About
Poronui is a 16,000-acre back-country sporting estate set in the foothills of the Kaimanawa Mountain Ranges, home to four deer species and world-class trophy hunting found nowhere else in New Zealand.
Where authentic terrain produces trophy quality
Poronui's 16,000 acres sit across a range of altitudes through the Kaimanawa foothills, from open river flats to high tussock tops. That variation matters.
Deer move through different elevations as the seasons change, holding high in summer and dropping into denser cover as conditions turn, and a property with the range to follow them gives hunters a genuine shot at mature, well-developed stags.
The roar, typically running through late March and April, is when Poronui's red stag hunting is at its most intense. Cooler temperatures bring stags down out of the high country, and the dense native cover across the estate gives them places to hold and roar undisturbed, exactly the conditions experienced guides know how to read and hunt.
This is country that rewards patience and skill, not chance encounters. Every guide on the ground has spent years learning how Poronui's terrain shapes deer movement, which is what turns a hunt here into a trophy.
Health & Safety
Hunting in remote terrain demands the highest standards of care, and we take that seriously. Every guide is trained in firearm safety, first aid, and emergency response, and carries satellite communication at all times in the back-country.
Poronui operates under a fully audited health and safety system, with a dedicated team focused on protecting guests, staff, and guides across every part of the property. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, your safety is in experienced hands.
Policies
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What time is check-in/check-out?Check-in time is from 2pm and check-out time is 10am.
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Is Poronui a Pet Friendly lodge?While we understand the companionship that pets bring, unfortunately, we do not allow pets on our property. As a working farm, we prioritize the safety of our guests and maintaining a comfortable environment for all. We appreciate your understanding.
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What is your Child Policy?The minimum age for staying at Safari Camp is 5 years old. For the Lodge and Blake House, please contact the Poronui team with your requirements.
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What is your minimum stay?Our minimum stay is 2 nights year-round; and then 3 nights over Easter Weekend and from 20th December to the 5th January when staying at the Lodge and Blake House.
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Are activities/meals available to day guests?Poronui’s activities and services are reserved exclusively for our in-house guests to enjoy.
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Do you cater for dietary requirements?Poronui’s team of chefs are extremely talented and are happy cater to guests’ dietary requests. These requests must be notified in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions | How to Get Here
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Which airports have direct flights to Auckland from the United States?Air New Zealand operates year-round nonstop services to Auckland from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York JFK, Houston (IAH), and Honolulu (HNL). For most US travellers, one of these cities is either a home airport or an easy domestic connection.
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How do I get from Auckland to Poronui?There are several options. The most popular is a short Air New Zealand domestic flight from Auckland to Taupo Airport (approximately 45 minutes), followed by a private vehicle transfer to the lodge (approximately 40 minutes). Alternatively, guests can arrange a helicopter or fixed-wing charter through Helisika direct to the property, or take a private road transfer from Auckland (approximately three and a half hours) or Taupo.
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Does Poronui arrange transfers from Auckland or Taupo?Yes. Poronui provides private vehicle transfers from Taupo Airport as standard, and can assist with arrangements from Auckland or coordinate charter options through Helisika. Discuss your preferred arrival routing with our reservations team at the time of booking.
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How long does it take to get from the US to Poronui?Guests travelling from the US West Coast can typically depart on an evening flight, arrive in Auckland the following morning, connect to the domestic service to Taupo, and be at the lodge by early to mid-afternoon — under twenty-four hours door to door. From New York, the nonstop flight is longer but the same same-day connection to Taupo is achievable on arrival.
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Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?US citizens do not require a visa but must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before departure. This is applied for online and takes most applicants a matter of minutes. Ensure it is in place well before your travel date — it cannot be obtained at the airport.
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Do I need to declare hunting or fishing equipment at the New Zealand border?Yes. All outdoor and sporting equipment, including hunting boots, waders, and rifle cases, must be declared on arrival and may be inspected by border biosecurity. Ensure all gear is clean and dry before you pack. Felt-soled wading boots are prohibited entry into New Zealand.
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Can I bring my own rifle to New Zealand?Yes. Hunters wishing to bring their own firearm require a New Zealand Visitor's Firearms Licence, which is obtainable on arrival at the border with the correct documentation. Poronui's reservations team will guide you through the process as part of your pre-arrival preparation. The lodge also provides firearms for use during the hunt if preferred.
