Fly fishing at Poronui is synonymous with gin-clear waters surrounded by native forest and big brown and rainbow trout in the heart of New Zealand’s backcountry.
You can stay close to home and travel on foot or by 4WD to some of Poronui’s easily accessible fishing rivers. Uncover the full range of incredible fishing experiences by taking a helicopter ride to one of the many rivers available to anglers. The helicopter will pick you up right in front of the lodge and the guides will lead you to some of the most challenging and legendary fly fishing in the world.
Take pleasure in stalking and sight casting to large browns and rainbows in the shallow, clear waters.
The seasons in the southern hemisphere are the opposite to those in Europe and North America. Poronui is located in the heart of the North Island of New Zealand and enjoys a temperate climate.
Traditionally this is the most popular time for anglers to visit New Zealand. Streams are low and wading is easy. Trout are highly visible in the water, but selective with their feeding. On smaller streams these conditions demand careful stalking and delicate presentations with small drys and nymphs. On mountain freestone streams there is excellent terrestrial activity on the surface.
Two renowned fly fishing rivers run through the Poronui estate. And, with the assistance of a helicopter, you can be whisked away to some of the more remote waterways. Clear, deep pools intersperse surging rapids. Some areas offer plenty of native forest cover while others require more stealth and leave no room for error. Unaffected by snow melt, our rivers open on 1st October each year and offer great fishing from the word go.
The reason a lot of anglers come to New Zealand for fishing is to hook one of these big browns. Known for their size and stealth, the can usually be spotted taking cover by rocks.
While typically not as large as the browns, Poronui’s rainbows will give them a run for their money. These wily trout are clever and require precision casting.
Born in Dunedin, Craig started fishing when he was a nipper with his dad and eldest brother who is also a fishing guide. He's been a guide at Poronui since 1998. Fly fishing is more than a sport, it is a passion shared with repeat clients, new clients, friends and family.
To say that Dave is passionate about fishing would be an understatement. He has been fishing for longer than he can remember. He leased the Waitahanui Lodge for several years where he lived to fish and truly refined his fishing skills.
Whether it’s a small clear water stream with rainbows or browns, or the salt flats chasing predatory fish on the fly. All of this wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for the people we do this with. That’s one of the coolest things about the sport we do.
Leon loves spotting fish, has good eyes and is great at helping with tangles! He's been doing this a long time and has years worth of experience which makes him a good teacher for guiding beginners. He loves the bush and his knowledge of trees and plants will leave you with some interesting facts.
Fishing and food are two of Duncan's passions and he has managed to indulge in both - as a chef and a fishing guide. He thoroughly enjoys the diversity of the Central North Island fisheries and the challenges that that presents.