Hunting at Poronui

Poronui is home to some of the best Red Stag Trophy Hunting in New Zealand.

Our stunning 16,000-acre property provides a remote and untouched hunting experience. Welcome to one of the largest hunting estates in the Southern Hemisphere.

Experience the best of New Zealand hunting

Poronui is home to some of the best red stag hunting in New Zealand, yet it’s also a unique hunting destination due to the extra species available. Add a sika, fallow, or rusa stag to the list while you’re here. There’s also the opportunity to shoot an Arapawa ram or feral goat.

We believe the experience of the hunt is just as important as the size of the trophy, and we strive to exceed both expectations. Choose from a range of accommodation options — a luxury hunting lodge to a high-country hut. Our guides are some of the top professional hunting guides in New Zealand. They not only have an in-depth knowledge of the properties but also know the likely haunts of the stags.

Come and experience the best of New Zealand hunting with us.

Our species

The ultimate guide to

Hunting in New Zealand

At Poronui Hunting, we want to make your New Zealand hunting trip as memorable and as easy as possible. We’ve created the New Zealand Hunting Guidebook to give you all the information you need.

Start planning your Dream Hunt now. Consider the seasons, the weather, and how to choose an outfitter.

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Red Stag Trophy Gallery

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Frequently Asked Questions | Planning Your Trip

Should I take out travel insurance?

We strongly recommend current medical and travel insurance, including trip cancellation insurance. New Zealand does have a comprehensive public accident and rehabilitation cover, which applies to residents and visitors to New Zealand.
Can I bring my own rifle or bow?

Absolutely. You will need to obtain a temporary New Zealand firearms licence on arrival, which you pick up at the airport as you fly in. We will supply you with the forms to complete prior to your travel.
Can I bring my own firearm?

Absolutely you can, however you’ll need a New Zealand visitor firearms licence, and that must be arranged in advance. If you do choose to bring your own firearm, then we strongly recommend that you invest some time on the range before your trip so that you’re confident in both your firearm and ammunition, and that you bring extra ammo to re-sight your rifle on arrival if needed.
Quality outfitters can also provide you with complimentary firearms in a range of calibres, and this is the case at Poronui.
Is a New Zealand hunting licence required, and how does it work?

The main regulatory requirement for visiting hunters is a firearms licence only if you are bringing your own rifle. If you choose to use Poronui’s equipment under the supervision of our guides, no visitor firearms licence is required.
What equipment do I need to bring?

For a spot-and-stalk hunting experience, the priority items are boots and optics. We recommend that you bring well-fitting boots that provide good ankle support and have a good edge to the sole. Any boots used for hiking should suit. And make sure they’re worn in, because blisters during your stay are no fun!

Also, ensure that your boots are clean. We have a fragile ecosystem, and hunting and hiking boots are inspected by biosecurity at our international airports to ensure they are visually clean, with no obvious plant or soil material.

Because spot-and-stalk is the main hunting tactic, good binoculars are critical. We advise 10x42 or similar. You won’t need a spotting scope at Poronui, as your guide will have one.

Bring layered clothing in neutral or camouflage. We have a temperate but changeable climate, usually comfortable in the 50-65F (10-18C) range during our hunting season. Days can start frosty, however, so it’s important to have warm layers that you can discard as the day progresses. We also recommend a waterproof, windproof shell, as wet conditions can appear with little warning at any time of the year.
Do you guarantee success in securing a New Zealand hunting trophy?

We guarantee plenty of opportunities throughout your four-day hunt to secure a trophy.
What level of fitness do I need to hunt in New Zealand?

We have a wild and varied country, so there are options available to cater to almost all hunters, irrespective of physical capability. From extremely mountainous terrain to rolling hills, there’s something for everyone, and you can challenge yourself as much as you like.
What is the best time of year to hunt red stag in New Zealand?

Different species of deer can be found in hard antler practically all year round, which means there are great hunting opportunities no matter when you visit.
The main hunting season in New Zealand is between late February and the beginning of August when Red Stag, Sika and Fallow are all in hard antler. The prime season for Red Stag is the roar (rut), which runs from late March through April — the equivalent of the North American rut, but in autumn. This is when stags are most vocal and active, making for an exceptionally exciting spot-and-stalk experience.
How far is Poronui from the nearest airport, and how do I get there?

Poronui is located in the Taharua Valley, approximately 40 minutes from Taupo Airport and around 4 hours by road from Auckland International Airport. The most convenient option for international hunters is to fly into Auckland, connect to Taupo (flights are available via Air New Zealand), and arrange a transfer from there. Poronui offers airport transfers from Taupo Airport.
What trophy scores can I expect for a red stag at Poronui?

Poronui offers packages across a range of SCI scores, from up to 399 through to 700+. An entry level 400 SCI Red Stag is considered a representative trophy by world standards. Hunters looking for a true world-class record-book stag can target animals in the 600+ SCI range. Your guide will help identify the right trophy for your goals.
Can non-hunting partners or family members join the trip?

Absolutely. Poronui is a full-service luxury wilderness property — non-hunting guests are just as well catered for. While hunters are out in the field, partners and family can enjoy horse riding, spa treatments, guided hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, cooking classes, and more. It's one of the few places in the world where a hunting trip genuinely works as a couple's or family adventure.
What is included in a Poronui hunting package?

Packages typically include luxury accommodation, transfers from Taupo, all meals and house beverages, same-day laundry service, professional guiding and use of firearms, trophy care in the field, and use of the property's facilities (billar room, sauna, gym). Trophy fees depend on the selected package. Taxidermy, trophy shipping, and international travel are not included. Full package details and pricing are available on the Rates & Packages page.
Can I upgrade my New Zealand hunting trophy when I get there?

All packages can be upgraded by paying the difference between the stag identified in the package and a larger trophy. Additional stags not already included in your package are charged at the normal rate.
If I book a Red Stag package, can I also hunt additional species?

Yes! At Poronui Hunting you can easily add on sika, fallow, or rusa stags as well as feral goat and Arapawa ram. Test your skills with a North Island grand slam, and include a Sambar for the full hunting experience.
How does trophy shipping and taxidermy work for US hunters?

Poronui's team handles all trophy preparation in the field and can connect you with experienced taxidermists and export specialists. Antlers and capes can be cleaned and exported from New Zealand. US hunters should be aware of USDA import requirements, which require documentation and inspection on arrival. Poronui's team will guide you through the process to make it as straightforward as possible.