NEW ZEALAND / -44.1563°S, 169.2367°E
Lodge Destinations
Guided Adventures
World-Renowned Heli-Fishing
South Island, New Zealand
Hidden along the Makarora River, Cedar Lodge is located in the middle of New Zealand’s best sighted brown and rainbow fishing. The lodge’s remote setting near Mt. Aspiring National Park and our versatile helicopter program make it unlikely that you’ll see any other anglers as you walk and stalk some of the most pristine fisheries on the planet.
Welcome to Cedar Lodge
Only Heli-Inclusive Operator
Preceded by its 30+ year reputation, Cedar Lodge is the only fly fishing program in New Zealand that operates as an all-inclusive heli-operation.
Sight Fishing at its Finest
Stalk four-pound browns and bows on dries with opportunities for much larger fish daily as you walk and wade through untouched pools.
Sustainable, Chef-Crafted Meals
With all meals included, our Kiwi chefs bring the island’s flavor to each breakfast, in-field lunch, and dinner with local ingredients and creative flair.
Guides with Local Expertise
Drawing on a combined 50+ years of experience at Cedar, our guides’ world-class command of this style of fly fishing is the backbone of your experience.
Preceded by its 30+ year reputation, Cedar Lodge is the only fly fishing program in New Zealand that operates as an all-inclusive heli-operation.
Stalk four-pound browns and bows on dries with opportunities for much larger fish daily as you walk and wade through untouched pools.
With all meals included, our Kiwi chefs bring the island’s flavor to each breakfast, in-field lunch, and dinner with local ingredients and creative flair.
Drawing on a combined 50+ years of experience at Cedar, our guides’ world-class command of this style of fly fishing is the backbone of your experience.
Experience Highlights
What to Expect
Eleven personalizes every detail of your itinerary before you even leave for your trip. Here are a few highlights at Cedar Lodge.
Guided Heli-Fishing
From open river valleys to boulder-strewn beats, you’ll fly to your choice of water that’s fishing best. With two anglers per guide, you'll target big trout that rarely see anglers.
Pre-Arrival Planning and Custom Itineraries
Our dedicated planning team dials in every detail before your trip based on your preferences and requests, from meals and gear to fishing and adventures.
Industry-Leading Gear Provided
You can pack light—we got you on gear. Thomas and Thomas fly rods, Hatch 5 Plus Iconic fly reels, Patagonia waders and boots, flies, the works. You’re welcome to bring your own, too.
Additional Guided Adventures
For those days you and your non-angler friends are keen to explore more of New Zealand, you can go heli-hiking, biking, canyoneering, wine tasting, and more.
Chef-Prepared Meals
Load up on a house-made breakfast, have lunch on the river, then settle back at the lodge for après. South Island staples like Green Lipped mussels, lamb, and wine take main stage for dinner.
Guided Heli-Fishing
Pre-Arrival Planning and Custom Itineraries
Industry-Leading Gear Provided
Additional Guided Adventures
Chef-Prepared Meals
Lodge Details
Remote Lodging Built for the Pristine South Island
Cedar Lodge’s modern interiors keep things simple to accentuate your views of our only neighbors, the Makarora River and Mt. Aspiring National Park. Natural light floods four thoughtfully designed rooms and the dining area. In this secluded setting, you’ll get the best of South Island’s access, views, and Kiwi hospitality.
Guest Rooms
- Four double-occupancy rooms configured for two twins or one king bed with en suite bathrooms
- Beautiful views from every room
Facilities
- Indoor and outdoor dining areas
- Hot tub
- Lounge
- Firepit
- Nine-hole target golf course
- Nine-hole fly casting course
Special Features
- Immediate angling access to the Makarora River
- Helicopter concession to Mt. Aspiring National Park, the West Coast, and more
Seasonal Weather Patterns and Fishing Conditions
Expect excellent conditions throughout Cedar Lodge’s summer season, which runs from November through March. Here are specifics based on your timing.
Early Season (November–December)
Springtime means occasional rain, variable water levels, and the season’s first hatches. Trout are hungry and aggressive, making for great dry fly, dry dropper, and nymph fishing.
