Activities, Fly Fishing
09 January 2025
Wade through the gin-clear rivers that weave their way through the Poronui backcountry and take part in a fly-fishing experience that will leave you wanting to return to the Lodge for years to come.
Fly fishing is synonymous with the classic Aotearoa New Zealand wilderness experience. As the country’s premier sporting lodge, Poronui offers some of the most diverse, challenging and legendary catch-and-release fly fishing available within the country. Let’s take a closer look at fly fishing at Poronui and how our guides can make this trip an experience you won’t soon forget.
International visitors are often surprised and delighted to learn that New Zealand’s seasons running opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. For keen anglers, that means that they can escape the wintery conditions of Europe and America and come to a summery New Zealand to enjoy our stunning backcountry rivers.
Fly fishing season in New Zealand officially opens on October 1st (mid-spring) and runs until June the next year. With the warmest months – December to March – offering the best time to cast a fly, visitors have a long season to take advantage of our stunning locations and scenery and catch and release some of the finest trophy trout in the world.
In our rivers you can find two varieties of trout: Rainbow trout, which are distinguished by the unique pink flush along their sides; and brown trout, which vary considerably in body colouration and markings depending on their habitat.
A day of fishing typically starts with a delicious breakfast at the Lodge prepared by our chefs. From there, guests can choose to stay close to the lodge by travelling on foot or by 4WD to some of Poronui’s easily accessible rivers, or helicopter further afield to some of the most challenging fly-fishing locations in the world with the help of our passionate guides.
(Photo credit: Kyle Vassilopoulos)
‘Poronui’ translates to ‘part of something bigger’ – so you can understand why sustainability is at the heart of fly-fishing at the lodge.
Due to the breathtaking scenery, amenity for water sports, and the outstanding trout fishery, both the crystal-clear waters of the Mohaka and the Taharua Rivers are protected under a National Water Conservation Order.
All fishing in Poronui’s rivers observe a strict catch-and-release policy, to ensure that our fisheries are preserved for generations to come.
Our team provides excellence in all fields, and our fly-fishing guides are no exception. Providing guests with their exceptional knowledge of the lay of the land and the trout varieties in the Poronui rivers, our guides are masters of their craft.
As any experienced fly fisher will know, it takes decades of experience and patience to master fly fishing, and our guides are confident in their abilities to give advice and the best tips to ensure guests can be confident and safe when in backcountry rivers.
However, it’s not just their skills that keep guests returning to Poronui. Repeat guests have acknowledged they come not just for the excellent quality and service, but also for the friendships they have built with our friendly guides over the years.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, our team will ensure an exceptional adventure that meets the challenge of each guest.
All you need to do is come as you are, and we organise the rest – including waders, rods and nets. As part of the astounding service at Poronui, we can also arrange fishing licences, as well, to ensure all is correct before embarking on your adventure.
During Fall season, the weather tends to be very settled, rivers are crystal clear, the resident wily brown and rainbow trout are feeding voraciously and you can hear the unmistakable roar of the stags close by the Lodge. At Poronui, you can experience the unique thrill of both Fly-fishing and hunting, all in one exceptional location. Find out more about our Cast and Blast Package here.
Want to ask a question about Poronui, personalise your vacation with bespoke itinerary options or find out about available dates?
Simply fill in your name and contact email address with a short message and we will get back to you.
