Getting to the Lodge: 
 To get to Owen River Lodge guests need to fly to Auckland (AKL) and then to Nelson (NSN), New Zealand. Once in Nelson guests will need to either rent a car and drive roughly one hour to the lodge or take a shuttle for a fee.

Arrival Day: 
 The lodge asks that guests contact them when they arrive in Nelson to schedule their arrival and all guests should plan to arrive at the lodge after 4:00PM.

 Departure Day: 
 Guests will leave the lodge after breakfast. Check out time is 11:00 AM

Documentation Requirements:
 To enter New Zealand, all guests are required to have the following:

• Passport: Valid for the duration of your trip
• NZeTA: New Zealand Electronic Authority 

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA):
 Please visit the official NZeTA website to submit a request. NZeTA also offers an app, which can be downloaded from this site. 

 Note: Most NZeTA requests are processed within 72 hours. While many are completed more quickly, some may take longer. To avoid delays, we encourage you to apply well in advance of your trip.

Arrival Information - Biosecurity and Customs:
 New Zealand maintains strict biosecurity protocols to prevent invasive pests and plants from entering the country. Upon arrival, guests will be asked to declare items such as camping gear, hiking boots, wading gear, fly-tying materials, and food.

 Please ensure all wading gear and fishing boots are completely clean and dry before you travel. Note that you should not attempt to bring in any natural fly-tying materials, grain or seed-based foods, or meats such as jerky or salami. If inspectors are unsatisfied with the condition of gear, they will take the items for fumigation, a process that typically takes 15–30 minutes while travelers wait.

Recommended Travel Agent:
 Vanessa Vartanian, Ultimate Vacations
 808-949-8100
vanessa@ultimate-vacations.net

Airport Codes: 
 Auckland (AKL); Taupo (TOU); Nelson (NSN); Christchurch (CHC); Queenstown (ZQN)

Currency and Travel Cash: 
 The official currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). We recommend exchanging currency or visiting an ATM upon arrival to ensure enough cash for gratuities and incidental expenses.

 While most costs can be handled electronically, guides and lodges prefer New Zealand dollars for gratuities, which will likely be the primary cash expense. Currency exchanges can be done prior to departure, upon arrival in New Zealand at the airport, or via ATMs. Please note that depending on specific needs, guests may need to visit an ATM more than once due to daily withdrawal limits.

Electrical Requirements: 
 A Type I adapter is needed throughout New Zealand.

Communications: 
 While traveling in New Zealand, we recommend using WhatsApp as this is the way most lodges and outfitters communicate. Texting through the app will allow guests to keep in touch with the outfitter, friends, and family when connected to Wi-Fi. 

Credit Cards: 
 The lodge accepts credit cards. A 2.9% service fee applies to all credit card transactions at the lodge. 

Gratuities: The following are guidelines, and all gratuities are up to the discretion of the individual guest.

• Guides: $150 USD per guide per day.
• Lodge Staff: $100 USD per per night.

Fishing Licenses: 
 Fishing licenses are not included. We recommend purchasing licenses on-site at the lodge. For those who would like to purchase licenses in advance, it can be purchased at http://www.fishandgame.org.nz. 

 Note: If purchasing license in advance, please purchase an annual license. This is because, in addition to a general license, foreign travelers may also need a regional license or a backcountry endorsement. These additional licenses and backcountry endorsements can only be obtained by purchasing an annual license.

Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi: 

• Cell Coverage: Spotty at the lodge. Guests may lose cell service in the backcountry. 
• Wi-Fi: Available at the lodge

Power: 
 The lodge has 24-hour power. 

Laundry: 
 Laundry is included as a courtesy for guests. Guests should not plan to have laundry done every day.

Water: 
 The water at all sinks is potable and quite good.

 Beverages/Alcohol:
 House beer and wine are included in the package. Alcohol is not included.

Emergency Medical Assistance: 
 The nearest emergency medical center is in Murchison, approximately 20 minutes from the lodge. 

Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider: 
Global Rescue

The guides have an excellent assortment of the most effective flies and they supply them as part of your package price. With that said, you are welcome to bring along as few or as many of your own flies as you like.

If you would like to pack your own box, five regional favorites for the Nelson Lakes region include:

• Parachute Adams
• Kiwi Blowfly
• Foam Cicada
• Tungsten Hare & Copper
• Tungsten Pheasant Tail

Please feel free to call Fly Water Travel for assistance in putting together a selection of flies best suited to your trip.

Documents: 
 Passport, plane tickets, itinerary, credit card, cash, business cards

Socks: 
 Four pairs of wool or synthetic socks to wear under your waders. Two pairs of town socks.

Base layers: 
 One to two pairs of synthetic or merino wool long underwear (tops and bottoms) to wear beneath your waders. One mid-weight and one heavyweight. These can be worn alone or together depending on conditions.

Shirts: 
 Two or three long sleeve fishing shirts. One or two lodge shirts.

Pants:
One to two pairs of long pants

 Shorts: 
 One pair of quick-dry shorts

Warm Layers: 
 One or two warm insulating layers. Down, synthetic or fleece mid layers are good options. Avoid cotton.

Warm Jacket: 
 One warm jacket

Rain Jacket:
One high quality rain jacket

Gloves: 
 One pair of sun gloves and one pair of warm fishing gloves

Waders/Boots:  Lightweight, breathable stockingfoot waders are highly recommended for the cooler temperatures of the early and late seasons. During the peak summer months, many guests choose to wet wade. The ideal setup for wet wading includes quick-drying shorts worn over running tights or lightweight leggings (for protection against brush and sandflies), paired with neoprene wading socks inside your boots.
  Hats: 
 Two fishing/baseball hats. One warm cap.

Shoes:
 One pair of sturdy walking shoes

Facial Sun Protection: 
 One “Buff” facial sun protector (good for bugs too)
  Sunglasses:  One pair of polarized sunglasses. It is great to have a lens cleaner and a soft cleaning cloth as well.
  Sunscreen: 
 One bottle SPF 30+

Lip Balm: 
 One tube of SPF 30+ lip balm

Backpack: 
 One waterproof backpack or boat bag for day gear

Headlamp: 
 One small LED headlamp with batteries

Camera: 
 Camera with extra batteries

Toiletries Kit: 
 Toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, razor, lotion, mini shampoo bottle, anti-inflammatory, sleep aid, earplugs, band aids, anti-bacterial ointment, antihistamines

Contact our travel advisor, Blake Katchur, below for more information about this unique destination and to inquire about setting up the perfect trip to match your goals.

303-794-1104

Blake@anglersall.com