Stonefly Lodge
3256 Motueka Valley Highway Abel Tasman / Nelson, Motueka 7096 New Zealand
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About
5.0
#2 of 4 lodges in MotuekaLocation
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Value
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Stonefly Lodge is situated on 150 acres of private forest on the banks of the Motueka River, only 50 minutes drive from Nelson. Built from local stone and timber the lodge is centrally located between 3 National Parks offering the complete package for the fly fishing enthusiast or a wide variety of spectacular tours from hiking, wine tasting, kayaking and exploring the many art and craft studios in the region.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Game room
Airport transportation
Massage
Baggage storage
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Special diet menus
Hiking
Horseback riding
Billiards
Fishing
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Room features
Soundproof rooms
Bathrobes
Desk
Fireplace
Housekeeping
iPod docking station
Extra long beds
Complimentary toiletries
Clothes rack
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Business
Location
3256 Motueka Valley Highway Abel Tasman / Nelson, Motueka 7096 New Zealand
Getting there
1 Restaurant
within 10 kilometers
Reviews
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Detailed Reviews
My friend Martin and I stayed at Stonefly for 5 days in January 2020.
The litany of five star reviews below are very well founded.
As someone with a background at the very top of the service industry, I am only too well aware that excellence does not come about by accident.
No detail was left unchecked and all this in a quite jaw dropping setting.
Food? If I were sitting in any Michelin starred restaurant anywhere worldwide, I would have been delighted with what was put in front of me.... Three triple A chefs who worked hard to produce food of the very highest order. Super, super nice staff across the board...and owners John and Kate who oversaw all marvellously.
Faultless.
Best wishes guys...from Denis Mann here in daily London!!
The litany of five star reviews below are very well founded.
As someone with a background at the very top of the service industry, I am only too well aware that excellence does not come about by accident.
No detail was left unchecked and all this in a quite jaw dropping setting.
Food? If I were sitting in any Michelin starred restaurant anywhere worldwide, I would have been delighted with what was put in front of me.... Three triple A chefs who worked hard to produce food of the very highest order. Super, super nice staff across the board...and owners John and Kate who oversaw all marvellously.
Faultless.
Best wishes guys...from Denis Mann here in daily London!!
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Date of stay: January 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived and was greeted by Kate. My jaw was not up off the floor for awhile. The rooms are breath taking. The view was everything that we looked forward to. John we met later at cocktails with the other guests. What a place. The food oh my the chefs out do themselves constantly Even for me being gluten free.
They set up fly fishing for us the next morning with Richard. What a patient man we learned so much. The finally day of fly fishing we helicop out. What a day. 10 fish total. Richard you are great. JOHN and KATE keep going we will remember this for ever.
They set up fly fishing for us the next morning with Richard. What a patient man we learned so much. The finally day of fly fishing we helicop out. What a day. 10 fish total. Richard you are great. JOHN and KATE keep going we will remember this for ever.
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Date of stay: November 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As you wind along the lone road amid the cattle and sheep you abruptly come to the sign announcing the turn that will take you to the Stonefly Lodge. This dirt road winds up the hill till you see the astonishing lodge ahead of you. Your expectations are met as you open the door and experience the beauty of this resort. Your hosts will be Kate and John who built the lodge as their home and to accommodate a limited number of guest. It is cut out of a serene forest with the smells and beauty that will relax anyone. The comfort of the lodge and rooms are wonderful but I have to say that the cuisine prepared by Chef Dean is worth the visit and all of 5 Star! And if you enjoy fly Fishing for large brown trout you will not be disappointed. I heartedly recommend the Stone Fly Lodge when you get to the South Island.
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Date of stay: January 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
They state they are "a premier New Zealand Fishing Lodge" but in my case they did not have a guide to fish with me and the owner "John" told me that I would not be able to fish on their river unguided! He is a total jerk, arrogant and a horrible host. He did not apologize or make an attempt to rectify the situation at all. I left after only one night of a two night reservation as I had no interest in spending time at a fishing lodge that would not allow me to fish. I really could not leave fast enough!
I have stayed at many fishing lodges in destinations including United States, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Argentina, Chile, Belize, Christmas Island, Cuba, and Alaska and by far this was the worst and most uncomfortable experience yet.
Avoid this place and it's controlling jerk of an owner!
I have stayed at many fishing lodges in destinations including United States, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Argentina, Chile, Belize, Christmas Island, Cuba, and Alaska and by far this was the worst and most uncomfortable experience yet.
Avoid this place and it's controlling jerk of an owner!
