New zealand fly-fishing cme
stonefly lodge
DATES: dec. 6 - Dec. 13th, 2026
"The trip of a lifetime"
Join our 7 night / 5 day Fly-Fishing CME course Dec. 6 - 13th, 2026 at StoneFly Lodge in New Zealand.
Embark on a unique adventure with our exclusive medical CME trip to Stonefly Lodge in New Zealand. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps, this immersive experience combines world-class fly fishing with hands-on medical learning. Enjoy expert-led discussions and workshops while relaxing in one of the most serene, remote locations on Earth. Perfect for medical professionals looking to unwind, network, and enhance their skills in a breathtaking natural setting. This once-in-a-lifetime journey offers a perfect balance of education, adventure, and relaxation.
ABOUT STONEFLY LODGE:
New Zealand's Stonefly Lodge combines world-class fly fishing with luxury accommodation and fine cuisine. Stonefly Lodge is one of only a few fly-fishing lodges that have been accredited with the "Luxury Lodges of New Zealand" membership.
This multi-award winning lodge has been recognized for excellence in its environmental sensitive development and environmental sustainability. The total complex is powered by alternative energy sources built on-site to reduce the project's environmental footprint.
The Lodge interior focuses on the large stone double sided fireplace which provides the ambiance to the games room, dining room and sunroom. A large open kitchen adjoining the dining area offers the relaxed atmosphere where guest dine together, or private dining opportunities can also be catered for. Breakfasts can be served on the guest room private balcony. The cuisine is made fresh from the extensive garden with home made produce, local quality meats and fresh seasonal seafood. Special diets are easily catered for.
Complete with library, a snooker table, and the "Matai Bar", guests will have the ideal setting to relax after an exciting days fly fishing or after exploring the numerous sites and attractions of the local region. Four guest rooms are located upstairs complete with ensuites, heated towel rails, and private balconies overlooking the Motueka River and surrounding mountains.
The lodge has been designed for entertainment and will be an ideal "sole use" facility for groups up to eight.
CERTIFICATION:
Approved for up to 13 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits and WMS FAWM Credits
13 FAWM Credits towards your Fellowship
“This course has been approved for Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) credits through the Wilderness Medical Society. Actual credits awarded depend on personal credit needs and history.”
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
An opportunity to Fish in New Zealand at an Award Winning Lodge
Heli-Fishing also available for additional cost
All-Inclusive: Let us do all the work.
Experience wilderness medicine in context doing what you love to do
Enjoy a full service lodge with excellent food, drinks and hospitality with an amazing NZ atmosphere
Build friendships to last a lifetime
THE FISHING:
This region receives more sunlight than any other part of New Zealand and is graced with incredible mountains and crystal clear waters flowing through numerous rivers and streams inhabited by wild trout. This combination of pleasant weather, scenery, and trout fishing opportunities has made this part of New Zealand a favorite with knowledgeable anglers, many of whom visit annually.
On a typical day, skilled anglers have a realistic chance of catching two to three fish, averaging four to seven pounds. Each fish will likely present enough challenge to make it interesting, but this type of fishing requires a bit of patience and persistence on the angler's part. Trout fishing in New Zealand is often a game of finding the fish and this sometimes calls for some hiking. Blind fishing is not common, or productive, in New Zealand, and with fish that average much larger than fish in the US, it is sometimes necessary to cover some water in order to find them. Don't be surprised if you walk ¼ mile between fish, or if once you find a fish, you get only a few casts to try and entice them to take your fly. It is this challenge that most skilled anglers truly enjoy and what makes fly fishing in New Zealand truly unique.
Heli-fishing is popular in New Zealand and allows anglers to reach more remote areas where the larger trout often reside. In New Zealand, unlike the US, larger fish are often found in the headwaters of rivers and streams. The farther upstream you go, usually the bigger the fish get. Since most headwaters are in remote regions with very limited access, a helicopter is usually the best way to reach the larger fish. It is also a wonderful way to see the spectacular scenery of the area. We encourage you to consider at least one day of heli-fishing during your stay at Stonefly Lodge. Heli-fishing is best booked on-site, in consultation with your guide, and the rates vary depending on the destination and size of your party. The helicopter departs from the lodge's private helipad and flights can be arranged on short notice. Many anglers say the flight alone and the spectacular scenery is worth the trip.
Stonefly lodge stocks a full range of waders, boots, rods, and reels for guest use. Your guide will have all the flies required for the fishing days.
All of the fly-fishing guides at Stonefly Lodge are members of the NZ Professional Guides Association and are hand selected for their vast experience of the local waters, ability to stalk and spot trout, and individual personality.
ITINERARY: (Times may change slightly based on availability and weather)
Day 1: Dec 6th: Arrive in Nelson, NZ
Travel to Hotel and Overnight in Nelson - Introductions to Course
Day 2: Dec. 7th: Morning Pick-up and Transfer to StoneFly Lodge
Day 3: Dec. 8th: Fishing / Lectures
Day 4: Dec. 9th: Fishing / Lectures
Day 5: Dec. 10th: Fishing / Lectures
Day 6: Dec. 11th: Fishing / Lectures
Day 7: Dec. 12th Wrap-Up / Last Night at StoneFly Lodge
Day 8: Dec. 13th Transfer to NelsonAirport (or extend your vacation on the beautiful South Island of NZ)
THE TEAM / FACULTY:
The fishing logistics and leadership will be provided by extremely experienced New Zealand guides from ‘StoneFly’, whose team members have a wealth of knowledge and experience. They promise their clients the most rewarding fishing experience of their lives!
