Blanket Bay
Lower South Island
Blanket Bay is the cherry on the cake as far as South Island fishing lodges go. Situated on a commanding site at the top end of beautiful Lake Wakatipu it enjoys spectacular alpine views and is surrounded by high mountains and deep rugged valleys.
Built of local stone and solid hardwood timbers no expense has been spared to give guests a fabulous stay. The main lodge is built around a 10 metre high Great Room that looks over the turquoise blue lake to the Humboldt Mountains beyond. Lodge rooms and suites open off each end, and there are a further four suites in the garden Chalets. A luxurious Villa sitting on the hill above the lodge offers secluded premium accommodation in 1 – 4 bedrooms, with a fully serviced stay.
The fishing is excellent, with wild brown and rainbow trout and salmon in the lake and nearby rivers. The lodge is 45 minutes from Queenstown, which is also the nearest airport. In addition to fly-fishing and heli-fishing there is also hiking, skiing and horse riding nearby and the highly regarded Otago wineries are just an hour’s drive away.
Accommodation:
there are 5 beautiful Lodge Rooms and 3 Lodge Suites in the main lodge, and 4 Chalet Suites
all are fitted out to the highest standard with elegant furnishings and super-size beds
Lodge Rooms have a balcony, an armoire, and ensuites with double vanities, shower and bath
Lodge Suites have a separate sitting area, balcony, stone fireplace, steam shower and bath
Chalet Suites have private courtyard, stone fireplace, steam shower and separate bath
Chalet Staterooms have a full suite and adjoining lounge area, 2 courtyards and 2 fireplaces
all rooms have wi-fi and i-pod docking stations
the separate Villa has 4 beautifully appointed bedrooms and a large shared lounge and dining area (available with the Villa option). It is available as a 2 bdm suite, or as a 2 -4 bedroom Villa stay with in-house dining with a personal chef. The Villa offers spectacular views over the lake and a first-class stay
The Main Lodge:
the Great Room has big views across the lake and intimate corners to withdraw
spend time here socialising, sitting by the fire or enjoying pre-dinner drinks
relax over a brandy in the Den
the Games Room has a pool table, shuffle board, TV lounge and self-serve bar
downstairs the Health Centre has steam rooms, spa pool and a gym
the a la carte menu changes daily and the cuisine is highly regarded
meals can be taken in the dining room, in the Wine Cave or outside on the verandah
scrumptious lunch hampers are available for fishing days
The Fishing:
the owners built Blanket Bay because they love fishing; it’s that simple
there are wild brown and rainbow trout in the local rivers and the lake
Quinnat salmon in the lake
excellent nymph fishing during the early season; dry fly and nymph fishing during the summer months
brown and rainbow trout average 1.5 kg (3 lb) with 2.5 – 3 kg (5 – 6 lb) often caught
and the occasional 4.5 kg (10 lb) trout in the early or late season
demand for local guides is high so book them early (we can help you with this)
guided fishing from NZD$850 per day for 1 -2 people (includes all fishing equipment)
a full range of gear is available or you may want to bring your own
excellent stalking and sight fishing with clear streams and rocky rivers
river fishing season is November to May; lake fishing is allowed all year
Tariff:
Lodge accommodation - from NZD$2,250 per night for 2 people (twin share), low season rates
Seasonal rates are available
Multi-day stay/fish packages available
Cancellation and covid policies apply
New Zealand Fishing Licenses for Non-residents start from NZD$35 per day or NZD$250 for a season pass
Season:
Blanket Bay is open year round; sorry no children under 10 yrs in the Main Lodge Building or Chalets.