ORL Women only luxury fly fishing retreat - April 2020!

May 09, 2019

By Kylie Sargeant



Normally at this time of year we’d be winding down and looking forward to a break—especially after the super-busy season we’ve just had—but we’re really excited about this latest development and can’t wait to share it.

In April 2020 we’re hosting a six night/five day luxury fly fishing retreat exclusively for women anglers.

We are the only accredited luxury lodge in New Zealand offering this experience. And we know it’s going to be mind-blowingly good.

We’re aware that some women don’t feel very confident fishing with men. If that sounds like you, we want to give you the opportunity of fishing at your own pace and level in a no-pressure environment—while the team of our award-winning lodge spoils you in the process!

Safe traveling and safe fishing
New Zealand is a safe and easy place for women anglers to visit, either alone or with a fishing buddy. Kiwis are friendly, and without any bears or snakes to distract you, you’re free to concentrate on landing one of our big, wild browns. With 29 rivers within a 90 minute drive, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Casting instruction and professional guides
If you want to work on your casting form, our assistant manager Kylie Sargeant will be on hand to help. Kylie is New Zealand’s only female certified FFI casting instructor, and really knows her stuff. She’ll have you casting like a pro in no time. There will also be fly-tying demonstrations and, of course, all the fishing anyone could want! Our professional fishing guides have a lot of experience working with women anglers; they know our waterways very well and they’re even wilier than the browns! They’ll do everything they can to help you catch the fish of your dreams.

We have the largest collection of Simms and Sage loan gear in the world, with heaps of Simms women’s G3 waders and wading boots from women’s size 5.

Not your typical fishing lodge
The focus might be on fishing but this will also be a week of luxury and relaxation. Owen River Lodge holds New Zealand’s highest accreditation for luxury and environmental responsibility. We’re not your typical, testosterone-filled fishing lodge. Our guest cottages and the main lodge building are bright, stylish and elegant. We hang fine art on the walls; not dead animals. We celebrate our stunning views across the valley to Kahurangi National Park and have created beautiful gardens to enhance them.

Our guest accommodation is spacious, comfortable and spares no expense. You can choose to share a room with a fishing buddy or a new friend, or have the space to yourself. All rooms have WiFi and fast internet, so you’ll always be able to stay in touch with the folk back home.

We’re committed to sustainability and being responsible stewards of the environment. This extends to making our own sparkling mineral water, recycling packaging, composting food waste and minimising the use of plastics.

Superb cuisine and wines
If there’s one aspect of the Owen River Lodge experience that our guests can be reliably guaranteed to enthuse over, it’s our food. Internationally-trained chefs Ryan and Jo cater for all dietary requirements and showcase the very best of local produce—some of which comes from our own vegetable gardens, tended on organic principles.

Our house wines are produced locally and of the highest quality.

Other package inclusions
Naturally, you’ll have full access to all the lodge amenities, including the Jacuzzi—it’s always hot, always on, and perfect for soothing away any travel kinks. But we also want to treat you to a special, one-hour pamper massage delivered by our skilled local masseuse.

Your airport transfers to and from Nelson are also included. We have a few extra goodies up our sleeves too—but we don’t want to spoil the surprise!

Numbers are limited
The maximum number of available places on this very select luxury fly fishing retreat is 12. We know interest is high, so we’d encourage you to book now to avoid disappointment.

THE DETAILS:

WHAT: Women-only luxury fly fishing retreat
WHEN: 5-11 April, 2020
WHERE: Owen River Lodge, New Zealand
COST: NZ $5,990 per person, twin share
INCLUDES: 6 nights Accommodation (twin-share), all meals and house wines, 5 days of professional guided fishing, casting lessons, fly-tying sessions, one-hour massage and airport transfers to/from Nelson

We’re looking forward to seeing you in April 2020!

Back to list

Apr 29 2021

My wife and I spent three wonderful nights at ORL and could not have been happier. The weather was challenging, but that’s fishing, and on the day we had with our guide Stefano,… Read more

Tony & Jay Auckland NZ : TripAdvisor

Dec 21 2021

Owen River was a welcome break from Covid at the end of 2021. My previous experience’ on the water’, was three days, so l was looking forward to fishing in the Upper South… Read more

Peter & Leanne : Auckland New Zealand: TripAdvisor

Awards & acknowledgements

Owen River Lodge NZ: “Fly fishing at its very best”

Ph: +64 3 523 9075 Address: Owen Valley East Road, Murchison, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand

Email: fish@elevenangling.com