Jul 6 2019

Australia’s only national newspaper, The Australian, has published an article about Owen River Lodge and the fishing opportunities.

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Mar 25 2019

My second trip to ORL, this one with my brother, saw six nights of really - I mean really -special dinners from kitchen masters Jo and Ryan punctuated by five fabulous days of fishing. Meals elegantly, yet not ostentatiously, presented in the communal setting of the 12-place dinner table overlooking Owen River.

Met new friends and shared stories (most of which appeared to be true) of our days on four distinct rivers. Browns of up to 8lbs (none below 3 lbs) were the main result for Craig and me, though one day, we targeted rainbows in a classic alpine stream and landed ten…not as large as our browns, but at two pounds plus, all were feisty fighters. Our outstanding guide, Adam, worked us hard (though certainly not too) to very positive effect. The rivers make gin look murky and their surroundings are stunning.

We saw no other anglers on stream, nor signs of them (looked for footprints on all the beats we fished; saw none). While this is no where near “slam dunk” fishing, Adam’s skill, guidance, and patience resulted in no skunks for our team for the five days; our most-productive day had the two of us landing 43 pounds from eight fish. Adam also took dozens of photos, all of which were delivered to us in thumb drives on our last day. Bluntly, the fishing was THE BOMB.

Mar 23 2019

A truly fabulous place that exceeded our high expectations.

My wife and I recently spent 3 nights at Owen River Lodge. From the moment we arrived to the reluctant moment that we left, it was an outstanding experience. Felix and Kylie are wonderful hosts. They have created the perfect set-up for anyone who wants to combine some of the world’s best fly-fishing with high quality 5 star accommodation and dining. It is hard to beat.

The bedrooms are spacious, private, and very well equipped with stunning views over the Owen River. The attention to detail throughout our stay was impressive and sets Owen River Lodge apart from many other places we have stayed at. The cuisine prepared by Ryan the Chef and his assistant Casawndra, was of the highest standard and beautifully presented. Dinner is served as an intimate dinner party, enabling guests from around the world to get to know each other and to share stories of the fish caught and the ones that ‘got away’! Again Felix and Kylie were perfect hosts.

Although the weather was not ideal, the fishing was a truly memorable experience. I am a fairly experienced angler, but my wife has only fished once before. Our excellent guide Dave (who I cannot recommend highly enough) ensured that both of us had 2 very special days of fishing, with my wife catching her first brown trout, and me catching my largest one to date. Thank you all for such a memorable stay at the Lodge. We are certainly planning to return!

Feb 24 2019

My return trip to fly fishing paradise AKA Owen River Lodge!

I have traveled New Zealand extensively over 40 years in pursuit of large trout and there’s a reason I keep going back to Owen River Lodge.

Ideally situated in the beautiful Tasman region with a variety of rivers to choose from, ORL is a virtual Disneyland for the traveling fly fisher. My most recent trip with guide Adam (highly recommended) did not disappoint with plenty of action (wet & dry) every day and some very large brown trout that will live in my memory vault forever.

As always, the food and accommodations are first class and Felix and Kylie and their excellent team did an exceptional job of meeting all my needs making my trip most productive, enjoyable and comfortable. Owen River Lodge is a true gem among fishing destinations and I look forward to my return visit and many more!

Feb 19 2019

Brown Trout Heaven :

Sighting, stalking, casting to and catching 6lb brown trout in crystal clear water with magnificent scenery is a fly fisherman’s dream. Thanks to our excellent guide Adam, whose skill at sighting fish and giving helpful tips was invaluable, my wife and I caught fish every day. They aren’t easy and the fishing was challenging but that made each fish so much more special. Definitely one of the best fishing trips I have ever had.

And that’s just the fishing! Back at the lodge Felix, Kylie and the staff make everyone feel so welcome, and the food and accomodation is superb. Thanks to everyone for a truely memorable trip.
If you love fishing, put ORL on your bucket list.