Mid-Season (January–February)
Rivers stabilize and temps rise, creating ideal conditions for dry fly fishing. Clear water, high sun angles, and the height of terrestrial insect activity make this the optimum time for sighted dry fly fishing.
Late Season (March)
Autumn brings stable weather, cooler temps, dropping water, and increasingly selective trout. Seasoned anglers can target fish with terrestrials as well as match the March mayfly hatches—all while enjoying the vibrant fall scenery.
Sample Itineraries
A Day in the Life
Heli-Fishing with Your Friends
Fully personalized to your preferences, your itinerary can include any combination of experiences. Here are a few of our favorites for anglers.
01 / 05
Fuel up with a chef-made breakfast
Fly out to a remote river to cast for wild trophy trout
Break for an in-field lunch on the river
Follow your guides' lead while you continue fishing
Enjoy dinner and wine on the outdoor patio
Great Walks and Wineries with Family
Fully personalized to your preferences, your itinerary can include any combination of experiences on and off the water. Here are a few of our favorites if you’re not fishing.
01 / 05
Fuel up with a chef-made breakfast
Fly from the lodge to a remote hiking trail for a “Great Walk,” as Kiwis call it
Pause to take in the views and eat your chef-prepared lunch
Spend the afternoon at the winery in nearby Wānaka
Return to the lodge for après and dinner
Food & Drink
Local Flavor from the Lodge to the River
With an emphasis on sustainable ingredients, your plates are packed with local flavor and Pacific-style creativity. Chef-prepared meals plus après are included in your stay, so you can enjoy South Island dishes right at home. Gather for breakfast at the lodge, and have lunch in-field so you can maximize your fishing time. Après and dinner are served either in the lodge's dining area or on the outdoor patio, accompanied by local wine, beer, and spirits.
Vehicles & Gear
Top-Notch Equipment Delivering Form and Function
With an eye for performance and an uncompromising approach to safety, Cedar Lodge is equipped with the best. Thomas and Thomas rods, Hatch reels, and Patagonia wading gear are included in your stay, and our Hughes 500 and B2 Squirrel helicopters offer the ultimate in safety and speed. Our permits give us rare heli-access to untouched water in Mt. Aspiring National Park, the West Coast, and more.
Guided Adventures
Our local guide team are experts on more than just fly fishing. They can take you on a variety of adventures so you can explore more of the South Island by foot, bike, and heli.
Fly Fishing
Cedar Lodge’s helicopter concession affords anglers total mobility to access remote water in Mt. Aspiring National Park and the surrounding areas, including the West Coast. Our seasoned guides will coach you on the most effective sight fishing techniques. This activity is included in your stay.
Mountain Biking
With a variety of local and helicopter-accessed options, you can heli to trails further away, or opt for a nearby half-day ride and chairlift-served downhill tracks in Wanaka. You'll be led by expert guides who tailor each ride to your experience level. This activity is included in your stay.
Hiking
Experience the most remote peaks and rivers of New Zealand with a variety of private hiking and heli-hiking excursions. In these hard-to-reach landscapes, your guides will tailor the route to suit your fitness level. This activity is included in your stay.
Scenic Heli-Flights
Waste no time getting to the wildest views of the Southern Alps and Mt. Aspiring National Park. With a variety of flight routes available, you’ll see everything from alpine glaciers and fjords to untouched coastlines. This activity is an additional fee.
Kayaking
Take a leisurely paddle along Lake Wānaka’s shoreline or pick up some speed riding New Zealand’s second largest river. This activity is included in your stay.
West Coast Heli-Adventure
This adventure combines a scenic heli-flight over the West Coast with the opportunity to include fishing or hiking. You'll see glaciers, fjords, and remote coastlines on your flight over the Southern Alps, and land to explore additional activities. This activity is included in your stay.
Canyoning
Explore the depths of the rainforest’s rock passages and emerald pools with expert guides who will show you the ropes. This adventurous activity involves swimming, jumping, abseiling, helicopters, and jet boats. This activity is included in your stay.
Horseback Riding
Explore the high country on horses to soak up the best views of the Central Otago region and the Southern Alps. Suitable for all experience levels, these rides can include anything from winding mountain trails to high-elevation meadows. This activity is included in your stay.
