Canterbury’s best catch: Riverview Lodge
by Metropol | August 5, 2026 8:33 am
On stunning Hanmer Springs land sits a boutique lodge with river views, and Tony Hawker, who is most comfortable with a fly-fishing rod in hand.
High adrenaline activities, unlimited ways to unwind, and nature’s best up close, Hanmer Springs is home to many incredible moments – and one talented fisherman is putting a new can’t-miss experience on the map. Seven minutes from the village, Tony Hawker and his wife Pauline run the Riverview Lodge, a beautifully boutique accommodation and the gateway to Tony’s greatest passion: fly-fishing.
In February 2025 after 15 years working for Fish and Game, Tony decided he had bigger fish to fry (in the form of a braided river renowned for trout fishing and fresh alpine air). With that came a retreat-style lodge and panoramic scenery surrounding it overlooking the Waiau River and Hanmer Springs Valley. In little over a year, the pair have earned Riverview Lodge a 4.6-star Google review rating for crafting “outstanding,” “dreamy” and “magic” memories, amongst guests catching their biggest fish.
Tony has been practising the sport himself since age nine, and is now a member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association. “I love the sport of fly fishing and enjoy nothing more than introducing others to it,” Tony says. “After beginner casting lessons on the lawn of the lodge, we can head out to the rivers and enjoy the stunning scenery we have so close by the lodge.”
The lodge offers two hotel-style rooms and a self-contained cottage for larger groups, each with access to common areas, a private deck, and established spacious gardens (and views that guests say they could eat breakfast at forever).
Meet Tony and Pauline at Riverview Lodge, call 021 221 8325.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/canterburys-best-catch-riverview-lodge/