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Date of stay: January 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from jk55, Owner at Stonefly Lodge
Responded 23 Jan 2017
I feel obliged to respond - not quite how I recall the circumstances. I note your booking was made by your friends who booked through a travel agent as you were joining up with your friends briefly during their stay at Stonefly Lodge. Neither your friends or their travel agent indicated your interest in booking a guided fishing tour during your brief stay, even though they were prompted to do so with our reservation correspondence, - other tours and activities were booked instead. Most of our bookings for the lodge and for guided fishing are booked 6-12 months in advance as we are booked out each year. Upon arrival if you recall, I greeted you and helped with the luggage, and noticed I was carrying a fishing bag of yours which prompted a conversation where you asked if I could arrange a fishing guide for the next day. I explained that unfortunately all our guides are fully booked however I would try to make some calls and see if any guides were available. By dinner time I had contacted a further 4 guides all which were unavailable. You were advised of this at dinner. I can only assume you misheard me when I explained we do not guide the river section in front of the lodge - so guests can enjoy a fish by themselves. Many of our guests , especially our repeat guests, like to use the lodge fishing gear and go down to the river immediately in front of the lodge and fish the afternoon of their arrival or the morning before their departure. I have my personal fishing vest, net, fly box etc that I leave in the wader room with all the other fishing gear just for guests to use on days they are not guided. Two of the 4 other guests staying at Stonefly Lodge at the same time you were, caught fish (one 5LB) at the front of the lodge on their fist day of arrival all unguided. I repeat - I have never said to any guest they can not fish unguided - if anything I encourage it. You may have been disappointed that all the other guests were going out each day with fishing guides - but they had booked the guides well in advance. Your friends had pre booked you on a guided walking tour to Abel Tasman National Park which is also a very popular tour from the lodge. I note that your friends that booked your short visit to Stonefly Lodge wrote in our guest book " We enjoyed all aspects of our stay. The warmth of Stonefly will remain in our memory." I also note the comment in our guest book from the other fishing group staying at the same time you were: "Everything was absolutely first class. The Stonefly exceeded our expectations in every way. I will definitely be back". - In fact they have booked again for next year. I also travel internationally to fly fish, however I certainly pre book a fishing guide for the days I need along with the accommodation to avoid any disappointment.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John and Kate Kerr have created an extraordinary Lodge in all respects and offer the finest fishing I have had on the South Island, along with 5 star food and fabulous accommodations. But the best part of anyone's stay are Kate and John themselves---they make their home your home and will cater to your every whim-if you want a massage after a long day on the water or a fabulous glass of wine all you need to do is ask.The helicopter pad in the front of the Lodge provides an opportunity to whisk any fisherman into the outback for a day of amazing fishing for big browns---and see no other people except your guide (guides Richard and small Steve are as good as I've had, experienced, constructive, patient and nice). So, if you're going to NZ don't miss Stonefly and John and Kate.
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Date of stay: January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent three nights with John &Kate Kerr at their outstanding lodge, and cannot say enough about how extrordinary every aspect was! This intimate lodge offers world class luxury blended with a spectacular setting and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure! Our focus was fly fishing and hiking, and both were first rate! We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share our gourmet meals with the other guests and came away from Stonefly with some new friends! From start to finish every day at Stonefly was extraordinary! Stonefly Lodge is a rare treasure!
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Date of stay: December 2014Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: All 4 guest rooms are extraordinary!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John and Kate are great hosts, the rooms are warm and cozy and the food is excellent. We fished, visited Abel Tasman and rested playing bridge and reading. The lodge is eco-friendly and very comfortable.
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Date of stay: January 2014Trip type: Travelled with friends
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: The four rooms are pretty much the same with each having about the same view.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Positives:
Helicopter fishing was incredible. Very expensive but worth the price for at least one day. A must experience for any traveling fisherman. Dinner each night was great. The chef’s did a fantastic job preparing the food. My guide, Jim, was fabulous.
Negatives:
Fishing around the property. Conditions were rainy but sizable fish are located more in the National Parks. If you are trying to save money, I would stay around the Nelson area with a guiding company. Spring beds: Coils made for uneven body support. Terrible back support.
Unorganized:
- Owner didn’t warn us prior that guides are contracted outside of Stonefly. Typical experiences I’ve had around the world (Argentina, Canada, Wyoming, Alaska, Colorado) is that guides are apart of lodge. Guides are contracted like a 1099 employee in the states. We booked a year out thinking we had guided fishing every day. Luckily, we found a guide the night before.
