Stonefly Lodge, Sydøen

Booked three nights and honestly didn't need to drive anywhere for a single cast, the water access is just unbeatable. Evenings on the deck with the sound of the river were worth every penny.

The river is literally a two-minute walk from the front door, and the guided access to the backcountry pools saved me hours of scouting. I’m a decent caster but not an expert, and the lodge’s setup made even my first evening out feel effortless.

I've fished a lot of places, but the sheer convenience of stepping straight from the lodge onto such prime South Island water is unmatched. Even on the days I wasn't catching, the quiet and the scenery made it worth every penny.