Poronui Lodge

Lodging Details
Poronui is a five-star fly fishing lodge located in the Taharua river valley on a 16,000-acre high country property. The Lodge has a modern drying room and daily laundry service as well as a fly-tying bench and library that is full of literature on the subject that brings us to Poronui in the first place: fishing. It is only fitting that a lodge offering so many outdoor activities would have a variety of luxurious rooms in which to put up your feet at the end of a long day. Guests may choose to stay in one of the three different retreats at Poronui, all of which have access to the amenities and activities available:

The Lodge
Settle into the relaxed and informal atmosphere of the main Lodge at Poronui, located above the Taharua River. This welcoming space has all the charms of a classic New Zealand sporting lodge, and the tradition of sharing fishing stories is honored each night with the guides next to the fire. Following a fabulous meal from the Lodge kitchen, retreat to one of the seven individually appointed guest cabins for a restful night of sleep.

Blake House
The most bespoke of the accommodation options at Poronui, it is taken on an exclusive basis. The house has a central living space consisting of two elegantly appointed lounges, a kitchen, dining area, library, and den. Two ensuite spacious guest rooms are located on each end of the house, each with a bathroom ensuite and a private sun porch. The house is fully serviced together by a host and a private chef.

Safari Camp
For the traveler seeking a truly unique and authentic wilderness experience, this luxury camp on the banks of the Mohaka River is sure to fit the bill. Enjoy a gourmet meal under the stars and allow the sound of the river to lull you to sleep in one of the two guest tents. While Safari Camp offers serene seclusion, modern bathrooms with flushing toilets and hot/cold showers are just a short walk away from your tent.

Food and Beverages
From the pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres to the gourmet streamside picnics, the cuisine at Poronui is truly first class. Poronui celebrates the tradition of fine dining and its team of chefs focuses on using the freshest local ingredients in their flavorful and innovative dishes. Each of the accommodation options enjoys its own private dining experiences, but the Wine Cellar and the Cabana are great dining options for groups. The Wine Cellar is located at The Stables and is a modern underground cellar capable of storing 10,000 bottles of award-winning wines. These wines are also available at all of the dining venues on Poronui and are a fantastic complement to the delectable cuisine served at each.

Typical Length of Stay
Trips of any length can be arranged, although there is a three-night minimum stay requirement. There is no set change-over day, so guests can arrive and depart on any day of the week.

Non-Angling Activities and Options
They say at Poronui that “there is nothing you have to do, but plenty that you can do.” So if your itinerary does not include fishing, an abundance of other activities await every guest on and off-campus. There is an exhaustive list of local sightseeing opportunities, and a plethora of ways to do them, from jetboating and white water rafting to heli-touring. Should you have an appetite for high-octane activities, Taupo offers bungy jumping and tandem skydiving. Hawkes Bay is a world-renowned wine region and is only a ninety-minute drive away. For those looking to experience what has been described as one of the greatest single-day hikes in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not far from the lodge and it takes you through a stunning geothermal region and dual World Heritage site with views of volcanic peaks that served important roles in the filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. To learn more about the local Maori culture, guests can visit the neighboring valley to visit members of the Ngati Tuwharetoa tribe for a special event called ‘Kai Waho.’ This is a one-on-one exploration of how the native people of New Zealand existed and how their fascinating culture, lifestyle, and traditions have been preserved over time. Kai Waho, with its focus on food (gathering and preparation) and bush walks, has been nominated as ‘No. 35’ in the top 100 global experiences.

Onsite activities for the active guest are aplenty: from field archery, shooting on either their Olympic standard sporting clay range or target range, or mountain biking along their 10km purpose-built track. Guided walks to the more remote corners of the property are available and afford the hiker the chance to get close to the amazing flora and fauna that is indigenous to New Zealand. Heli-hiking and heli-biking are excellent, albeit more expensive ways, to experience the scenic backcountry of Poronui and its surrounds. There are also gym and health club facilities at the Lodge.

Poronui is famed for its horseback riding program and offers many different adventures to riders of all skill levels, including lessons at the Riding School.  The Stable complex is a top-class facility and is the base for all trips, from morning rides to multi-day treks through the beautiful native beech forests, mountain meadows, and river valleys of the property. The horses are well-schooled, which will ensure an enjoyable ride for all levels of experience.

