More Pics Accommodations: 7 Tastefully Appointed Riverside Cottages Cost: See rates below Dates: Year round Duration: Single- mutliple night Location: Paenga, New Zealand Phone Number: (800)410-1222 ask for Gary or Mike Species: Brown trout

Maruia River Lodge - Paenga,New Zealand

Maruia River Lodge is nestled on the banks of the stunning Maruia River, set in 500 acres of native Beech forest and in one of the world's finest trout fishing regions.

Maruia River Lodge offers exclusive luxury accommodation overlooking the banks of the beautiful Maruia River, one of the finest Trout fishing rivers in the South Island of New Zealand - an idyllic country retreat for the discerning traveler. Come and indulge yourself at a haven of tranquility and relaxation set in stylishly comfortable surroundings. The team at Maruia River Lodge is dedicated to creating the most memorable stay for you - the ultimate in comfort.

Accommodation

The main Lodge has a welcoming atmosphere whether in the sitting room and bar area, which features a magnificent central fireplace of Alexandria schist stone; or in the new restaurant, which prides itself in offering a wide variety of world-class dishes. The menu changes daily to suit the seasonal availability of fresh produce. The team at Maruia River Lodge is dedicated to ensuring that guests receive the ultimate in comfort and service, creating the most memorable stay for all of their guests.

Individual riverside cottages ensure the maximum of privacy and a spectacular view of the River. Five cottage suites with super-king (or twin) bed; One two bedroom cottage with queen (or twin) beds, bathrooms en-suite and separate sitting room; One super deluxe cottage with super-king (or twin) bed, and separate sitting room.

Finding your way

Two hours drive from Nelson, three hours from Christchurch and 1.5 hours from Westport. A helicopter pad and 600m airstrip are also available at the Lodge.

Local Attractions

The Maruia River Lodge offers self-guided trout fishing on our own stretch of the river or with a personal guide. Additional attractions include local kayak school; white water rafting; horse trekking; mountain biking; walking; photography; aviation and more leisurely pursuits of petanque and croquet on site.

Fishing

The Maruia River has 186 trout (brown and rainbow) per kilometer or 296 per mile (as surveyed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries). It is a great river for both the novice and the intrepid angler - a tributary of the Buller River System ensures a variety of good trout fishing on your doorstep. The Lodge has 2.5km of river frontage on the Maruia River. The Maruia River also has some ideal stretches for the kayaker.

The Maruia is an excellent water to fish offering all forms of angling experience from spin fishing through to delicate dry-fly fishing for large wary Browns. The river runs over a gravel bed though there are areas where it runs between rock outcrops that can really test anglers who have spotted large fish in the depths. The lower reaches mostly flow through willow lined banks while above the Mairuia Falls, the river flows through beech and manuka trees.

The Maruia Falls (formed during the 1929 Murchison earthquake) also form the boundary with both rainbow and brown trout above the falls while only Brown trout are found below them. Above the confluence with the Woolley River there is a braided section that holds fewer fish though those that are there tend to be quite large.

Fish numbers are high, especially in the middle and lower reaches and lower in the braided upper reaches. Fish are in the 3-4lb range but do grow much larger. Fish of trophy sizes can be expected to be seen (though are hard to catch).

Rates

3 Nights, 2 Days Guided Fly Fishing: