Blanket Bay Lodge – South Island
THE FISHING
Whilst the lodge is a comprehensive resort, open year- round, the original idea for Blanket Bay sprang from the owner’s love of fly-fishing. Everything at the lodge has been designed to provide a world class experience for the most demanding and experienced anglers. Large rivers, slow moving pools, fast runs and riffles, bush- clad streams, open river floats, or small mountain lakes or tarns, provide exciting options for anglers. Guests may fish nearby, in local rivers and streams, or at the lake edge on at Blanket Bay (a 10+ pound Rainbow Trout was caught at the mouth of Stoney Creek, just alongside the lodge). Or you may prefer to fly fish the lake banks, or the mouths of the rivers flowing into the lake. Lake Wakatipu is home to brown and rainbow trout, and land-locked Quinnat Salmon. The fishing season on the rivers runs from November through May.
There is excellent nymph fishing during the early season, and superb dry fly and nymph fishing during the summer months. Brown and rainbow trout average more than 3 pounds, and 5 – 6 pound trout are not uncommon. Trophy- size trout over 10 pounds are most likely in early or late season. Fishing on Lake Wakatipu itself is available year round. Anglers from all over the world have looked to New Zealand as the mecca of angling – the world’s best wild trout fishery. There is exceptional stream fishing for browns and rainbows. Fishing in New Zealand is measured by quality not quantity. A good day’s fishing might be only 3 or 4 fish, but they could average over 5 pounds!
There are waters with brown trout only and some with sea- run trout (steelhead). Within 15 minutes of the lodge by helicopter are many miles of wilderness rivers and streams, inaccessible by land vehicles, and accessed by foot only over great time and with much difficulty. Helicopter access makes the most of these virtually untouched waters. For the even more adventurous, we can arrange an exciting full day heli-fishing experience, on up to three different rivers. A trip to Fiordland combines sensational scenery with unsurpassed fishing. Or visit the West Coast, where rivers flowing into the sea can produce sea- run browns at selected times of the year.
The pilots the lodge engages are very experienced and have extensive knowledge of the diverse Fiordland, Southland and Otago landscapes. They are all familiar with unique weather patterns in these regions, a very important thing when flying in this mountainous terrain.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT
This is a wade fishing destination. Helicopter day trips are available.
GETTING THERE
Guests will fly to Auckland, then down to Queenstown, where a transfer to Blanket Bay will be arranged. This will be by limousine, helicopter, or rented car.
Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.
We are not taking bookings for Blanket Bay in 2025
- CHC - New Zealand
- Operates Year-Round
- Brown and Rainbow Trout…
- 8 anglers per week 22 non anglers guests
- Wifi: Yes
- Language: English
- Physicality: Low
- CC Payment at Facility : Yes
From our gallery
Blanket Bay Lodge – South Island
Tour Location
LOCATION
PRIMARY SPECIES
SEASON OF OPERATION
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Guests may stay in the rooms (5) or the suites (3) at the Main Lodge, or in the separate ‘Chalet’ staterooms and suites (4). The Lodge at Blanket Bay sits in sprawling grounds on the bush-clad fringes of Lake Wakatipu. Built in the grand style of the finest alpine lodges, and finished with native New Zealand timber and stone, the Lodge is a sanctuary of comfort. The long driveway meanders across a green pasture where you will find sheep grazing.
To the north, there are magnificent views of snow- and cloud-capped Mount Earnslaw. And further along, stunning views of Lake Wakatipu open up on your left, while, looming ahead, you see the grandeur of the Humboldt mountain range. In the central ‘Great Room’, vast couches and antique furniture invite guests to sit and wind down from their day’s activities. In this spectacular place at the heart of the Lodge, thirty-foot high bridge beam ceilings soar above the framed views through massive windows. Come and relax, read a book in front of the crackling fire, or just sit back with a drink.
The Lakeside Lodge Rooms each feature their own balcony or terrace, super-kingsize bed, sitting area and armoire. The ensuite bathrooms are lavishly appointed, with granite- topped double vanities, separate shower and bathtub. These 400sq feet lodge rooms are air-conditioned and with a choice of three music channels with high fidelity sound, they are all equipped with international direct dial telephones and complimentary high speed internet connection.
DESTINATION CAPACITY
Blanket Bay Lodge – South Island
Blanket Bay Lodge – South Island
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- 7 nights accommodation
- 6 days of guided fishing
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- Pre dinner cocktails
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE
- International and domestic airfare to and inside New Zealand
- Transfers to and from the lodge on arrival and departure days
- Lunch each day
- Wine
- Gratuities to lodge staff and guides
- New Zealand Government Goods and Service Tax (GST)
- Helicopter day trips
- Airport Departure Tax
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
U.S., Canadian and EU members must have a passport that is valid for 3 months beyond intended stay as well as tickets and documents for return or onward travel. No Visa required for stays of up to three months