Poronui is also a premier outfitting lodge and therefore offers world-class hunting opportunities for trophy Red Stag as well as Sika, Rusa, Sambar, Chamois, and Tahr. Hunts for Arapawa Ram, wild boar, and feral goats can also be arranged.

Of course, nothing beats a spa after a day spent on the river or in the mountains, which is why Poronui’s tantalizing list of treatments are very popular.

Internet / Communications
Telephones and high-speed internet access are available, though cell phone coverage is not available at the Lodge.

How To Get There
Air New Zealand currently offers direct flights to Auckland, New Zealand from Los Angeles International (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Houston Intercontinental, departing in the evening and arriving the following morning. Though the flight time is only 12 to 13 hours, you will cross the international dateline, which is why you lose one calendar day in transit. From Auckland, you will catch a regional flight to a number of different cities closer to Poronui. Taupo is the closest airport to Poronui, but there are more frequent flights to Napier and Rotorua. Driving times are 40 minutes, 90 minutes, and 90 minutes respectively. Please call us if you wish to arrange a private driver, fixed-wing, or helicopter transfer from a given destination on the North Island directly to Poronui.  If you choose to hire a car, please bear in mind that New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. Check-in time is after 2:00 pm and check-out is before 11:00 am with flexibility.

Arrival and Departure Details/Times
Note that upon arrival in Auckland, you will need to pass through immigration and customs – a process that is notoriously challenging for anglers traveling with fishing gear and outdoor equipment due to the strict biosecurity regulations in New Zealand. If you would like to bring your own equipment into the country, please let us know so that we can give you the best possible information on how to do so in a way that will not result in the time-consuming fumigation or confiscation of your gear. Once you have cleared this process, you will need to proceed to the domestic terminal either by bus or by walking five minutes along the clearly marked path. Air New Zealand representatives will be standing by to assist you in checking your luggage onwards. Be aware that carry-on restrictions are tighter on regional aircraft, so you may have to check an additional bag (including your fishing rods).

Documents Required
Valid passport, and proof of departure from New Zealand (return plane ticket is adequate). Travelers will need to apply for a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before entering the country. This is a "short-term" via for those who are visiting New Zealand under 3-months and are traveling with a valid passport from a visa wavier country. 

Travel Arrangements
Yellow Dog provides airline reservations ad ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, and a full-service airline logistics agent that can help book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can click here to request a quote or contact Yellow Dog for more information at 406-585-8667. etcTravel Group offers dedicated support services for all Yellow Dog clients. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes. 

Travel Tools
– Airline Ticketing
– Moon Phases
– Rent This Rod
– Trip Insurance and Emergency Evacuation
– Global Rescue Membership

General Information
Poronui enjoys a reputation as being one of the finest fishing lodges in the world and it has earned that reputation by offering exceptional angling opportunities to suit every preference at all times of the year. Fly-fishing is an integral part of the Poronui experience—indeed, the lodge was founded upon this past time and it now plays host to devout anglers from around the world. What makes this destination so unique and desirable to the discerning angler is the range of fishing options that are available on any given day. Poronui is located in the heart of trout country and with its privileged access to vast tracts of prime trout habitat, it is not uncommon to find yourself on a river that hasn’t seen another soul in weeks. Much of this access is gained via modern off-road vehicles or helicopter fly-outs. We highly recommend the heli-fishing experience, as it will take you on a spectacular ride to the more remote rivers and streams in a matter of minutes… it is truly worth the cost. For some anglers, a float trip is a terrific way to cover a lot of water in a short time. For others, an overnight trip at one of Poronui’s remote streamside camps is the ultimate way to experience New Zealand backcountry fishing in its purest, most adventurous form. Trips can be customized according to angling ability and preference for either “quantity” or “quality” when it comes to fish, and this is something that makes Poronui’s fishing program one of the most dynamic in all of New Zealand. 

The guides at Poronui are wonderful ambassadors of New Zealand–passionate, knowledgeable, and patient are just a few words to describe them, but above all, they are fun! All of the guides are members of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association. Angling in New Zealand can be technically difficult, physically exhausting, and even frustrating at times, but your guide will instruct you on stealth and casting techniques to ensure that you are rewarded for your efforts. And when you do succeed in landing a legendary New Zealand trout, there will be no doubt that the juice is worth the squeeze.