Wine Tour
Welcome to Pinot Noir country. The winery and vineyards near Cedar Lodge are world-renowned, and there are countless options for tastings. Our favorites? Rippon, Maude and any spots in the Gibbston Valley.
Golf
Play a quick nine holes on our on-property target course, or take a short ride to some of the best-rated courses in the region, conveniently located in Pinot Noir country for those in need of a post-game refreshment.
Jet Boating
Get out on the water and zip up shallow rivers on a high-speed jet boat. This high-energy excursion is an exciting way to diversify the way you experience the outdoors. This activity is included in your stay.
West Coast Adventures
Take a beautiful drive through the Southern Alps over Haast Pass. On your way to the rugged West Coast, you’ll stop to explore short trails and waterfalls that give you a great glimpse into the variety of the South Island’s many landscapes. This activity is included in your stay.
Booking Details
Season Dates: November 10, 2025 – March 31, 2026 Property closed December 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026 for festive season
GUIDED ADVENTURES
- Guided heli-fishing
- Access to some of the world's best walk-and-stalk fly fishing through helicopter landing permissions on backcountry streams and rivers
- Guided by expert Eleven guides with longtime expertise guiding at Cedar Lodge
- Industry-leading gear provided, including Thomas and Thomas fly rods, Hatch 5+ Iconic fly reels, Simms and Patagonia waders and boots, neoprene wading socks, wading staffs, and a full assortment of commercial and custom-tied guide flies
- Other guided activities
- Hiking, mountain biking, e-biking, horseback riding, Wanaka Lake activities, winery and vineyard visits, Wanaka museums, jet boating, canyoning, West Coast adventures, golf, and heli-adventures
FOOD & DRINK
- Daily chef-prepared breakfast, lunch, après, and dinner
- Snack and drink assortment in the main lounge
- A selection of house beer, wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic beverages
TRAVEL & LOGISTICS
- Custom pre-arrival planning with Eleven's Experience Team
- Heli-transfers for fly fishing and ground transfers for other activities
*See our booking policies and information
INDIVIDUAL ROOMS
Nightly rate starting at $2,530 based on single occupancy, or $3,300 based on double occupancy
- 4-night minimum required
PRIVATE BUYOUT
Nightly rate starting at $15,960 based on 8 guests
- 4-night minimum required
Meet Our Team
The Local Experts Guiding Your Experience
Our tight-knit team is made up of local experts and guides. Along with a knack for tailoring each guest’s experience, our Kiwi hospitality creates an effortless atmosphere.
Alex Scott
Alex Scott is a fly fishing guide at Cedar Lodge, New Zealand. A lifelong outdoorsman, he has 15 years of guiding experience and loves helping guests land trophy browns in stunning backcountry rivers.
Pete Stevenson
Pete Stevenson is a fly fishing guide at Cedar Lodge, New Zealand. A Wanaka local with 5 years of guiding experience, he loves exploring remote West Coast rivers and helping guests land unforgettable catches.
Nick Johnson
Nick Johnson ("Nicko") guides fly fishing at Cedar Lodge, combining years of guiding experience with a lifelong passion for fishing that began at age five.
Paul Wright
Paul Wright is a seasoned fishing guide at Cedar Lodge with 19 years of guiding experience. Originally from Scotland, he now calls New Zealand home.
Leanne Little
Leanne Little is a Host at Cedar Lodge. Originally from Queensland, Australia, she has called Wanaka home for over 30 years. She loves helping guests unwind and relax while enjoying the stunning New Zealand setting.
Scott Little
Scott Little is the Lodge Manager at Cedar Lodge. Originally from Dunedin, he came to the Wanaka region for a two-week holiday over 30 years ago—and never left. Scott has guided in the region since the early ’90s and brings decades of leadership and guest experience expertise to Eleven.
Getting Here
74 School Road, Makarora 9382, New Zealand
Recommended Route
- Fly into Auckland (AKL), the primary international airport in New Zealand
- Take a domestic flight to Queenstown (ZQN)
- Reserve a ground or heli-transfer with Eleven or rent a personal vehicle from the airport
- Drive two hours to Cedar Lodge
NEW ZEALAND / -44.1563°S, 169.2367°E
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