Close to several of New Zealand’s iconic trout fishing rivers, Blanket Bay was originally built for the owner Tom Tusher’s love of fly-fishing. From lakes to large rivers, slow moving pools, fast runs and riffles to bush clad streams, the question is where to begin.
Take a helicopter from the lawns of Blanket Bay to the most remote rivers of New Zealand’s South Island and experience some of the world’s best fly-fishing. There are waters with Brown trout only and some with sea run trout (Steelhead).
Within 15 minutes of the Lodge by helicopter there are many miles of wilderness rivers and streams, inaccessible to vehicles, and only accessed by foot with great difficulty. Our guides possess insider knowledge and can take you to stretches of water possibly not fished this season by any other angler, where you can stalk wild Rainbow and Brown trout.
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. Alternatively visit the West Coast where rivers flowing into the sea can produce sea run Browns at selected times of the year.
The helicopter pilots 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 aspect when flying in this mountainous terrain.
Blanket Bay is close to several of New Zealand’s iconic trout fishing rivers with the Greenstone and Caples minutes away by helicopter. Good fishing is also available nearby in local rivers and streams, along the lake edge or around the river mouths that flow into Lake Wakatipu. Trout have been caught at the mouth of Stoney Creek that runs alongside the Lodge.
The Season
November 1st to May 31st. Best time of the season Nov to mid Dec and March to April. Busiest time Jan – Feb. Rivers further afield open at the beginning of October.
Rivers
A number of rivers are within driving distance of Blanket Bay. Most rivers can be accessed by helicopter, the cost of which depends on the distance flown. It is best NOT to pre book a helicopter as the weather and choice of river determines the feasibility and cost of the flying. The decision to fly can be made the preceding evening. The rivers are mostly small to medium free stone rivers, holding brown and rainbow trout. Early and late season offer the best opportunity to catch one of our larger trout.
Guides
Two anglers maximum per guide. Daily guide fee approximately: NZ$850.00, which includes fishing equipment. To pre-book a guide, the minimum charge out will be a full days guiding fee. Additional Charges: back country fishing license, lunch and any helicopter time.
Cancellation Policy
Reservations are essential for flyfishing. Cancellations inside seven days of fishing date will incur a fee of 50% of the daily fishing rate. Cancellations inside 48hrs of fishing date will incur the full rate of day or days booked.
Anglers
As you will be sight fishing, it is often necessary to walk long distances over varying terrain, a reasonable standard of fitness is required. To further enhance your experience, you should be able to cast at least 30ft accurately and into a moderate wind. In other words, you do need to be reasonably experienced to be successful. Guides provide all necessary tackle. For those wishing to bring their own, the following is most suitable:
Tackle: Fly rods 5/6 weight with matching weight forward floating lines, dark colors are preferable.
Leaders & Tippet: 12 / 14 foot leaders tapering to 4x; tippet material 3,4,5,6 x
Dry Flies & Nymphs: Royal wolf, Humpy’s green and yellow, Adams, Pheasant tail, Hares ear to name but a few.
Clothing: Avoid bright colors especially white. Sand fly repellant is a ‘must’. Repellant is available to buy from the Lodge, if required.
The ultimate way to see Milford Sound and Fiordland is by helicopter. Located just a few kilometres from the Lodge lies the extraordinary World Heritage Area of Fiordland National Park, our private heli-pad is perfectly located to access this remarkable area.
Journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, where myth, heritage and fantasy come to life.
The Wine, Food & Arts Trail takes you to the homes and galleries of some of New Zealand's pre-eminent artists coupled with sampling Otago's finest wines and tastes along the way.
Experience a horseback adventure on our high country station. Whether a first time rider or born to the saddle, you will enjoy a stunning few hours within a horse riding landscape second to none in New Zealand.
Mountains of untracked powder await. Blanket Bay offers an ‘À La Carte Heli-skiing’ menu to suit a wide range of skiing and snowboarding abilities. Each heliski option has been carefully designed to offer a great degree of flexibility, allowing everyone to experience the tranquility, freedom and exhilaration of heliskiing.
Take a walk, a ‘Great Walk’. This premier track straddles both Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks passing through some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring alpine landscapes. The track is one of New Zealand’s Nine Great Walks and is maintained by the Department of Conservation.
The area offers a year-round golfing destination and is home to some of the most spectacular golf courses in the country. 5 Golf courses within 1 hours drive from Blanket Bay will appeal to every level of golfer.
From the iconic bungy jump to whitewater rafting, jet boating remote rivers or mountain biking forest trails, zip-lining near snowy mountains, swinging across canyons and surfing down rivers, these are just a few of the ways you can get outside of your comfort zone in the Southern Lakes.