Boats and Equipment
Poronui provides all gear, but if you wish to bring your own, make sure that it is clean and dry so that you don’t get held up in NZ Customs. They have a wide variety of Simms boots and waders as well as fine 5 and 6-weight rods and reels with dark-colored lines (this is important). The guides will have the best knowledge of effective flies for each given day and time of year and these are provided at no extra cost. Feel free to call us if you would like to bring your own flies and we can help you fill your fly box with a good arsenal for New Zealand. Wet wading is the modus operandi during the summer months, so be sure to pack quick-drying clothing and perhaps some long johns to be worn under shorts (a typical kiwi uniform). Waders are used in the early or late season. Note that felt-soled boots are banned in New Zealand as of 2008. Due to the variable nature of New Zealand weather, we advise that you bring lots of layers—and that your clothing be dark or dull-colored to prevent the fish from seeing you before you see them. Polarised sunglasses, strong sunscreen, insect repellent, and cameras are also critical items to pack.   

Package Rates
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter. A full week package is $8,580.00 NZD per person. You will be quoted and invoiced in US dollars. Trips of any length can be arranged, so please call Yellow Dog for details and custom package pricing.

What’s Included:

• Luxury accommodation
• All meals and alcoholic beverages
• Guiding and access fees
• All fishing gear (high-quality rods, reels, boots, and waders)
• Daily laundry service
• GST

What’s Not Included:

• International airfare to Auckland and domestic airfare to Taupo
• Transportation to and from the lodge
• Optional fly-outs by fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter
• Fishing license
• Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Personal items
• Phone calls

Poronui Lodge (North Island, New Zealand)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS – CANCELLATIONS
A deposit of 50% per person is due at the time of booking to hold both space and guides on all packages. No space or guides will be held without receipt of deposit. Full pre-payment is due 90 days prior to date of trip. All cancellations must be received in writing, sent to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, LLC. Yellow Dog strongly recommends that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance for your trip.

For cancellations received outside of 90 days from arrival date / start of trip, a refund or trip credit will be offered minus a $100.00 per person cancellation fee charged by Yellow Dog Flyfishing.

For cancellations received between 89 and 60 days from arrival date / start of trip, a refund or trip credit will be offered minus a 50% per person cancellation fee charged by the lodge and a $100.00 per person fee charged by Yellow Dog Flyfishing.

For cancellations received between 59 and 30 days from arrival date / start of trip, a refund or trip credit will be offered minus a 75% per person cancellation fee charged by the lodge and a $100.00 per person fee charged by Yellow Dog Flyfishing.

Inside of 30 days from start of trip, deposits and/or final payments are non-refundable and no credits will be issued.

The nature of the business of Poronui means that not all bookings can be honored. If a booking is cancelled by Poronui (through no fault of the customer), then Poronui will use its best efforts to advise the customer in advance and will refund any deposit and other monies paid to Poronui by the customer. Poronui is only liable to refund the deposit and other monies paid to it by the customer and accepts no liability nor is it responsible for paying for any other costs, expenses or losses suffered or incurred by the customer or any other person by reason of Poronui cancelling the booking and whether such costs, expenses or losses are directly or indirectly related to such cancellation. By way of example but not limitation, customer costs for airfares, insurance, or other accommodation will not be met by Poronui. Trips cancelled or shortened as a result of inclement weather and/or acts of nature including storms or due to airline delays, strikes or political unrest are not refundable. Any unused portion of these packages by guest’s choice are not refundable. If a cancelled package is resold by either the lodge or by Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, then a full refund will be sent minus a $100.00 per person cancellation fee charged by Yellow Dog Flyfishing. Extra trip fees incurred on site (fishing licenses, helicopter charges, access fees, etc.) are payable by the customer prior to departure from Poronui. Please note that fishing with and visiting this operation may require flying in helicopters. Passengers must understand and accept the risks which are inherent in and associated with such means of conveyance. Yellow Dog will not be responsible for any loss, damage or injury arising while practicing sportfishing or any other activity, or for any loss, damage or injury suffered aboard helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages. Once again, Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures strongly recommends that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance for all New Zealand packages.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings  
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.   

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access. 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment 

• Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3 
• Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees) 
• Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT.