Cedar Lodge, New Zealand | Heli Fishing for Trophy Trout

Fishing at Cedar Lodge

Who this experience is for

Well suited to:
Global fly anglers traveling to New Zealand’s South Island who prioritize remote access and solitude, are comfortable with helicopter-supported days, and want a tightly run week focused on technical walk-and-wade fishing in untouched back-country rather than repeating the same water.

Located on the Makarora River beneath New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Eleven Cedar Lodge offers exclusive heli-fishing for brown and rainbow trout. Each day begins with a flight to remote backcountry rivers in Mount Aspiring National Park, delivering unmatched access to New Zealand’s most spectacular trout waters.

Fly Fishing in Mount Aspiring National Park

As New Zealand’s only all-inclusive heli-fishing lodge, Eleven Cedar Lodge combines luxury accommodation with direct helicopter access to some of the South Island’s most remote trout water. Hidden along the upper Makarora River near Mount Aspiring National Park, the lodge provides reach across both sides of the Southern Alps, where wild brown and rainbow trout thrive in pristine alpine streams fed by snowmelt and rainfall. Clear freestone rivers flow through native beech forest and open tussock valleys, offering long sight lines and classic walk-and-stalk fishing in complete solitude.

Exclusive Heli Access to Remote Rivers

With a rare helicopter concession and seasoned pilot-guides, Cedar Lodge can access over 30 rivers and streams throughout the Southern Alps and West Coast. From tight alpine creeks bordered by fern and moss to wide, boulder-strewn valleys, every system offers sight fishing for large trout that rarely encounter anglers. Flights range from 10 to 40 minutes and are chosen daily to match weather, water clarity, and angler experience, ensuring both safety and variety.

The program’s flexibility allows guides to adapt instantly to changing conditions, giving guests the best possible water each day. Heli operations are conducted by veteran mountain pilots with decades of experience flying in New Zealand’s backcountry terrain, maintaining the highest safety standards in the industry.

Trophy Trout Sight Fishing

Cedar Lodge is known for its technical, visual style of fishing. Most casts are made to trout you can see—typically four to six pounds, with trophy browns and rainbows exceeding ten. The fishing is walk-and-wade only, emphasizing stealth, accuracy, and an instinct for reading water and light. Success is built on observation and finesse, rewarding skill and patience in one of the world’s most dramatic fly-fishing environments.

Best Time to Fish at Eleven Cedar Lodge

The fishing season runs from November through March, spanning New Zealand’s prime summer months. Early season brings aggressive post-spawn trout feeding actively on nymphs. Mid-season offers clear water, stable flows, and exceptional dry-fly action during cicada and mayfly hatches. Late summer and early autumn feature lower water and selective fish that challenge even experienced anglers. Stable weather windows also make heli access more predictable from January onward, allowing guides to explore deeper valleys and glacier-fed tributaries within Mount Aspiring National Park.

South Island Guides with Decades of Experience

Each morning begins with a pre-flight briefing over breakfast as guides review weather and river options before loading gear into the helicopter. Guests fish in pairs, creating a highly personalized experience with continuous one-on-one guidance throughout the day.

The guiding team—led by long-time New Zealand professionals such as Alex Scott and Paul Wright—shares more than 50 years of combined experience at Cedar Lodge. Scott has guided in the region for over 15 years and knows the Makarora system intimately, while Wright brings nearly two decades on South Island rivers and a calm, analytical approach that suits technical sight fishing. Together they set the tone for the lodge’s reputation for professionalism and safety.

The Cedar Lodge Heli-Fishing Experience

After a short lift into the backcountry, the helicopter settles onto a gravel bar and the valley goes quiet. From there the wilderness fishing adventure begins—reading seams, watching for subtle movement, and making measured first casts to visible trout. Midday breaks are simple and unhurried with a riverside lunch before working back through new pools and side channels. Water is clear enough to see takes unfold; refusals teach as much as the strikes. The flight back traces glaciers and valleys few people ever see, a smooth return to comfort after a day immersed in wild water.

Supported by expert pilots, world-class equipment, and responsible stewardship of New Zealand’s mountain fisheries, Eleven Cedar Lodge delivers one of the most exclusive and rewarding heli-fishing experiences in the Southern Hemisphere—where wilderness and comfort come together.

To learn more about the fishing and express an interest, message Eleven.

Fishing Highlights

Casting tuition
Customizable itinerary
Guided fishing
Helicopter lodge transfer
Loaner rods & reels
Loaner wading gear
Premium fishing gear
Trophy fishing
Wilderness fishing

Fishing Gear & Information

Eleven Cedar Lodge provides all essential fly-fishing gear, ensuring guests are fully equipped for backcountry conditions. Premium Thomas & Thomas rods, Hatch Iconic reels, and Patagonia and Simms waders and boots are included, along with a complete selection of guide-tied flies matched to current hatches and river types.

Anglers are welcome to bring their own equipment, but the lodge’s gear is first-rate and maintained to professional standards.

