Written by Jane Dennis
Stonefly Lodge, only 50 minutes out of Nelson, is the proud carrier of the Qualmark Enviro-Gold – the benchmark for Qualmark. So I thought I would check the place out for myself to see whether it lived up to its reputation.
On arrival it becomes clear that Stonefly Lodge deserves an award just for its setting. On the banks of the Motueka River and surrounded by its own private forest, this stunning place is located right between three of our country’s spectacular national parks (Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi). And the lodge itself enhances every part of its native surroundings.
After a three-year building project, Stonefly Lodge opened its doors in October 2009. The interior focuses on the large stone fireplace which provides a wonderful ambiance to the games room, dining room and sunroom. The open plan kitchen and adjoining dining area offers the choice of a relaxed atmosphere or private dining opportunities and guests can relax in the library or Matai Bar.
In creating Stonefly Lodge the strongest guiding principle for Australian owners John and Kate Kerr was to build their dream lodge so it was totally self sufficient. It uses a hydro generator, runs on solar panels and has a wind turbine to generate electricity. The walls are lined with Kiwi wool to keep the lodge snug, and a wood stove (along with 500 litres of piped water), heats the whole house. The place was built with timber from the property’s own trees and 4000 rocks which Kate handpicked! For waste the couple has created a worm farm which they told me will provide all the nutrients needed for their brand new vege garden.
With 50 years combined experience in the tourism and hospitality trade, John and Kate knew exactly what they wanted to achieve. Not only did they want to share their haven with others, they also strived to create a fly fishing paradise. After five years of searching they felt they had found the perfect spot. With the world-renowned Motueka River at their doorstep – and 23 other rivers to choose from – fly fishing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice. “People come from all over the world to try and catch a brown trout,” John says. But Stonefly Lodge doesn’t only cater for experienced fishermen. John and Kate provide expert guiding instructions and only employ experienced New Zealand fly fishing guides because they know how to sight the fish and stalk the trout. “I’ve handpicked the best guys,” John tells me. And people are happily prepared to pay the money (around NZ$750 a day for a guide, who only takes two people at a time). But no worries if you aren’t interested in fly fishing, there are other wonderful activities on offer in the region such as hiking, kayaking, wine tasting and cultural activities.
Stonefly Lodge has been designed as the perfect weekend getaway so it’s no surprise the Kerrs feel they are living the dream – one they can’t wait to share with us!
