Mako Lodge is set in quiet seclusion on the shores of
Orongo Bay on the beautiful Te Wahapu Peninsula.
We are just 3 kilometers from the car ferry and 7
kilometers from the historic Russell village in the Bay of Islands, New
Zealand.
Bed and breakfast guest amenities include your own bathroom,
toilet & shower, TV, video, refrigerator, tea/coffee making, own
verandah with garden and waterfront views.
Our adjacent Lodge sleeps up to 8 persons in 4 star
luxury. Guests are free to amble down the path to our waterfront lawn
and explore the sheltered waters of the Bay in a complimentary dinghy or
kayak.
We also provide an optional sightseeing or charter
fishing trip in the famous Bay of Island waters where you may catch
Marlin, Tuna shark or many other local species including Yellowtail
Kingfish.
Quick Facts:
- Russell in the Bay of Islands - New Zealand. Just
over three hours drive north of Auckland
- Luxury lodge with all amenities including fully
equipped kitchen, laundry & BBQ
- Studio Unit - self-contained, suits 4 singles. TV,
fridge/freezer, microwave, fry pan & BBQ
- In-house Bed & Breakfast self-contained double
suite, TV, fridge, etc.
- Free dinghy and kayak - also runabout hire
- Quiet waterfront seclusion with private beach
- Native bush with over 30 species of bird life
- Only 7 kilometers from historic Russell village
- Optional light tackle or big game fish charter
Graeme and his wife Jean are well experienced in the
hospitality business and provide a homely but professional service to
clients. Lodge guests may choose to self-cater in the fully equipped
Lodge or dine in the Homestead.
Your hosts' commitment to excellence is summarized by
Mako Lodge and Fishing Charters' Mission Statement:
Consistently Striving To Make Our Guests' and Anglers'
Experiences Exceed Their Expectations
Fishing Charters:
- New "state of the art" 27' charter launch
- Top quality tackle, bait & lures supplied
including saltfly gear.
- All-weather cabin, marine toilet, washroom, live
bait tank
- Never-fail sea sick tablets included (no side
effects)
- Fish filleted and iced on board
- Smoked/vacuum-packed option
- Optional accommodation package at Mako Lodge
Your licensed Skipper, Graeme McIntosh has over 20 years
experience in Bay of Islands waters and can provide an exciting
adventure in saltfly, or light tackle fishing for Yellowtail Kingfish,
Groper, Snapper, Sea Trout or Trevalli - all year round, or Marlin, Tuna
and Shark, January - April.
When you fish with Graeme, you are with one of the most
experienced and successful light tackle fishing guides in the Bay of
Islands, New Zealand.
Saltwater Fly Fishing! Our Specialty:
Our waters abound in sea trout (kahawai) trevalli and
yellowtail kingfish through the spring -autumn months where large runs
of krill occur.
It is not uncommon to see several acres of pelagic fish
swimming against the current, mouths wide open sifting the krill from
the sea water!
Flyfishing in these or similar conditions influenced by
the liberal use of chum or berley, provides an exciting experience. Sea
trout and trevalli can grow up to 6-7 lbs, kingfish up to 30+lbs and
mako sharks - name your size!!!
The most regularly caught are our sea trout and visiting
anglers - especially those who have fished our lakes for the fresh water
variety are amazed at the fighting capability of their sea- run
equivalents.
Saltfly charters are charged at the same rate as
"light tackle" and include morning tea, light lunch,
complimentary soft drinks, all berley/chum. Most saltfly anglers prefer
to use their own gear but quality rods and reels are also carried.
Recommended maximum number of anglers - per charter is 2.
Comments:
Comments from recent fly fishermen visiting the Bay of
Islands who have fished with us include:
Paul Andrews, Johannesburg, South Africa:
"The best days saltfly fishing in my life - have
fished all over the globe and this was the greatest!"
Warwick Hunt, Auckland, NZ:
"Great saltwater fly fishing! Many thanks Graeme"
Ted Simendinger, Colorado, USA:
"25 lbs kingfish, sea trout and trevalli on
flyrod. Dignified excellence is a splendid thing."
Ames & Laura Luce, Anchorage, Alaska, USA:
"First sea trout on the fly. An excellent
day!"
