Experiences

The Nelson/Tasman region repeatedly records the most sunshine hours of all of New Zealand. Combined with the crystal clear waters and dozens of rivers and streams to choose from, the guided fly fishing experience offered from Stonefly Fishing Lodge can be most memorable. Average catch size of brown trout in this region is approx. 4lb-5lb, with catches of 8lb plus quite common and the chance of a trophy 10lb brown trout may only be a cast away.

The wide variety of rivers accessible from Stonefly Fishing Lodge enables guests to experience a choice of relatively gentle-flowing easy-access rivers to more adventurous backcountry streams requiring more accurate casting and a suitable level of fitness. The location also allows a wide selection of rivers from different catchment systems enabling the fly fishing guides to pick the most appropriate fly fishing destination according to the various flow rates at a particular time of year.

A packed lunch is provided, along with complimentary use of all the Lodge's fishing gear.

Not included

Fishing licences

Our experienced in-house guides will drive you to some of the best local blocks, terrains and private land for an unforgettable stalk and day in the wild.

There are multiple hunting options to suit your goals. A luxury packed lunch is provided with all expeditions.

• Red stag
• Chamois
• Goat
• Fallow buck
• Wild pigs

Each itinerary is bespoke to the guest's preferences and the season.

Kahurangi is New Zealand's second largest National Park, created in 1996. It is an untouched wilderness area and includes the world-renowned Heaphy, Wangapeka, and Mt Arthur tracks. It is home to many endemic plant species with the largest range of flora of any of the New Zealand National Parks.

A fully guided hiking tour taking you to one of the higher peaks in Kahurangi National Park with spectacular views over Nelson and the Abel Tasman Bay. Starting out at 9:30am from the Lodge, you'll have lunch on the mountain and return around 4pm. The walking time and route taken can be varied easily to suit the fitness and experience of the hikers.

The guides are experienced, know the area well and have a passion for nature. They are keen to share its wildlife and natural history as well as the stories of the original inhabitants, the Māori people.

Departs

9:30am from the lodge

Returns

Around 4pm

Lunch

On the mountain

The Nelson Lakes National Park comprises 101,753 hectares of beech forest, valleys, isolated glacial lakes and craggy peaks, clear streams and is home to native Bellbirds and Kaka among many others. This stunning hike to Mt Robert offers exquisite views and vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges and many valleys.

Your guide will pick you up from Stonefly Lodge in the morning. A short drive later and you will leave the vehicle at the car park, half way up the mountain, a great way to start the day with wonderful views before the hike even begins! Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Bushline hut and a few hours later you'll be back at the Lodge.

This walk on a good day is hard to beat. Wonderful 360 degree views of the Southern Alps stretching away to the south, and the valleys which lie at the feet of these mighty mountains, it's almost hard to capture the feeling in a photograph.

Lunch

Gourmet lunch at Bushline hut

Take off from the Helipad outside the Lodge and fly over the Kahurangi National Park and its 1,000,000 acres of wilderness.

Your pilot will find a suitable mountaintop to stop for lunch, with views out to Tasman Bay to your North and the Kahurangi National Park to your West.

Return back to the Lodge with a whole new perspective on this beautiful region.

Board your private charter yacht for a cruise into the Abel Tasman National Park to discover lush bush, golden sand, and heavenly blue waters. Relax on the beach with a gourmet lunch before meeting your private helicopter at Awaroa Bay.

From Awaroa you will track into the rugged Kahurangi National Park for a landing high in the mountains where you can explore unique rock formations and alpine lakes. Enjoy truly spectacular views of Golden Bay on your journey back to the Lodge!

Lunch

Gourmet beach lunch

Price depends on the number of people and the final itinerary.

Distraught at the loss of Gandalf, the remaining members of the Fellowship escape the mines and throw themselves to the ground in their grief. Filming was undertaken here for 10 days and the results are one of the most moving moments in the film.

Mt Owen showcases some of the oldest rock in New Zealand and has priceless geological properties. As you fly toward Mt Owen, a landscape of glaciated marble karst is exposed and you appreciate the size of these giant rocks. The surface is split with crevasses and sinkholes where water has left its mark. The area also claims New Zealand's largest underground caving system. Mt Owen is situated at the southern end of the Kahurangi National Park, ideally located to access from the helipad at Stonefly Lodge situated on the boundary of the park.

Price depends on the number of people and the final itinerary.

The best way to see Abel Tasman National Park and its beautiful beaches. Self-drive or arrange a private transfer from the Lodge to Stephens Bay, where a scenic shared cruise (10am–4pm) begins. Kayak, swim and bush-walk all in one day, with a visit to the Tonga Island Marine Reserve.

The comfortable launch carries kayaks, snorkelling gear and towels; a platter-style lunch, snacks and refreshments are included, with complimentary local beer and wine at lunch. Limited to 11 guests on a shared charter.

Please bring your own camera, hat, sunglasses, warm jacket (just in case), swimming gear, and hiking shoes. Opportunities for a short hike are available if required.

Cruise

10am–4pm, shared charter

Group size

Limited to 11 guests

Included

Kayaks, snorkelling gear, towels, lunch, snacks and refreshments

There are 24 boutique wineries and a similar number of boutique art studios within an hour's drive of Stonefly Lodge. Tailor-made full-day excursion visiting a selection of award-winning wineries and local art and craft studios. This tour introduces visitors to the actual creators of world-class wine and reveals the cultural essence of the region with studio and gallery visits with some of New Zealand's highly acclaimed artists. Depending on the interests of the group, each tour is tailor-made to suit their needs.

Whether you are a wine enthusiast, an art lover, or simply an explorer, our Wine & Art Tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Nelson/Tasman.

Format

Private, full day, tailor-made

With world-class trails set in breathtaking landscapes, the Nelson region is a mountain biking paradise. From flowy singletrack near the city, to the iconic Kaiteriteri MTB Park, to the alpine challenge of the Coppermine Track and the gravity-fed descents of Wairoa Gorge, every rider can find their perfect adventure. Ride into native bush, tackle purpose-built park trails, or go all-in on helicopter access to backcountry descents.

The options are endless. Ask Livi or Harry about adventure options.