Hunting

Riverview Lodge, New Zealand

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Overview

Riverview Lodge Riverview Lodge is situated on a plateau overlooking the beautiful Hanmer Springs valley, the Waiau River and Spencer Mountain Range;  facing north with daily full sun, and beautiful sunsets. This small, personal, and unique Lodge, with just 5 bedrooms offers exclusivity to small groups.  It is located about 4 miles from one of New Zealand’s top alpine tourist and Spa Resort towns - Hanmer Springs offers much to interest the non-angler as well. John & Robin Gemmell, natives of New Zealand- or "kiwi's" have owned and operated this lodge for 25 years. They want to share their special place with you. The staff looks forward to meeting and taking care of you, and the professional fishing guides are anxious to take you out on daily excursions to find and catch a trophy brown trout.

Accommodations

5 bedrooms with either King or Queen size beds and ensuite modern bathrooms await you.  There are large lounge areas, a stone log fire, pool room, satelite Sky TV, laundry facilities, and a computer and free Wi Fi for your use in the main part of the lodge. Riverview Lodge is nestled on a plateau overlooking the beautiful and stunning Hanmer Springs ‘valley of mountains’, rivers and pastoral lands.  There are large established and gardens, an expansive deck, and spectacular panoramic views.  The Lodge exudes a truly relaxing and tranquil atmosphere. You’ll awaken to the song of the Bellbird and enjoy watching them at the bird feeders. The rural setting allows you to watch the lambs next door frolicking around, or the calves lazing in the field. It also allows you upmost privacy.  At Riverview Lodge there is a combination of luxury and comfortable fishing lodge accommodations.                                                                                            Riverview Lodge employs a chef who presents scrumptious meals after your busy, fun-filled day. Dietary preferences/needs can be catered to, but prior notice is always appreciated to ensure the correct supplies are ordered.

Fishing

The Brown trout forms the basis of most fly fishing in New Zealand. From the late 1860s, European brown trout were introduced throughout New Zealand. They established themselves rapidly where they were released, and increased their territory by going out to sea and swimming up other rivers. Riverview Lodge is located in the heartland of large trophy Brown Trout. The Fly fishing guides have a reputation of providing unparalleled angling adventures. Guided fly fishing for large, wild Brown Trout is a daily activity and in a variety of locations. Travelling by land vehicle or helicopter, ensures an exciting day in beautiful remote areas, and comes with many opportunities to try to outwit New Zealand Brown Trout by way of your presentation of a selected dry fly, or nymph; the fishing is both exhilarating and trying, but you will have the opportunity to capture it on film. Riverview Lodge adheres to the Catch and Release policy. These guides are enthusiastic and passionate about the environment and conservation of the amazing, wild brown trout.                                                                    

Hunting

Bird hunting is also available.  Guided duck hunts are for New Zealand waterfowl, including the beautiful Paradise Duck, endemic to New Zealand, plus New Zealand Grey, Mallard and Spoonbill ducks. The Black Swan is another option if you are a trophy bird collector. Riverview Lodge specializes in small groups of maximum/minimum 4 hunters. John, (the owner of the lodge) has a passion for duck hunting and has been doing it all his life. He has secured very good waters on approximately 20 different properties, within 30-60 minute drives from Riverview Lodge. Legal baiting on ponds in New Zealand lets John feed about 20 tons of grain, which helps hold the birds. It is legal to shoot 5 shot automatics in New Zealand. An average wingshooter should take about 15 ducks per day. The Black Swan hunt (for the Bird Collectors) takes place close to Christchurch and requests need to be by made at time of reservation to arrange this. Big Game hunting at Riverview Lodge is one of the very few in New Zealand who specialize in true fair chase, free range, hunting. Hunts for Red Stag, Chamois and Bull Thar take place during the months of April to August. The most productive time to hunt Red Stag is in late March and April when stags are ‘roaring during the rut’ and are easier to hunt.                                                                                                               The bull Thar is one of the most sure footed animals on the planet and is very much at home in rugged, mountainous terrain. They provide a true hunting challenge. Depending on the physical conditions of hunters, sometimes a helicopter drop-off is used to save excessive climbing.                                                The most agile animal in the Southern Alps, South Island, is the chamois. This is a unique hunt in terrain not as rough as the Thar but still very demanding and exciting. The area is home to some excellent trophies.  

Getting There

You will fly into Christchurch airport. From there it is about 1 1/2 hours’ drive through stunning countryside to  Riverview Lodge.

Activities

At the lodge, there is always a place to curl up with a great book, or just to sit and soak up the picturesque surroundings. Or if you aren’t fishing and want to venture out - at one of New Zealand’s top alpine tourist and Spa Resort towns - Hanmer Springs (about 4 miles from the Lodge) you can enjoy a soak in the famous Thermal Pools, full body massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, etc, or if you prefer, horse trekking, golf, jet boating, bungy jumping, or shopping. Non anglers are also welcome to accompany their partners on the river.

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