- My wife was pregnant and wasn’t fishing. We asked for a ride into Nelson to show her around town. We were charged $650 on the last day for an “Arts and Crafts” tour even though no tickets or food were provided. My wife even picked up lunch for the driver. To put that in perspective, a Milford Sound tour including a plane ride from Queenstown, included lunch and 2 hours cruise cost $400/person.
- Waders came with a broken water proof zipper. I fell in the river causing water damage in my phone (partially my fault but wouldn’t have happened with new/adequate waders).
- Owner’s wife kept taking away Betadine unannounced that I needed for my heavily cut/infected foot. This was important given we were in wet waders all day. I was told later the brown Betadine was staining the sheets; however, an alternative like Neosporen wasn’t provided or an explanation of why the Betadine was being taken away.
- Served unpasteurized Hallooumi cheese two nights to my pregnant wife.
- Charged for drinks even though the contract stated “Accomodation costs include: daily cooked breakfast, pre dinner drinks with canape’s, a four course gourmet dinner with house wine and beer.” I never had more than two beers at dinner and my wife wasn’t drinking. This charge was later retracted weeks later by the owner.
Overall Thoughts:
New Zealand has incredible access to fishing that is far different than anything I’ve experienced around the world. I’ll always remember the Helicopter ride and fishing with Jim. If you have unlimited money and don't mind spring beds, I would stay here as it’s plug in play. If you’re on a budget or looking to save money, I would stay around the area and contract with a local helicopter company/guides. I’ve had friends use Latitude Guiding and stay in town for a similar experience for far less the price. Contracting with helicopter companies is fairly simple if you want to go that route and stay in town.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Helicopter fishing was incredible. Very expensive but worth the price for at least one day. A must experience for any traveling fisherman. Dinner each night was great. The chef’s did a fantastic job preparing the food. My guide, Jim, was fabulous.
Negatives:
Fishing around the property. Conditions were rainy but sizable fish are located more in the National Parks. If you are trying to save money, I would stay around the Nelson area with a guiding company. Spring beds: Coils made for uneven body support. Terrible back support.
Unorganized:
- Owner didn’t warn us prior that guides are contracted outside of Stonefly. Typical experiences I’ve had around the world (Argentina, Canada, Wyoming, Alaska, Colorado) is that guides are apart of lodge. Guides are contracted like a 1099 employee in the states. We booked a year out thinking we had guided fishing every day. Luckily, we found a guide the night before.
- My wife was pregnant and wasn’t fishing. We asked for a ride into Nelson to show her around town. We were charged $650 on the last day for an “Arts and Crafts” tour even though no tickets or food were provided. My wife even picked up lunch for the driver. To put that in perspective, a Milford Sound tour including a plane ride from Queenstown, included lunch and 2 hours cruise cost $400/person.
- Waders came with a broken water proof zipper. I fell in the river causing water damage in my phone (partially my fault but wouldn’t have happened with new/adequate waders).
- Owner’s wife kept taking away Betadine unannounced that I needed for my heavily cut/infected foot. This was important given we were in wet waders all day. I was told later the brown Betadine was staining the sheets; however, an alternative like Neosporen wasn’t provided or an explanation of why the Betadine was being taken away.
- Served unpasteurized Hallooumi cheese two nights to my pregnant wife.
- Charged for drinks even though the contract stated “Accomodation costs include: daily cooked breakfast, pre dinner drinks with canape’s, a four course gourmet dinner with house wine and beer.” I never had more than two beers at dinner and my wife wasn’t drinking. This charge was later retracted weeks later by the owner.
