please inquire for details and arrange your treatments in advance with your Experience Team.
RELAXATION OR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Relax the mind and soul and relieve your muscles during this personalized treatment. Your massage therapist will individually choose massage techniques, essential oils, and relaxing music for you to enjoy in our warm comfortable treatment room.
HOLISTIC FACIAL
Revitalize and rejuvenate with a Holistic Facial that gives your skin a wellneeded boost. You can also combine a massage and facial for the ultimate wellness experience.
Food & Drink
Enjoy an all-inclusive experience that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and Chile-inspired cuisine.
FOOD
All meals—breakfast, lunch, après, and dinner—are included during your stay, with dietary preferences and allergies happily accommodated. Our kitchen relies on the lodge’s organic garden and daily deliveries of fresh Nelson produce to keep everything seasonal and fresh.
Breakfast can be as light or hearty as you like, from fresh fruit salad and lodge-made muesli (a secret recipe passed down through four generations) to yogurt, jams, and free-range organic eggs.
Lunch is typically picnic-style, served either riverside or at the kitchen bar with lodge-baked biscuits.
Après is hosted each evening at the bar, where guests gather to share the day’s adventures. Dinner rounds out the day with a four-course, family-style feast celebrating local ingredients prepared with creativity and care.
DRINKS
At Owen River Lodge, there is a fine selection of house wine and beer included in your stay. We also offer a separately priced reserve selection for your enjoyment. We take great pride in sharing our fine wine local to the Marlborough, Nelson, and Otago regions surrounding the lodge and thoughtfully pair each dinner with a selection. If you have a special beer or wine preference, please discuss this with your Experience Team in the pre-trip planning process.
Preparing for Your Trip
Check out the essential information needed before you go.
Packing List
DON’T FORGET
TO PACK:
Passport
Wallet with cash and cards
Prescriptions and medication
Cell phone and charger
International adapter
Camera and charger
Batteries for devices
Personal toiletries
CLOTHES YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU PACKED:
*Provided by Eleven, but guests are welcome to bring their own should they prefer.
Lightweight, packable rain jacket and rain pants (Gore-tex recommended)
Wide-brimmed sun hat and baseball cap
Quick-dry, long-sleeved shirts and pants
Sun-protective longsleeve shirt or hoody
Fleece and/or puffy vest and jacket
Gloves (ski gloves and thin gloves)
Underwear
Socks (thin hiking socks and thicker, warmer socks)
Comfy clothes for the lodge
Warm layers for chilly summer nights
Bathing suit
Athletic shoes
Comfy shoes for the lodge (sandals, clogs, slip-ons)
Sun mask or buff
Sunscreen 50+ SPF*
Insect repellent*
Lip balm*
Small day pack*
OCT-DEC: JAN-MAR:
- 72°F 4° - 22°C
- 29°C
Fly GearFishing List
*Starred equipment is available as part of your stay or for purchase through the lodge retail space. Guests are also welcome to bring their own gear and equipment.
Polarized sunglasses
Comfortable wading/ walking boots*
Fly rods: 6-weight rod*
Fly reels and spools*
Leaders*: 12–18 ft - 4x and 5x
Tippet*: 3x and 4x
Pliers, hemostats, and snips*
Dry flies*: Size 6–18 terrestrials and standard flies
Nymphs*: Size 8–18 green/ brown stoneflies, tungsten beaded and unweighted Mayfly (ie..Pheasant tail/Hare’s ear nymphs and Caddis patterns
Streamers*: Size 6–12 common streamer patterns
Guide lanyard
Optical cloth and cleaner
Chest pack or hip pack
Good to Know
ELECTRICAL CURRENT:
• Throughout New Zealand, the power sockets are type I. The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. U.S. guests will require a voltage converter for 110 volt devices. You will also need an adaptor for U.S. and European plugs. Please bring both converters and adaptors for devices not already equipped. Most laptop computers and cell phones have chargers with converters, so only adaptors are necessary. Adaptors are also available in each room.
CASH AND CREDIT CARDS:
• Though credit cards are widely accepted throughout New Zealand, it is always a good practice to carry some local currency.
• Please note, American Express is not accepted at the lodge.
LOCAL LANGUAGE:
• New Zealand has three official languages: English, Māori, and New Zealand sign language. English is the most widely spoken language in New Zealand.
GRATUITIES:
• While gratuities are not expected at our properties, guests wishing to leave a tip for the lodge team may consider $100.00 - $150.00 USD per guide day and $50.00-$75.00 USD per night for the lodge staff. This amount will be distributed among all in-house lodge staff who have contributed to your stay. Gratuity can be left in cash or in the local currency on your final bill.
• General Tipping Guidelines: Tipping in New Zealand is truly merit based, and is not usually expected or obligated. If you would like to leave a tip at a restaurant, a few dollars or 10% of the final bill should suffice.
LOCAL TIME ZONE:
• New Zealand runs on New Zealand Standard Time, which is (GMT+12). There is only one time zone in New Zealand.
SPECIAL REQUESTS:
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
• We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. The Eleven Team can help you arrange trip cancellation insurance prior to your trip. Please let us know if you would like us to connect you with our preferred insurance partner, Global Rescue, to provide you with a quote.
FISHING LICENSES:
• Each guest will be required to hold a non-resident full season license. You can purchase it prior to your arrival at www. fishandgame.org.nz, or we can arrange this at the lodge when you arrive. You will be fishing the Otago area while fishing with us. This license will allow you to fish anywhere in New Zealand except for the Taupo Region.
• This license will then be used to purchase daily designated waters licenses, which are required to fish some of the fisheries we access from the lodge. Once each day’s itinerary is confirmed, the lodge team will handle the purchase of these licenses, which cost $40 per person per day. You will be charged any fees incurred at the end of your stay.
• Please be sure to fill out the guest information form, which you have received separately via email and other correspondence. Most importantly, we’ll need to know if you have any food allergies, physical limitations, or medical needs. If you need another copy of the questionnaire or would prefer to share this information over the phone, please contact us.
• Please also share any special requests such as favorite food, wine, or alcohol. This is also the time to let us know if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary and share any requests related to the type of fishing you prefer. We do everything possible to make your trip as tailored to your preferences as possible.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE:
• The New Zealand dollar (NZD) is the official currency of New Zealand. Check the exchange rate for your local currency before you depart for your trip. Currency can be exchanged at all international New Zealand airports.
