Local rivers
Begin with the Ōpihi catchment and plan access through Fish & Game’s current map.
View the Ōpihi map →Middle Valley · South Canterbury
Your quiet base for days on the water.
A private, self-contained cottage for two, around ten minutes from Fairlie. Cook, rest and reset between fishing days in South Canterbury and the Mackenzie region.
Copper John, Middle ValleySleeps twoOne queen bedroom
Self-containedKitchen and lounge
LaundryWasher and dryer
Near FairlieAbout 10 minutes by car
The stay
A place to come back to after a long day outside.
Copper John pairs the privacy of a country cottage with the practical comforts of home.
There is a separate lounge, a full kitchen, a queen bedroom, bathroom and laundry. Settle in for a few days and make your own plans at your own pace.
See the cottage and facilities →
From your base
Fish the wider region, stay somewhere peaceful.
Lakes and high country
Lake Ōpuha and Mackenzie waters offer different day trips, depending on the season and conditions.
Explore the waters →Local knowledge
Lyndon is a keen fly fisher. Copper John’s trip notes focus on practical planning and official access information.
Plan your trip →The fly behind the name
Why Copper John?
The cottage is named for the Copper John, a fly that anglers use in this region.
Its copper-wrapped body and gold bead make this nymph easy to recognise in a fly box. Lyndon is a keen fly fisher, so the name felt right for a quiet base near Fairlie and South Canterbury’s rivers.
Explore fishing from Copper John →
Meet your hosts
At home in Middle Valley.
Andrea and Lyndon chose rural South Canterbury for its quiet, community and proximity to fishing. They live on the property with their animals; guests have the cottage to themselves.
The cottage is in Middle Valley, near Fairlie, with access by car to the town and wider region. You may meet the hosts’ dog or cats during your stay.
Discover the area →Make room for a few days away.
See current dates and booking conditions on the Copper John listing.