We just concluded our sixth visit to Owen River Lodge over the course of the last few years. On our last two trips to New Zealand we have stayed at ORL on two separate occasions during our trip - once early in our visit to the South Island and once at the end of our trip, for stays of five nights each time. There is a reason for that: there is nothing to compare with it. Felix' motto is "Fly fishing at its very best." That is true, thanks to the incredible fishery and the wonderful guides who make that happen. But it is really the very best of everything: food, location, camaraderie and conversation at the dinner table, rooms and amenities. As my wife, who does not fish, says: "it is our home away from home in New Zealand." Thank you Felix, Kylie, Ryan, Jo, Cassandra, the wonderful housekeeping staff and all who help make ORL truly exceptional.

There are simply not enough superlatives to describe our 6-night, 4-day fishing stay at Owen River Lodge (ORL)! Felix, Kylie and each one of their accomplished and friendly team of wonderful guides, chefs and housekeepers delivered services that were far, far above and beyond our wildest expectations. Tucked away in a beautiful valley along the Owen River, the view from the covered porch of our incredibly well-appointed "cabin" was as perfect as everything we experienced at ORL. From the moment we arrived, Felix and Kylie made us feel as comfortable as family. And Ryan, Jo and Cassandra fed us like royalty! Every meal was delicious and beautifully presented. Our cabin was always impeccably cleaned and restocked by the lovely ladies who were eager to accommodate our tiniest request. Chris, our fishing guide, was terrific! Even though we have each been fly-fishing for almost 40 years all over the USA, we learned SO MUCH from Chris about fishing for wary brown trout in New Zealand. He took us to some of the most beautiful rivers we've ever seen and fished. And, we sincerely appreciated his tireless hunt for "happy" (AKA "feeding") fish that we could (sometimes, LOL!) catch. Thanks to Chris, and ORL's extraordinary quality gear loaner program (which includes absolutely EVERYTHING a fly-fisher needs) we left with memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives . . . at least until we return to ORL, which we fully intend to do - as soon as possible!

Felix, Kylie and Indy were great hosts for our four night stay at the lodge and have put together a fantastic team. The lodge is as pristine as the surrounds.

Peter our guide knew the region backwards and I swear had telescopes for eyes. When we could get ourselves together to put the fly where he pointed we hit gold! At the end of the day fishing, all the punters and guides got to share stories and banter ... it was a great atmosphere.

This atmosphere was of course well lubricated by some great local beer and wine with the lovely Cassandra always on the ball for top ups!

Jo and Ryan in the kitchen had us well fed and ready for bed each night (post me over some of those lamb cutlets!). Lucky I wasn’t wearing a belt.

As enthusiastic amateurs my mate and I were sorted with top notch loan gear and put on to some great fish. The small nature of the lodge means you get to meet everyone and get lots of tips. At least half of the other guests were return punters (which I think says a lot about the place) and were a wealth of knowledge too.

Hot tips from my visit would be 1. avoid light blue clothes which the insects seem to love, 2. Don’t forget your glove, 3.. If in doubt, Strike!

See you guys again soon!
Dean M