Lake Brunner Fly Fishing Lodge

DESTINATION & LOCALITY

Lake Brunner Lodge sits on the tranquil shores of Lake Brunner, just an hour inland from Greymouth on New Zealand’s rugged West Coast. Surrounded by beech forest and within easy reach of dozens of rivers, streams, and spring creeks, the lodge provides direct access to some of the South Island’s most lightly pressured trout fishing.

This region is a welcome alternative to the more heavily-fished rivers of Nelson or Central Otago, offering anglers true solitude, sight-fishing for large brown trout, and a genuine sense of wilderness. With excellent road and helicopter access, a wide variety of waters are available regardless of whether you arrive early or late season into New Zealand.

ACCOMMODATION AND DINING

Lake Brunner Lodge features comfortable en-suite guest rooms with king or twin bedding, set amid landscaped gardens and native bush. Common areas include a spacious lounge with open fireplace, a well-stocked bar, and lake-view dining room.

Meals focus on hearty West Coast hospitality with locally sourced produce, seasonal specialties, and quality New Zealand wines. Breakfasts and packed lunches are tailored around fishing schedules, while dinners are a relaxed, social affair around the lodge’s communal dining room.

TRAVEL OPTIONS TO LAKE BRUNNER

From Christchurch: 3-hour drive west across Arthur’s Pass, or take the scenic TranzAlpine train to Greymouth with lodge pick-up.
From Queenstown: 6-hour drive via Wanaka and Haast Pass
From Hokitika or Greymouth: 30–45 minutes by car; transfers can be arranged through Isolation Outfitters.

FISHING PROGRAM

The West Coast is renowned for trophy brown trout in gin-clear waters, where anglers stalk fish by sight in small freestone streams or larger backcountry rivers. Guided fishing is arranged on a per-day basis, giving flexibility to fish local waters, explore further afield, or book a helicopter transfer into remote headwaters.

The area provides some stunning spring creeks that remain clear after rains, clearwater freestone streams with excellent late season spawning runs from the lake and, above tight gorges lies some very special pocket water and trophy browns. You should expect to get multiple shots at 7-8lb+ brown trout daily in this high country water.

We’ll provide a recommended gear and fly list at the time of booking. Isolation Outfitters can arrange for ultra-premium flyfishing tackle, Patagonia waders and Forra wading boots to be available for your use during your time at Lake Brunner Lodge. Just give us your request and your sizes. We can also arrange high quality Skwala apparel to keep you warm and dry in the hills. Our guides carry cameras for hero shots and satellite messaging devices for emergencies. We’ll carry lunch and safety equipment, allowing you to focus on the fishing.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

We recommend staying at least two nights at Lake Brunner Lodge, perhaps before relocating further north to Lewis Pass or south to the Haast area to explore those excellent fishing locations. We have provided a two day, three day and four day fishing program, centered around the lodge and with helicopter transfers as an option for a trophy day or two in the remote headwaters nearby to the lodge.

Arrival Day: Travel to Lake Brunner Lodge, settle into your room, meet your guide, and discuss fishing options for the following day. Evening dinner at the lodge.

Fishing Days (either 2, 3 or 4 days): Full-day guided fly fishing on local waters or heli-fishing into remote backcountry rivers. Packed lunches are provided; return to the lodge late afternoon for drinks and dinner.

Departure Day: Breakfast at the lodge, optional short morning fish or scenic walk before onward travel.

CONCIERGE/TRAVEL SERVICE

Isolation Outfitters can plan your entire New Zealand itinerary combining Lake Brunner Fly Fishing Lodge with other South Island destinations, arranging transfers, and ensuring non-angling companions have tailored activities that are just as fulfilling and memorable as you will enjoy.

As part of our planning – and if you are driving and DIY fishing after your stay at Lake Brunner Lodge – we are happy to supply a confidential DIY river-routing plan based on our 45 years of fishing throughout New Zealand, providing you precise locations to fish the South Island.