Fiordland Lodge

Set in a World Heritage Area, Fiordland Lodge offers the perfect base from where to explore Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, and the surrounding Fiordland National Park.

When you travel to Fiordland, you will be visiting one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. Fiordland has achieved World Heritage status and is renowned as home to the famous Fiords of Milford and Doubtful Sounds.

Focusing on environmental sustainability and key luxury standards, Fiordland Lodge is the ‘Gateway To The Fiords’ and the perfect base for your Fiordland experience. Fiordland Lodge sits at the edge of almost 1.2 million hectares of mountain, lake, fiord and rainforest. The lodge is perched on a hill nestled on the edge of Lake Te Anau, with a spectacular backdrop of Mt Luxmore and the Murchison mountains. Fiordland Lodge’s open architecture reflects the vastness of the Fiordland National Parkwith it's high ceilings, full trunk pillars and a massive riverstone fireplace which provides a warm and spacious environment with a sense of solidity and style.

Once you step inside, you will understand why this unique lodge is known for exceptional hospitality. Fiordland Lodge prides itself on offering a very high standard of customer care, never obtrusive, but always on hand to grant all guests needs and expectations. There are no 'dinner jacket requirements' here, no crowds, only relaxation.

Fiordland is world renowned for the quality of its fly fishing in New Zealand. The crystal clear, unpolluted waters are managed as a wild fishery producing good stocks of large brown and rainbow trout. Fiordland guides specialize in upstream sight fishing and all fishing is catch and release. Over 40 uncrowded rivers and streams are within 1.5 hours drive of the lodge.

Experience true wilderness fishing amongst stunning scenery on remote rivers in Fiordland. (Optional helicopter fly ins direct from the lodge), or try back country fishing on rolling New Zealand farmland. Fiordland guides organize multi-day trips for a variety of water and scenery: an unforgettable experience each day.

At Fiordland Lodge, a maximum of 29 guests are accommodated in 10 luxurious rooms in the Lodge and two separate self-contained loft-style Log Cabins. Accommodations feature king-size beds, well-appointed private bathrooms and superb views. The decor reflects the beautiful Fiordland landscape, focusing on muted natural colors and textures. There are 9 lodge rooms, one Executive Suite and two exclusive Fiordland Lodge log cabins. The log cabins provide secluded accommodations for a maximum of five guests, separate from the main lodge. All ten accommodation options have commanding views over Lake Te Anau, and external access out onto either the balcony upstairs, or the lawn downstairs.

Fiordland Lodge offers the discerning traveler style, comfort and privacy, yet is only five kilometers from the tourist township of Te Anau. Set on a superb site with commanding views out across Lake Te Anau this is a rural setting with rolling grass lands surrounding the Lodge. Lake Te Anau is a mere ten-minute walk away. Across the lake to the west lie the mountains of Fiordland National Park, an area of over three million acres of untouched wilderness and part of the much larger South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Excellence in tourism at Fiordland Lodge extends to offering unique experiences direct from the lodge itself. Fiordland guides - operating directly from the lodge - is a renowned organization that offers extended hikes, bird watching, hunting, conservation and fly-fishing trips. Scenic excursions into the sounds of Milford and Doubtful depart daily as do other outdoor and nature pursuits which combine the region’s top geographical attractions with activities. The local knowledge of our staff and guides ensures and promotes the best of this beautiful New Zealand environment.

Day 1: Arrive Queenstown, New Zealand (ZQN), Rent a car and drive approximately 2.5-hours to Fiordland Lodge

Day 2 – 6: Full days of guided fishing

Day 7: Depart Lodge

2025-26 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

October 1, 2025 - April 30, 2026:

• 7 night/6 day package: NZ $5,700
• 4 night/3 day package: NZ $3,800

May 1 - September 30:

• 7 night/6 day package: NZ $5,010
• 4 night/3 day package: NZ $3,340

Included: Accommodations, dinner and breakfast, GST

Not Included: Transportation to and from the lodge, guided fishing, fishing licenses, specialty wines and alcohol, lunch, optional fly-outs by fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter, gratuities.

Season: November to April

Fish Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout

Lodge Capacity: 29

Where is the lodge? The lodge is located on the South Island of New Zealand about 20 minutes north of the town of Te Anau.

The address of Fiordland Lodge is:
472 Te Anau-Milford Highway
Te Anau 9679, New Zealand

How do I get there? To get to Fiordland Lodge guests will need to fly to Auckland (AKL) and then transfer to Te Anau (TEU). Once in Te Anau guests will either need to rent a car and drive the 20 minutes to Fiordland Lodge or take a shuttle (not included and paid on-site). Most international flights arrive in Auckland early in the morning and the transfer gets into Te Anau in the mid-morning to early afternoon. Guests are encouraged to call the lodge to arrange their arrival time and guests are encouraged to arrive after 3:00 PM.

When should I go? The season runs October to April with November through March being the high season and October and April being the shoulder season.

In summary:

• December: River levels drop, and water temperatures are warmer. Dry flies are increasingly successful and nymph fishing should still be successful.
• January: High summer in New Zealand. The rivers are mostly low and clear, and the bigger rivers fish extremely well. This is a great time for terrestrial and dry fly fishing.
• February: Dry and terrestrial flies are at their peak. River levels are lower. Rivers tend to be busier in February, but every trout in every river is rising.
• March: A change of seasons as the first frosts arrive around mid-month. The terrestrials disappear then but are replaced by afternoon mayfly hatches. There are fewer anglers about so the fish are less pressured.
• April: Brown trout fisheries are active with the fish feeding in the cooler water on consistent mayfly hatches. Brown Trout start staging for pre-spawning runs and they move out the lakes and up into the tributaries. April is a perfect month for dry fly buffs.
• May: Last chance in rainbow trout fisheries. Most brown trout fisheries close.
• June to September: Most rivers are closed except a few winter fisheries. Most lakes are open and the Lake Te Anau tributaries experience their winter run of pre-spawning rainbow trout. Many estuarine areas of rivers in both Islands remain open and provide great sport for sea-run brown trout especially in the smelt and whitebait season in August.