Feb 17 2019

Exceptional Time

We had a tremendous experience at Owen’s River Lodge due to Felix Borenstein’s ability to truly develop a 5 star fishing lodge in a pristine area on the South Island of New Zealand.
The staff, chefs Ryan and Jo along with Casawndra were superb in making our experience delightful, and of course Kylie made us feel at home everyday. In all of our travels and stays at lodges, the ORL stands out superior to the rest

Jan 29 2019

Trip of a Lifetime

Our group stayed In January 2019 for a week of lodging and six days of fishing. Felix and his staff could not have done any better. The food and lodging were outstanding.
The fishing was demanding but extremely rewarding. The guides were knowledgeable and dedicated and the fish were SO special!!!! Expectations were exceeded creating a most memorable trip of a lifetime!

Jan 21 2019

We had a group of six stay at the lodge for 5 nights. We fished 4 days, including one helicopter trip into the back country. What an incredible experience we all had.

Our fishing capabilities ranged from novice to moderate and we all landed great New Zealand brown trout (a great deal of help came from the fantastic guides).

Outside of the fishing the ambiance and food were spectacular! We will be back.

Jan 20 2019

Memorable Experience at Owen River Lodge :

My husband and I had such a wonderful experience during our time at Owen’s River Lodge. Nestled in the beautiful countryside of Murchison, Felix and his crew treated us like family the moment we arrived (pups too!). Everything from the fly fishing, to hospitality, to meals, and accommodations were exceptional.

We were in very good hands with our seasoned and highly knowledgeable guide who put us on some amazing fish. One of the highlights of the trip for my husband and I was our heli fishing experience. Definitely worth it if you’re giving it consideration. My only regret was that our time at ORL was too short. We look forward to returning one day. Thank you ORL for such a memorable experience! All the best and tight lines~

Jan 2 2019

Fantastic Fly Fishing Lodge Experience

Felix and Kylie and their team run a fabulous Fly Fishing operation that is first class all the way.

Location - Fabulous rural setting with the worlds best trout streams at your doorstep
Accommodation - Clean, comfortable and beautifully appointed
Food - A World Class dining experience every day
Wine - Fine New Zealand selection
Staff - Wonderfully accommodating
Guides - Personable, knowledgeable, skilled fish hunters
Fishing - Landed 18 fish (the best 7.5lb) over 3 days, takes/hookups from at least a dozen more and sighted a few more that my casting wasn’t up to scratch.
I even caught a lovely 3lb fish right after dinner one night in the Owen river within view of the dining room. How much better could it be?

My wife Michelle and I had a wonderful stay and hope we have an opportunity to return in the near future.
Thanks so much to everyone at the lodge (including the dogs) for looking after us, it was a fabulous experience.

Dec 28 2018

ORL Hospitality and Fly Fishing = 5 stars!

The Ultimate challenge in fly fishing and outstanding rewards. Top the day with exceptional hospitality, food and guides and you will experience what we call in Texas, “neighborly”.

Felix, Kylie and staff are truly committed to making your stress free stay with their own neighborly touch of New Zealand warmth. Definitely worth coming back to Owen River Lodge. Thank you! Norman and Deedy

Dec 12 2018

The ultimate travel guide for the discerning angler - Traveling Angler, has featured Owen River Lodge in their 2018 annual edition

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Dec 5 2018

New Zealand’s largest Sunday newspaper writes about ORL

The Sunday Star-Times is New Zealand’s largest Sunday newspaper, they wrote an article about the lodge and our fishery

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Oct 30 2018

First Class Fly Fishing Lodge :

What’s better then 3 nights 2 days fly fishing ??????

That would be 5 nights 4 days, if your looking for the best New Zealand has to offer we found it.
Thank you Felix,Kylie, and Ryan, for the wonderful stay.
Aloha Kyle & Diana Smith

Sep 8 2018

Owen River Lodge wins prestigious NZ Tourism award !

Owen River Lodge becomes the first fishing lodge in the country to win at the New Zealand Tourism Awards.

Read all about our win here: https://www.owenriverlodge.co.nz/blog/owen-river-lodge-scoops-nz-tourism-awards