Fishing is entirely walk-and-wade, with two anglers per guide for maximum focus and mobility. Each day’s program is customized to suit weather, river conditions, and experience level. Daily heli briefings, riverside lunches, and post-fishing après are part of the all-inclusive experience, allowing anglers to concentrate solely on the fishing.

All fishing follows a strict catch-and-release policy, with barbless hooks encouraged and careful fish-handling practices emphasized to preserve these wild fisheries.

Fishing Program Overview

Fishing Program: Freshwater Fly Fishing
Fishing Gear: Loaner gear is available for guests.
Species to Target: Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Season: The fishing at Cedar Lodge runs from November to March.
For seasonal updates and recommended gear, message Eleven.

Commitment to Sustainability

Cedar Lodge follows catch-and-release (C&R) practices to help sustain fish populations for future generations.

Advocates for Catch & Release

Cedar Lodge Accommodation

Framed by the Makarora River and New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Eleven Cedar Lodge combines modern riverside comfort, fine Kiwi cuisine, and effortless access to Mount Aspiring National Park—a secluded, all-inclusive wilderness retreat for discerning anglers.

Riverside Retreat in New Zealand’s Southern Alps

At Eleven’s Cedar Lodge, a luxury fly fishing retreat on New Zealand’s South Island, guests unwind in riverside comfort where modern design meets the wild beauty of the Southern Alps. Set beside the Makarora River and framed by Mount Aspiring National Park, the lodge combines contemporary style with authentic Kiwi hospitality, backed by Eleven’s long-running expertise in world-class angling lodges.

Guest Rooms and Suites

Cedar Lodge accommodates up to eight guests in four double-occupancy suites, each offering quiet, alpine views, and en suite bathrooms. Warm interiors, private decks, and thoughtful touches create a calm, restorative base between days on the river. With its intimate scale, the lodge ensures a relaxed atmosphere and attentive, personalized service throughout your stay.

Dining and Kiwi Hospitality

After a day of fly fishing in Mount Aspiring National Park, guests can relax in the lounge with a drink before sitting down to an evening of fine dining. Cedar Lodge’s private chef crafts seasonal dishes highlighting regional produce—Central Otago lamb, South Island seafood, and vegetables from the lodge garden—paired with New Zealand wines. Breakfast and dinner are served in the main dining room or on the outdoor terrace, with riverside lunches packed for heli-fishing days.

Exclusive Wilderness Fishing Lodge

With space for only a handful of guests, Cedar Lodge offers the seclusion and service expected of New Zealand’s finest wilderness lodges. Each stay is tailored to the guest, combining personalized service, guided excursions, and the comfort of a modern riverside retreat deep in the Southern Alps.

To explore room options, availability, and planning your stay, message Eleven.

Accommodation Gallery

Accommodation Highlights

Complimentary drinks
Ensuite bathroom
Gourmet chef
Hot tub
King-size beds
Luxury suites
Mountain views

Amenities

Fire pit
Open fireplace
Open lounge
Outdoor dining area
Private bathroom
Wifi

Travel Information

Reaching Eleven Cedar Lodge is straightforward yet scenic. Most guests arrive via Queenstown Airport (ZQN) on New Zealand’s South Island, which is serviced by regular domestic connections from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. From Queenstown, it’s a two-hour drive north along State Highway 6 through Wānaka and the Haast Pass region—a spectacular route that follows glacial valleys and alpine rivers.

Private ground transfers can be arranged through Eleven, or guests may rent a car for added flexibility. For a faster or more dramatic arrival, heli-transfers can also be organized directly to the lodge, landing on site beside the Makarora River.

Visa & Vaccine Requirements

Citizens of visa-waiver countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and most of Europe, can enter for up to 90 days without a visa but must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before departure. Travelers from other nations will need to apply for a visitor visa in advance through Immigration New Zealand.

A passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date is required. Visitors arriving from abroad typically clear customs in Auckland before continuing on a domestic flight to Queenstown for the transfer to Cedar Lodge.

Travel regulations and health recommendations may change, so guests should verify current visa and vaccination requirements before traveling.

Beyond Fishing Experiences

For guests looking to experience more of New Zealand’s South Island, Eleven Cedar Lodge offers a wide range of adventures beyond the water. The lodge’s helicopter program opens access to dramatic alpine terrain, allowing guests to hike remote peaks, explore rainforest canyons, or enjoy scenic flights over glaciers and the wild West Coast.

Closer to the lodge, guests can spend the day mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, or hiking through the surrounding valleys and national park trails. Those seeking a slower pace can visit nearby Central Otago wineries, relax in the hot tub with a glass of local Pinot Noir, or play a round on the property’s nine-hole target golf course.

For a deeper look at the region, the lodge can arrange jet boating, canyoning, or guided West Coast excursions that showcase New Zealand’s diverse landscapes—from alpine rivers to coastal rainforests. Whether you’re fishing or simply exploring, Cedar Lodge delivers a rare blend of adventure, comfort, and authentic South Island hospitality.

To find out if this fishing trip is right for you, message Eleven.