Activities for conference or non fishing guests, Stonefly Lodge can be the base from which to explore the Nelson Lakes and Abel Tasman National Parks.
The location for the Lodge was chosen not only because of the unique river setting but because of its central position in relation to the main attractions of the wider region which are the three major National Parks, and the Nelson's regional wineries all within an hours drive from Stonefly Lodge..
Abel Tasman National Park (coastal)
Arguably the most beautiful park in New Zealand the Abel Tasman National Park
is predominantly a coastal park, and is admired for its golden sandy
beaches, tranquil lagoons, fascinating rocky outcrops and beautiful,
unmodified estuaries. There are several coastal walking tracks which
wander through the forest and along the edge of the sea.
Activities on offer as a day tour from the Lodge are:
Guided sea kayaking, swim with the seals, boat cruise, guided coastal walks.
Nelson Lakes National Park (alpine)
Comprises 101,753 hectares of beech forest, valleys, isolated glacial
lakes and craggy peaks, clear streams and home to native Bellbirds and
Kaka among many others.
There are networks of short tracks exploring the forest, lake shore and glacial features of both lakes.
Activities on offer as a day tour from the lodge are:
Guided nature walks along the lake edge, and a boat cruise.
Kahurangi National Park (wilderness)
One of New Zealand's newest National Parks and New Zealand's second largest National Park
Kahurangi covers most of the north western corner of the South Island
and has diverse virgin forests, alpine flora, wild rivers and a wide
array of landforms. It is home to over half of New Zealand's 2400 native
plant species.
Activities on offer as a day tour from the Lodge are: Guided
walk (moderate, well graded) to Arthurs Hut offering spectacular views
of the Tasman Bay and Nelson Region. (2-6 hours return walk). A more
gentle guided walk along the Flora Saddle offers beautiful beech forest
scenery. (2-4 hours return walk)
Other attractions
Nelson acts like a giant culture magnet attracting
both artists and visitors in a fusion of creativity that exists all year
round. Over 350 working artists are based throughout the region,
offering a rich diversity of styles and many are within an hours drive
from the Lodge where the artists invite visitors into their home-based
studios and welcome the opportunity to talk about their work.
This tour can be a fully guided tour or self drive.
There are also five country golf clubs within one hours drive from the Lodge, with transfers to and from available from
the Lodge. Stonefly Lodge is perfectly located to offer guests a wide variety of activities and the lodge is ideally suited as a pre/post conference destination from Nelson.
Abel Tasman Kayak Tours
Tonga Island Seals and guided walk in Abel Tasman National Park, showcases seal colony, granite headlands, scenic walk, Maori and European stories and legends.
Transfer from Stonefly Lodge to meet the 830am aqua taxi north to the golden expanse of Onetahuti beach in Abel Tasman National Park to discover New Zealand fur seals at Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Fur seals are extremely good swimmers and you will see them first hand from your kayak. Paddle south with the breeze, exploring sculptured granite headlands.
Finish kayaking at Medlands beach for a gourmet lunch before embarking on your guided bushwalk. Your guide will stop at a number of significant spots where you can learn about the flora and fauna. Return to Marahau by aqua taxi where your transport will be waiting to take you back to Stonefly Lodge around 530pm.
Abel Tasman Boat Cruise
Transfer from Stonefly Lodge to Kaiteriteri ready for departure at 930am. From the comfort of the purpose built cruising catamaran be introduced to the Abel Tasman Park with fascinating interpretive stories while you cruise the azure waters of the spectacular coastline, past sculptured granite headlands and into golden –sandy bays fringed by lush native forest. The day can be tailor made to include short coastal walks and viewing of the seal colony. Return to the Lodge by 530pm.
Guided Walks
Stonefly Lodge can offer fully exclusive guided walks in all three of the National Parks only a short drive from the Lodge. Our local guides are experienced, know the area well and have a passion for it. They are keen to share with you its wildlife and natural history as well as the stories of the original inhabitants, the Maori people. Each tour is tailor made to your interest, whether it be coastal, alpine or wilderness environments the interpretive tour includes transport and a gourmet lunch. Usually a full day tour - we can however tailor make a guided half day tour.
White water rafting
A short drive from the lodge snow capped mountains, lush rainforest and stunning river valleys provide the backdrops for an ideal rafting adventure. A range of whitewater rafting trips catering for all ages and experience levels keen for an adventure. Full day rafting trips or half day rafting and inflatable kayaks provide plenty of exhilarating moments and spectacular scenery.
Horse Riding
Experience being one with horse and environment. A chance to ride a horse in a pristine environment, the treks involve several river crossings and take you into wild and challenging places, exhilarating ridge rides through native bush. The spectacular scenery and tranquillity will leave you refreshed in body, mind and spirit. Half day and full day treks available from beginners to experienced riders.
Heli Tours
Stonefly Lodge, with it’s own helipad right at the front door, and centrally located between the three major National Parks provides a perfect base from which to explore the region by air.
Abel Tasman Scenic Heli Tour
Discover the golden-sandy beaches and pristine waters of the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest yet most frequently visited National Park. Fly low level along the coastline before landing at Awaroa Bay in the northern end of the park. Take a stroll along the golden sand beach and swim in tranquil blue water. Indulge in your own private picnic lunch on the beach while marvelling at the coastline. The journey home gives you views of Golden Bay and Farewell Spit and takes you over Kahurangi National Park and Mt Arthur before descending to Stonefly lodge.
“Lord of the Rings” Heli Tour
Visit two spectacular wilderness sites used in the filming of “Lord of the Rings” these sites can only be fully appreciated by air. Breathtaking mountainous rock formations are recognisable as we descend down onto Mt Olympus (where the Crebain crows of Saruman cooked a meal and camped for the night). After a gourmet picnic lunch and a short walk the next leg of the journey travels over the expanses of Kahurangi National Park wilderness filled with flowing rivers and waterfalls to the peaks of Mt Owen, (exit from the mines of Moria/Dimrill Dale) Opportunity to walk the site and take photos before returning to the Lodge.
His and Hers – Fishing and Pampering Heli Tour
His and Hers day out is the ultimate compromise allowing for couples to indulge in their individual past times whilst still sharing in an unforgettable day out. Departing from Stonefly Lodge the first part of the tour combines the thrill of a spectacular flight through the renowned Kahurangi National Park with the practicality of accessing some of New Zealand’s most remote and pristine fishing territory. Here the fishermen in your party with fishing guide can embark on their hunt for that elusive trophy trout whilst friends and partners with other interests can continue on for a day of shopping, dining or pampering in one of this countries trendiest towns Nelson. The choice is yours and your hosts will provide you with their local knowledge as to the best places to eat, shop or be pampered in this vibrant town. At the end of the day re board your helicopter and either transfer directly back to the lodge or stay with us while we retrieve the fisherman from their day out in the stunning Crow or Karamea River. Either way this day offers something for everyone and still allows for a shared experience to suit!
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