Eleven Acquires Owen River Lodge, Marking Their 13th Property In The Portfolio And Second In New Zealand

Eleven, a leading collection of global adventure lodges, is delighted to expand its presence in New Zealand with the acquisition of Owen River Lodge, an award-winning angling lodge in the Tasman region known for its brown trout sight fishing. Owen River Lodge becomes the 13th property in the portfolio and second in New Zealand, joining Eleven’s Cedar Lodge, tucked beneath the Southern Alps and famed for its world-class helicopter-assisted angling.

Set in the northern region of the South Island, this remote, award-winning lodge offers unrivalled access to sighted brown trout fishing. “While New Zealand is the pinnacle of trout fishing, Owen River Lodge is arguably the best place in the world for sighted brown trout fishing,” shares Cameron Davenport, Eleven’s Angling Operations Manager. “This is because of the sheer number of river systems as well as the number of true trophy fish within those systems—nearly 30 fisheries—all uniquely accessible from the lodge by both car and heli.”

By day, guests can spend time with Eleven’s established and experienced angling guides, spotting and stalking the highly sought-after brown trout with dry fly eats, relishing the process of waiting for this trophy species to appear from the depths of gin-clear waters. By evening, guests return to the lodge for après, delicious local cuisine featuring ingredients from the onsite gardens, and sustainably sourced New Zealand wine. Guests can also experience the very best of New Zealand from angling, hiking, whitewater rafting, wine tasting, and farm-to-table dining at this riverside oasis. Set on the banks of the Owen River, the lodge is a 90-minute drive from Nelson, located between three major national parks, and is near the exquisite, and world-renowned Marlborough wine region.

Owen River Lodge was founded in 2003 by fly fishing legend Felix Borenstein, who built an unforgettable legacy in Owen Valley, which Eleven is honoured and committed to continue. The award-winning lodge has been much loved with travellers, winning four consecutive Conde Nast Traveller Readers Choice Awards. The lodge features six rooms and can accommodate up to twelve guests within three standalone Duplex-Style Cottages which boast views of the water, the valley and Kahurangi National Park, with the backdrop of the Owen River. The design is sophisticated and understated to create a relaxed atmosphere with tall ceilings, handcrafted woodwork and fine art throughout. Guests can unwind in the lodge’s extensive riverside lounge and gardens, take a dip in the hot tub, or relax with a private treatment in the massage room. At the beating heart of the lodge is the local team, offering impeccable service and warm hospitality, promising a home from home feel.

For the ultimate New Zealand angling adventure, guests can pair together an experience at both Eleven Owen River Lodge and Eleven Cedar Lodge via a 2.5-hour helicopter ride or an eight-hour scenic drive along New Zealand's west coast, relishing the full breadth of the South Island’s most pristine rivers, streams, and lakes.

GETTING THERE: Nearest airports are Nelson (NSN, 90-minute drive) or Christchurch (CHC, 3.5-hour drive.

About Eleven

Eleven sets a new standard in experiential travel. Unprecedented adventures and authentic connections are at the heart of every trip. Down-to-earth guides share a day in their life so travellers can get to know every destination like a local adventurer. The Eleven portfolio of off-the-grid hideouts are intimate in size and located in remote and remarkable corners of the world, from a historic mountain hamlet along the French-Italian border and a pioneer-era mining town in the Colorado Rockies, to the Southern Alps of New Zealand and a remote farming valley in Northern Iceland. Available for private, full property buyouts to entirely control each experience, Eleven lodges are ideal venues to focus on outdoor adventure pursuits and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.