Overall Thoughts:
New Zealand has incredible access to fishing that is far different than anything I’ve experienced around the world. I’ll always remember the Helicopter ride and fishing with Jim. If you have unlimited money and don't mind spring beds, I would stay here as it’s plug in play. If you’re on a budget or looking to save money, I would stay around the area and contract with a local helicopter company/guides. I’ve had friends use Latitude Guiding and stay in town for a similar experience for far less the price. Contracting with helicopter companies is fairly simple if you want to go that route and stay in town.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
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Date of stay: December 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from jk55, Owner at Stonefly Lodge
Responded 25 Mar 2019
Hi Nelson, I have spent time reviewing all the 53 emails pertinent to your booking prior to your arrival at Stonefly Lodge and the 20 emails post your arrival so that I can correctly respond. It is disappointing that you suggest you thought you had booked a fishing guide for every day when in fact all you booked was accommodation, not a fly fishing package. I have previously sent you evidence that on 4 occasions I prompted you in writing to pre-book any guided fishing and in one of your emails you asked me to reconfirm that the price you paid was not including any fishing? On a more recent email after your stay you confided that you had a friend in Nelson who is a fishing guide and you had tried to book his guiding service. I can only assume you got confused as to who was to guide for you. On arrival at Stonefly Lodge, once we realised you wanted a fishing guide we arranged one of our guides so you had guided fishing every day of your stay. We also arranged heli-fishing which you mentioned: quote: “The heli fishing experience was incredible and one that I will remember forever”. In regards to our fishing guide service: In New Zealand the vast majority of Fishing Lodges and especially in the South Island (if not all) use contract guides as the seasons are so short. All our guides are members of the Professional Guides Association of NZ. Whether the guides are contract or live onsite, or live nearby at their home makes no difference to the fact that they must be booked in advance. The majority of our guides have worked for us since opening 10 years ago and some have 25yrs experience as guides. We are very proud of our team of professional guides. The personalised arts and craft tour is independently run and their charges are fixed. They also charge a half day and a full day rate which is for their transport and personal guidance. It does not include lunch which can vary depending on the clients’ needs and where they want to stop. It is 150km round trip without diversions to Nelson and back. As mentioned previously you were sent a price list of all our activities including this service before confirming your stay at Stonefly. They travel further than a fishing guide would do in a day. There are 3 operators in this region that do this kind of professional private tour and all charge a very similar rate. You have received an email from the owner of that Company explaining in detail the touring on that day. We provided you with some betadine from our kitchen first aid kit on the first night, this was returned to the medical kit each morning while you were out fishing in case the kitchen staff needed it. After seriously staining 4 sheets and two quilted white duvet covers Kate (the proprietor) suggested you use an alternative cream. Possibly, in hind-site, the use of a band-aid, a sock or a towel may have been a better solution all round. In regards to the beverages, your first approach was to ask for a discount on the overall tariff because your wife was unable to have any of the free house wine with dinner due to her pregnant state. House wine is served with dinner, you were charged for some beers you had in the afternoon after fishing. I refunded this small charge in good faith as you misinterpreted our policy, even though you saw other guest charging drinks to their account. You were served fried Halloumi once, and you have since had assurances from our chefs, a letter from the manufacturer of one of the cheeses and provided with copies of the cheese wrappings to prove we do not use unpasteurised cheese at the lodge. It is unlawful in New Zealand to sell commercially any unpasteurised cheese. You were not served unpasteurised cheese. I end with a quote from one of your emails after leaving the Lodge: “The food at the lodge was fantastic, every meal, and a great aspect of the lodge. You did a great job of hosting us and were very good at getting everyone to talk and hang out at dinner. You’ve got a really special place.”
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Expectations were very high...and were exceeded in all respects!! Great fishing, wonderful food and super hosts...thanks, John and Kate. The Lodge is in a terrific location, overlooking spectacular scenery and the "Mot" river.
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Date of stay: November 2017Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The accommodations (thank you, John & Kate!) and the food (thank you, Chef Dean!) were exemplary, but the heli-fishing was the absolute best. Stunning scenary from the sky and then up close and personal. The water was so pure you could drink from the rivers directly. The rocks formed rapids small enough to wade and large enough to avoid all the while providing sophisticated trophy brown trout. John Kerr's personal selection of guides assured that we had the best experience possible whether a seasoned angler (my husband) or novice (me). It was truly the trip of a lifetime!
ps While we concentrated on fly-fishing, the lodge offers many other excursions, and John & Kate gave us the feeling that they would be able to make any wish happen. Outstanding hosts.
ps While we concentrated on fly-fishing, the lodge offers many other excursions, and John & Kate gave us the feeling that they would be able to make any wish happen. Outstanding hosts.
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Date of stay: January 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Casual, but nice casual
Hi Ted, While we were at Stonefly several had dietary restrictions though one would never know by looking at the plates. Beautiful and I am sure, tasty as well. I would suggest contacting Kate (about food) and John (about boating) directly through their website.
TheDreamMakerNZ wrote a tip Sept 2019
Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand42 contributions5 helpful votes"All rooms have stunning views, I can't fault any of them."Read full review
"All four guest rooms are excellent, all with a balcony and delightful views of the Motueka River."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
₹1,02,834 - ₹1,18,870 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandNelson-Tasman RegionMotueka
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Stonefly Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Stonefly Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Stonefly Lodge?
Top room amenities include a desk, extra long beds, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at Stonefly Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Does Stonefly Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Stonefly Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.