


River Haven Lodge is a fly fishing guiding operation based near Murchison, within Kahurangi National Park. Guides provide waders, boots, rods, reels and a picnic lunch on the river, with access to over thirty rivers by car and twenty more by helicopter across four helicopter companies. The business is Kiwi owned and operated, guided by Scott Murray, who has guided since 1991. Accommodation is arranged at Grand Suites Motel in Murchison.
The guiding services offered is without a doubt world glass, best guiding services in this region! These guys are so tentative to your needs, they know the rivers ! They also have X-ray vision, they spot the fish even though the regular person cannot.Doug was a pleasure and I'll definitely book with him again ! Thanks river haven! I
Ricci C. · January 2026 · via Google
I fished with Scott Murray and it was Fantastic! Scott is an extremely knowledgeable guide, wonderful person to fish with, unbelievably patient(with me, because I have some bad habits when casting). Scott got me on fish both days I fished with him, all I had to do was make the cast. I caught the biggest German Browns or Trout I ever have caught! I had a great time fishing with Scott
Terry M. · November 2025 · via Google
My wife and I spent two days fishing with Doug and it was awesome; he was an excellent guide and a great person to get to know. Doug led us to some great locations, spotted trout for us, and helped my wife truly discover the joys of fishing (and catch brown trout). He also answered many other questions we had about NZ. While we didn't stay at the lodge, the facilities look great, and we met Leya and Scott who were delightful. Thanks for a great time in Murchison :)
Christopher H. · March 2023 · via Google
Had dinner here the other night. View was amazing. The service from the waiter was outstanding. Food suited the restaurant and the local area. Decor was tasteful along with the seating. Prices were reasonable. Loved drinking the wine whilst looking at the vineyard it came from. Felt like I was back in Otago 😁 Thank you
Natalie · December 2022 · via Google
Scott and his wife Leya run one of the finest fishing lodges I have ever had the privilege of staying at. This truly is a 5 star experience for any angler or any traveler looking for lodging in the area. From the beautiful lodging accommodations, incredible home made meals to the spectacular NZ brown trout fishing, River Haven is a destination of destinations. I can’t wait to get back here and fish with Scotty and enjoy all that River Haven has to offer. I sincerely could not recommend River Heaven enough. Specifically about the fishing, it’s better than anything I could have ever expected. Scotty and his guides are the best of the best. The rivers are pristine and the angling, while challenging, has exactly what every fly fisherman dreams of, giant brown trout! Scotty is as fishy as they get and is an absolute pleasure to be around. His wife, Leya, is the best cook on the South Island no doubt. Coming back to the lodge after a long day of fishing and being fed a five course, gourmet meal was a real treat to say the least. If your looking for amazing brown trout fishing in NZ and want to the finest accommodations and service, you have found your spot at River Haven.
Jake T. · August 2022 · via Google