John Gendall Fly Fishing

John Gendall offers guiding services and lodge accommodation right in the Nelson Lakes National Park, in the centre of New Zealand's most scenic and prolific wild brown trout fisheries.

John is a New Zealander whose passion for fishing and for guiding has taken him around the globe. He will take you fly fishing for wild trophy brown trout in pristine freestone water.

State Highway 63
St Arnaud

Wairau
Motueka
Buller
and the many smaller rivers and stream in the area.

John Gelland's fishing lodge is marked on the Lake Rotoiti map, the Black Valley Stream map, the Upper Buller River map and Upper Wairau River map.

• The usual style of fishing is stalking sighted fish with floating lines using dry flies and nymphs.
• In March and April, the Wairau River hosts a small run of salmon in the 6-19 pound range. These can be targeted with a fly or lure.
• The Wairau River also hosts a good run of sea trout during January and February that can make for some fantastic fishing.
• Helicopters can even be used to reach more remote locations if you like
• All flies, tippet materials and indicators, vehicle transport and a picnic lunch are supplied.
• It's a good idea to bring your own equipment, but if this is not possible John can provide all tackle. See John Gendall's website for information on what to bring and see also What to Take When Fly Fishing in New Zealand.
• To get the best opportunity to fish a variety of waters, allow 2-3 days or longer if time allows.

John Gelland's passion for fishing extends more than 25 years and his guiding and fly fishing trips have taken him across New Zealand and the world, from Russia to the Caribbean, the USA and through the South Pacific. He has been featured on several television fishing shows and in the year 2000 won the Jackson Hole One Fly professional division.

He now guides from October to May for wild brown trout in the South Island where he has more than 10 years of experience; while during the New Zealand winter, he heads to Wyoming, USA where he guides for Westbank Anglers.

John describes himself as light hearted, enthusiastic Kiwi (New Zealander) who loves fishing and enjoys spinning a few yarns. He caters for all levels of fitness and fishing ability, ensuring your comfort and confidence

Skills and qualifications

John's skills and qualifications include:

• A degree in parks recreation and tourism management
• A boats master license
• Trained in first aid and CPR
• Member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association (the NZPFGA)

Location

Situated in a completely private native alpine forest, the fishing lodge is located in St Arnaud village at the heart of the breathtaking Nelson Lakes National Park. St Arnaud is only an hour's drive from Nelson or Blenheim.

Accommodation Options

You can choose from an independent self-catered stay in the fishing cottage – a restaurant and café are only a few minutes walk away – to a fully catered stay at the lodge.

The Fishing Lodge

The well-appointed guest lodge offers spacious, comfortable, modern accommodation. Each lodge sits on a river terrace above Black Valley Stream (a spawning tributary), surrounded by native bush and framed by mountains. After a day's fishing, enjoy a glass of wine on the deck or in front of the roaring fire.

The Cottage (Blechynden Bach)

The recently refurbished, fully self-contained cottage sits adjacent to the lodge on a very private section. It has a king bed, plus a fold-out double bed if required.

All prices are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include GST.

Guided fly fishing

$650 (one or two anglers) per day.
Includes guide, 4x4 vehicle, lunch, all flies and tippet material.

Lodge accommodation

$275 per double room (one or two people) per night.
Includes continental breakfast (one or two people).

Dinner option

Dinners are provided on request.
$50 per person includes nibbles, main meal, desert and a couple of glasses of wine.

Tranfer option

Transfers from Nelson or Blenheim: $150 each way.

• A 20% deposit is payable on booking, and the remainder at the conclusion of your trip.
• If cancellation is within 20 days prior to the arrival date, and if another booking can not be found to replace yours, the deposit is forfeited.

Directions from Picton and Blenhiem

From Picton, take State Highway 1 (SH1) to Blenheim.

Turn right onto SH6. Signposts show Nelson/West Coast.

Take SH6 to Renwick, then SH63 to St Arnaud.

The lodge is situated to the right as you come into St Arnaud.

Directions from Nelson

From Nelson, take SH6 South. Signposts show Murchison/West Coast.

After about a 50 minute drive from Nelson, turn left (at Kawatiri Junction) on to SH63 and follow the signs to St Arnaud.

The lodge is located on the left just as you come through St Arnaud.