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Hidden along the Makarora River, Cedar Lodge is located in the middle of New Zealand’s best sighted brown and rainbow fly fishing.

Highlights

The lodge’s remote setting near Mt. Aspiring National Park in beautiful Makarora makes this a once-in-a-lifetime stay.

Guests
8
Bedrooms
4
Bathrooms
4
Heli-Fishing available
Mountain Views
Private Chef
Spa Pool
9-hole target golf course
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Overview

Cedar Lodge’s modern interiors keep things simple to accentuate your views of our only neighbours, 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.

All double-occupancy rooms are configured for twins or king bed, with en suite bathrooms. The 5-acre property grounds include lounge, hot tub, indoor and outdoor dining areas, nine hole fly casting course, nine hole target golf course, bonfire pit, and immediate access to the Makarora River.

A private chef-prepared dinner with paired wines, plus après are included in your stay, so you can enjoy South Island dishes right at home. You’ll also be treated to a breakfast in the morning.

If you’re looking to fish some of the South Island’s most pristine water, Cedar Lodge is your spot. Their nearly thirty-year heli-program takes you from our remote lodge setting on the Makarora River and deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park. You’ll walk and wade with seasoned guides to target an unpressured population of big browns and rainbows with wild New Zealand views framing your casts. If you are looking to round out your experience, their heli-adventure program also offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and visiting the island’s many wineries. These can be arranged for an additional cost.

Guest Rooms – nightly rates from: $NZD 3,300

Exclusive Use – $NZD POA

The minimum stay at Cedar Lodge is 2 nights.

Bedroom Configuration
Four double-occupancy rooms (1 x King or 2 x King Singles in each)

Photography courtesy of Eleven

  • Nine-hole target golf course
  • Nine-hole fly casting course
  • Beautiful views from every room
  • Indoor and outdoor dining areas
  • Hot tub
  • Lounge
  • Fire pit
  • Four double-occupancy rooms
  • River access
  • Private setting & grounds

Features

Hot Tub
Immediate access to the Makarora River
Helicopter concession to Mt. Aspiring National Park & West Coast (additional costs apply)
Expert guides (additional costs apply)
Industry-leading gear provided (additional costs apply)
Daily chef-prepared dinner & breakfast, plus aprés
Nine-hole target golf course
Nine-hole fly casting course
Outdoor firepit
Guest Rooms
Single/Double Occupancy
Per night
Based on 1-2 guests
$NZD 3,300
Inclusive of GST
Exclusive Lodge Rate
Entire Property
Per night
Based on 8 guests
POA
Inclusive of GST
3 night/2 day Guided Fly Fishing Package
Double/Twin Share
Per person
Based on 2 guests
$NZD 9,350
Inclusive of GST
Standard minimum stay: 2 nights
Peak time rates & minimum night stays apply
Season Dates: November 1, 2026 – April 15, 2027

Important Booking Information
All rates are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include GST. Rates shown are indicative 'from' rates and may vary depending on your dates, length of stay, number of guests and seasonal demand.

Peak-season rates and longer minimum stays may apply, over major holiday or event periods.

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required for bookings made more than 60 days before arrival. The remaining balance is due 60 days before arrival. Bookings made within 60 days of arrival require full payment.

A booking management fee applies to all reservations.

A refundable security bond is required for every stay. The bond starts from $NZD 1,000 and may be higher depending on the property, nightly rate and length of stay.

Standard check-in is between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm, with check-out by 11:00 am. Early arrivals and late departures are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.

Guest numbers must not exceed the confirmed occupancy. Parties, events and additional visitors require prior written approval. Smoking is not permitted, and pets are accepted only at selected properties with prior approval.

Villas, holiday homes and apartments are not commercial entities like hotels. Properties offered by Release NZ are often booked well in advance and can be difficult to re-rent at short notice. Payments are therefore non-refundable if a guest cancels. We strongly recommend that all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance to protect against cancellation charges, medical expenses, travel disruption and other unforeseen circumstances that may prevent them from travelling.

Only the services and amenities listed under Inclusions are included in the accommodation rate. Additional housekeeping, private chefs, provisioning, transfers, activities and other concierge services can be arranged separately.

By confirming a reservation, guests agree to Release NZ’s full Terms and Conditions.

Inclusions

Luxury Linen

Bathroom Essentials

Aprés drinks

Chef choice evening meal with paired wines

Breakfast

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