Did you know that there are no native mammals on the two islands of New Zealand? The largest animal to live on land was the Moa, a flightless Big Bird-type bird that is now extinct. Look it up—they averaged about 12 feet in height! This is a land of wild native landscape: spiky plants, lush ferns, playful mountain parrots, eels, and more.
From your Lake Rotoroa Lodge bedroom window, your eye casts over blue Lake Rotoroa Lake and the snow-capped mountains beyond it. The setting could not be more quintessential New Zealand. Stand in awe under the stars, inhale the sweet smell of the beech forest, and wake up to the early morning chitter-chatter of birds. One day, I even happened upon a farmer down the road moving his herd of baaing sheep from one paddock to another. This is the land of The Lord of the Rings. Magic at your fingertips.

Given my beginner fisherman status, I set out to the river with fishing guide Paul. The guides here are so seasoned that the “newest” guide has worked at the Lodge for 8 years! I am not a pro fisherman—that’s for sure. But I was in luck. Lake Rotoroa Lodge boasts the world’s best brown trout fishing, with 26 rivers accessible by car and 20 more by helicopter. One couple at the Lodge took the helicopter two days in a row and came back with remarkable stories of far away crystal blue rivers. The brown trout in this area are smart, which makes the catch perfectly challenging, which makes people who know how to fish all the more eager. Two days later, and I had caught two nice big fish and hooked many others who had gotten away from me. At one point, I chased a fish down the river, as Paul held me up by my jacket so I didn’t fall on all the boulders. Adventure at its best!

There are 40 million sheep in New Zealand!

After the fishing extravaganza, I spend three days with Kerry Fleming, the non-fishing activities coordinator. This exploration is a wonderful option—taken by many—for those who want to delve deeply into the country and its culture. New Zealand is a paradise for couples, families, or people traveling on their own. And, though the Lodge remote, it is quite close to the thriving beach town of Nelson. We went for high-tea at a secret mountain café, strolled through the mind-blowing World of Wearable Arts museum in Nelson, popped into some artist’s homes on a private artisan tour, and toured the gardens of Murchison. We also risked our lives (just kidding) and flew down the zip line over the Buller River. We canoed, hiked, and enjoyed a lavish picnic lunch. Kerry, a font of knowledge, answered my many continual questions about local flora/fauna and Maori culture, vocabulary and history.
Each night, the guests—tired, sun-kissed and glowing—would gather at the dinner table for food so delicious plates were always spotless at the end. New Zealand native Chef Dean, who spends his winters as a Chef in France, creates the most flavorful, elegant meals, including a strawberry soufflé that silented the dinner table for a good 10 minutes of eating. All meals are carefully paired with a wine of Dean’s choice. Most of the vegetables and meat comes from organic farms down the road. Fresh. Divine. Fantastic. Bottom line, Lake Rotoroa Lodge is worth the long journey getting there!