Where do they fish? Fiordland Lodge offers guided fly fishing in both Fiordland and neighboring Southland. With excess of 30 rivers and streams all within a 90-minute drive of the lodge, there is an abundance of options. They vary from small spring fed streams to moderate sized rivers. The lodge also offers drift and jet boat fishing on the Waiau river.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? It can take anywhere from 30-minutes to an hour-and-a-half by helicopter or 4-wheel drive vehicles to reach the fishing grounds.

How do they fish? The majority of fishing is walk and wade but there can be some boat-based fishing on the Waiau River.

What happens if there is inclement weather or an unfavorable change in water conditions? With all the water options available it is rare to be blown out, but it can occur. If that is the case, there are lots of other activities in the area to enjoy.

Who is best suited to this destination? The fisheries of the Fiordland area are perfect for both novice and intermediate to the most advanced anglers. Fiordland Lodge proudly caters to anglers of all ability.

What is a typical day like? Guests are picked up at 8:30 AM from the lodge by a local fishing guide. There will be a bit of a briefing where guests and guides will go through the day, and location. Guests will then helicopter or water taxi into Fiordland National Park and access exceptional and un-pressured fishing locations. This is the trout fishing people come to NZ for, backcountry, remote and stunning landscapes. Gin-clear waters offering up outstanding sight fishing for mountain river bred brown and rainbow trout. The complete fishing and backcountry experience; outstanding trout fishing, exceptional landscapes, and experienced hard-working guides ensure a trout fishing adventure to remember. Return to the lodge typically approximately 5:30 PM.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? The lodge focuses on environmental sustainability and is warm, inviting and relaxed.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals are taken at the lodge and guests will experience a connection to Fiordland through the land and from the ocean through dishes that focus on freshness, simplicity, and seasonal produce.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Built in 2002 Fiordland Lodge, has a maximum of 27 guests accommodated in 10 luxurious rooms in the lodge and two separate self-contained loft-style log cabins as well as a 4-bedroom Owners Residence. Accommodations feature king-size beds, well-appointed private bathrooms and superb views. The log cabins provide secluded accommodation for a maximum of five guests separate from the main lodge. All accommodation options have commanding views over Lake Te Anau, and external access out onto either the balcony upstairs, or the lawn downstairs.

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? Yes. There is an onsite manager at the lodge.

Is there internet and/or cell service? Yes. Wi-Fi is available at the lodge.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? The fisheries around Fiordland Lodge are rainbow and brown trout fisheries.

How many fish will I catch? New Zealand is a quality over quantity fishery with 3-6 fish over the 18” mark being a fantastic day.

Will we see other anglers? It is possible but it is rare, especially when helicoptering into the back country.

What are the guides like? The handpicked team of guides are all members of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association. They are permitted to guide on all waters and in addition are trained in health and safety to ensure that the guest experience is not only exceptional, but safe throughout.

Does the lodge provide equipment? Yes. The lodge can provide all fishing equipment, but guests are welcome to bring their own.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? A 5- or 6-weight rod with a dedicated floating trout line and a 15- foot leader.

What are the top flies? Red Humpy, Blow Fly, Yellow Humpy, Para Blue Dun, Coch-Y-Bondhu, Hair & Copper, Royal Wulff, Creeper, Kakahi Queen, Cicada.

Are there other activities? Yes. There are lots of activities available at Fiordland Lodge including world-class hiking and biking in the World Heritage Area, penguin encounters, cruises, heli-touring, caving and farm and wine tours.

What are the physical demands? Fiordland Lodge prides itself on being able to accommodate anyone, but guests that can walk 2 to 5 miles per day are going to be able to experience more of the fisheries surrounding the lodge.

Are there any special skills required? Not really, but guests that are able to make a good presentation with their first cast and can control the line during the drift are going to have more success at Fiordland Lodge.

What is the cost? The most current rate for Fiordland Lodge can be found in the link below.
https://www.flywatertravel.com/destination/FiordlandLodge

Are there any other expenses? Guests will need to purchase a fishing license and arrange for transportation to and from the lodge. Helicopter charters and additional activities can be paid for onsite.

Does this trip combine well with other trips? Absolutely. Guests can explore Fiordland National Park in addition to the South Island of New Zealand. Australia, Indonesia and Asia are also easily accessed from New Zealand.

Do I need a Visa? Most visiting guests to New Zealand do not need to acquire a visa but will need to buy a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). A NZeTA can be acquired for NZ$ 9.00 if you use their ap or NZ$ 12.00 if you do it online. The IVL is purchased at the same time and costs NZ$ 35.00.

What is the Cancellation Policy?

• Outside 31 days before arrival no charge.
• 31 to 15 days 50% charge for the room nights cancelled.
• Less than 15 days 100% charge for the room nights cancelled.

Do I need Trip Insurance? Fly Water Travel recommends evacuation insurance. We recommend Global Rescue.

Are there any dangers and annoyances? No.

Are there any health concerns? No, but guests have a responsibility to disclose any health concerns or dietary restrictions to Fly Water Travel or the lodge before arrival.