The Wild Med Adventures Team are all well traveled and experienced and promise to make your CME experience both educational and informative, but please note that we are only responsible for the educational aspect of this trip. For more information regarding our instructor's background - please see BIO's for instructor information. Instructors: Ben Mattingly, MD, FAWM
PRE-REQUISITES:
Anyone is welcome to attend.
If no CME needed, please feel free to attend and enjoy the lectures at no additional cost
A keen interest in wilderness medicine & fishing
Previous fishing experience with adequate preparation for various climate changes and temps
HEALTH / VACCINATIONS:
Delegates should be vaccinated appropriately - Please see CDC recommendations for visiting New Zealand.
TRIP INSURANCE:
Delegates should have personal insurance to cover any in-country medical examinations, treatment or rescue/evacuation as well as some form of trip insurance to cover missed flights, weather delays and other potential trip delays. In addition, rescue / evacuation insurance is recommended but not required. However, Wild Med Adventures is not responsible for any costs that are incurred due to injury or illness requiring medical evacuation or hospitalization. We recommend Global Rescue for all of our trips.
PLEASE BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE - we lose 1-2 people before almost every trip due to unexpected injuries or illnesses in family.
COSTS:
Deposit: $3000
Full Trip Cost with CME: $7399
Spouse / Friend & NO CME: $6999
** EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT **
Sign-up before Sept. 1st, 2025 and SAVE $399 / USE CODE “EARLYNZ” at Check-Out
Included: 7 nights lodging (1 Hotel / 6 at Stonefly Lodge), 5-Full days of guided fishing, 13 hours CME education, guiding, all fishing supplies including waders, reels/rods, and flies, and all meals & drinks (excluding some speciality drinks). Transfers from Hotel in Nelson to Stonefly Lodge. Wild Med Gift.
Excluded: All Flights to New Zealand, airport taxes, travel insurance, global rescue insurance, Also, does not include additional days of travel, optional Heli Fishing or other upgrades. Fishing License - approx. $38/day. Tips are not included.
***Please note: Full payment due within 90 days of course or a $500 fee will be added to your final costs**
Cancellation Policy: Your deposit for the course is nonrefundable. The entire balance of your course fee will be due 90 days prior to departure. If you have not paid in full prior to 120 days before the start of the course a late fee of $500 will be applied to final cost or we have the right to cancel your trip. There will be no refund after 120 days prior to course. If you cancel before 120 days, you will be reimbursed course fee minus deposit.
We have a maximum number of 8 clients including instructors.
ATTENDING THIS COURSE YOU WILL:
Learn the latest practical hands-on wilderness medical skills for patient assessment, stabilization and evacuation.
Practice your skills while enjoying a once in a lifetime hunting trip
Work with our expert faculty and local New Zealand Fishing guides to develop your knowledge and awareness regarding outdoor injuries
Obtain up to 13 hours of CME and Fellowship credits from the Wilderness Medical Society towards your FAWM
Our program focuses on treatment of the most common injuries and illnesses encountered while hunting and practical skills for assessment, splinting, wraps, carries and more.
FACULTY DISCLOSURE / CME
It is the policy of Wild Med Adventures, LLC to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor. All faculty members are required to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations.
Accordingly, the Wilderness Medical Society has determined there are no conflicts to report associated with this conference.
ACCME Statement: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the Wilderness Medical Society and Wild Med Adventures, LLC. The Wilderness Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Wilderness Medical Society designates this educational activity for a maximum of 13 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM. Each physician should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
All educational content presented in this activity has been reviewed and validated as appropriate in keeping with sound scientific principles.
MAIN EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:
The goal of the Wilderness Medical Society Fishing CME Conference is to provide participants with a unique environment to experience essential Medically-related Outdoor Fishing topics and learn skills while collaborating with StoneFly Lodge through educational activities including lectures, hands on work-shops, training modules and Fishing Excursions.
Development of this CME curriculum is formed by the following key objectives:
Provide educational opportunities based on core curriculum of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine.
Provide education of value to providers who care for the medical needs and also those involved with coordination of hunting-related educational activities, including medical providers who must educate and instruct hunter safety with their patients.
Provide education of interest to wilderness and austere-activity enthusiasts.
After attending this conference, the participants will be able to:
Establish a set of treatment priorities for care of the sick or injured in remote settings.
Prevent, diagnose, and manage illnesses and injuries in austere environments.
Demonstrate increased knowledge and skill in recognizing and treating the most common illnesses and injuries encountered in remote fishing environments, including hyperthermia, hypothermia, cold injuries, and wound management.
Understand objective risk-assessment in wilderness environments from the perspective of the medical professional acting as a trip leader.
Understand the pathophysiology and management of acute emergencies related to remote environments.
Perform a pre-departure assessment of the participant’s pre-existing medical conditions and plan an appropriate medical kit & care.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
Intended as continuing education for physicians, PA's, NP's, nurses, and medics who aspire to work or teach as a field instructor/provider in recreational hunting environments or who may work in remote clinics and deal with the injuries sustained by hunters.
Graduates from other wilderness medicine programs (e.g. FAWM, MFAWM) who want to gain experience and skills in Hunting / Remote Medicine
Individuals pursuing a Fellow of Wilderness Medicine degree (FAWM™)
please enquire with any additional questions
We hope to meet you in NZ and share the ultimate fishing experience !
