Fly Fishing at Poronui Ranch, New Zealand

Poronui Ranch - the big picture

Poronui Ranch is nestled in the Taharua valley south-east of Taupo on New Zealand's spectacular North Island.

The 16,000 acre property has been a favored fishing and hunting ground for both ancient Maori tribes, and since 1877, the English settlers. Today the trout fishing and hunting on Poronui Ranch are recognized as world class.

The landscape at Poronui is as varied as the sky is big. Crystal clear mountain water tumbles through forests of beech and native ferns, then twists its way through alpine meadows of wild grasses on the valley floor. In the summer months, as mayflies settle on the water’s surface, fishing becomes religion at Poronui Ranch.

Avid fly fishermen from all corners of the globe come to Poronui Ranch to test their skills against New Zealand’s
notoriously large, and wily, brown and rainbow trout. They do it in an isolated and beautiful wilderness. Guests will discover uncrowded streams, home to incredibly large resident browns and rainbows, with angling opportunities to suit every preference or ability.

Dry fly fishing at its best

What makes fishing at Poronui Ranch so special is the exclusive and immediate access to so many of New Zealand's best quality fishing waters and guides. The property has almost 25 miles of private water. The Taharua - a spring creek - meanders down the valley, while the Mohaka River - a tumbling freestone stream - wraps itself around one boundary.

The mountains adjacent to Poronui are vast estates of Maori-owned land. We are privileged to have access to much of this wonderful wilderness reserve. Without a doubt, the exclusivity and remoteness of these rivers and streams make them some of the most prized fly fishing waters in the world.

The Ranch also hosts a helicopter charter service flying fishermen quickly and easily into otherwise inaccessible areas. This immediate and flexible access to waters on the Ranch, and nearby, mean you will never fish the same spot twice. The legendary Ngaruroro and Rangitikei Rivers, and many more remote and smaller streams, are only a short and spectacular helicopter flight away.

Read the recent New York Times article about Poronui Ranch

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Whether your choose to wade in shallow, gentle streams, or tackle the very physical demands of an alpine freestone stream, there is water on the ranch to suit you.

Poronui Ranch has a team of permanent full-time guides who are considered the consummate professionals in their field. They share an extraordinary knowledge of the country, and collectively have more than a hundred years fishing experience on our waters. Our guides know every stream intimately, and ensure angling pressure is constantly monitored and controlled to maintain the health and confidence of the trout.

Experienced anglers will find the challenges of fishing at Poronui Ranch very rewarding. Beginners have the opportunity to learn from the best guides in a truly inspiring environment.

The lodge

The main lodge and guest cabins have evolved from what was once a rustic fishing camp into one of the world’s finest fishing holiday destinations. Accommodation has been designed with the traditional fishing and hunting lodge atmosphere in mind, but also combine elements of modern luxury with wonderful style.

The lodge kitchen is renowned for its outstanding game food and local fare. Venison, pork, lamb and wild duck come from the property and surrounding region, and the proximity to the ocean offers an abundance of fresh deep sea fish, salmon, lobster and mussels. Our specially packed streamside lunches are likely to be the very best picnic you’ve ever had.

All fished out?

Fishing isn't everything at Poronui Ranch. The property is a wonderful outdoor playground. We offer a range of other outdoor activities and have excellent facilities for hiking, horseriding, mountainbike riding, shooting and rafting. There are more than 100 miles of private roads and tracks that wind their way through the hills and along the streams. Close to the main lodge, a modern sports and relaxation center has gym and health club facilities.

An exciting addition to the Poronui Ranch experience is the outpost accommodation provided by the stylish tents of the safari-style camp. Situated on the bank of the Mohaka River, the camp is a days’ horse ride from the lodge. The camp is available on a fully-serviced basis for luxury overnight camp-outs.