Poronui
Central North Island
High in wilderness country to the east of Lake Taupo, Poronui is one of New Zealand’s most well-known fishing lodges. A favourite of passionate fishermen for its excellent brown and rainbow trout opportunities, it also attracts a lot of sporting hunters, and is a recognised wilderness retreat as well.
There are three accommodation options – the main Poronui Lodge is a world-class wilderness lodge with 7 luxury rooms overlooking the Taharua Valley. Described as a ‘purpose-built facility designed to meet the needs of the discerning angler’, it includes a shared dining and lounge room with open fires and well-stocked bookcases. The rustic-luxe Safari Camp, on the banks of the Mohaka River, has well-appointed canvas-roofed cabins where you can really get a feel for the wilderness surrounding you without compromising on comfort. Blake House is a stately owner’s residence available for exclusive use; it can accommodate up to 16 people in four double suites and two luxury bunkrooms.
The property covers 16,000 acres of wilderness including exotic and dense native beech forest, grasslands and manuka. There are 240km (150 mi) of hiking and riding tracks criss-crossing the property. The Mohaka and Taharua Rivers tumble through the landscape, and the surrounding countryside has very high environmental and ecological value. Poronui has a great working relationship with local Maori – Ngati Tuwharetoa offer an excellent opportunity to engage in the local indigenous culture with their Kai Waho experiences. There’s also horse riding, mountain biking, clay shooting and hunting available.
Accommodation:
the main Poronui Lodge overlooks the Taharua River and has 7 guest cabins; views are far-reaching
the cabins combine a rustic simplicity and luxurious edge, with their timber finish and natural fabrics
the Safari Camp is in the neighbouring Mohaka Valley; accommodation is in two sturdy, very comfortable wooden-floored chalets with canvas walls and roofing
there’s a separate amenities chalet with hot showers and flush toilets, and a cooking cabin
Blake House is a large luxury retreat with 4 beautifully appointed suites, 2 extensive living spaces, 4 fireplaces, a well-appointed cook’s kitchen, cigar room, media room, private sunrooms and 2 luxury bunkrooms
it is available for exclusive use and suits larger groups or families who want to stay together
this option is either self-catering (provisions provided), fully catered or a mix of the two
The Main Lodge:
guests dine and socialise in the main lodge with its big open fires and long shared table
a large balcony overlooks the Taharua River
The Stables, near the main lodge, is a sports complex and working stable with a BBQ area, gym and health facilities
there are also steam, sauna and massage rooms and a full-sized billiard table
the lodge is well known for its excellent regional cuisine; the resident chef prepares an inviting menu with all food prepared in the lodge kitchen
the Stables underground wine cellar can hold over 10,000 bottles of fine wine and is often used to host group dinners; wine tastings are available
beauty treatments and massages are available on site and lodge staff can arrange day trips by helicopter or road for wine tasting and sightseeing in Hawkes Bay or nearby Taupo
take riding lessons and guided horse treks over the 200 kms of farm tracks; or enjoy some guided hikes, heli-sightseeing or bee-keeping
The Fishing:
Poronui was the site of some of the earliest trout releases into NZ waters in the late 1800s
there is world-class brown and rainbow trout fishing on Poronui’s 40 kms (25 mi) of fishing rivers
helicopters are available to reach the remote fishing spots and rafts are also used to get to isolated rivers
you can camp out overnight at several remote fishing locations; cook over an open fire and watch the stars
there’s a fully equipped fly-tying bench in the main lodge
guided fishing rates start from NZD$1,250 per day for 1 – 2 people (low season). Includes all your equipment, tackle, lunch and transport; licences extra
heli fishing is available at a further cost
Tariff:
Lodge Rooms rates start from NZD$1,590 per night for 2 people (twin share), mid season rates. Includes daily country breakfast, light lunch, canapes, gourmet dinner, house wine and beer, and same day laundry service
Seasonal rates are available
Prices for Blake House and Poronui’s summer Safari Camp are available on request
Multi-day stay/fishing packages available
Cancellation and covid policies apply
New Zealand Fishing Licenses for Non-residents start from NZD$35 per day or NZD$250 for a season pass.
Season:
Poronui is open all year – the main trout fishing season runs October – April, but there is excellent fishing available for much of the year