The Guest Journey at Poronui

The Guest Journey at Poronui

At Poronui, we believe that every guest deserves an unforgettable experience tailored to their unique desires. From the moment you arrive, our dedicated team is committed to providing personalised service that goes above and beyond.

Running the Lodge is no small feat. Fortunately for all of us, our Lodge Manager Claire Hall ensures an outstanding experience for every one of our guests before, during, and long after their stay. So let’s take a brief look at how Claire and the team ensure that you have an exceptional stay at Poronui.

Claire’s story

Claire really is the heart of operations at Poronui, and one of the first people that you will speak with when you plan a stay here.

“We all want the Lodge to succeed,” explains Claire. “You really get the feel of that when you spend time with the team.”

Claire joined us two and a half decades ago, and is assisted by Lisa, who has also given 21 years to the Lodge. Together they perform the many duties needed to maintain the journey at the Lodge, including meet and greets, working with the farm to make things happen, nurturing guide and staff teams, giving feedback, coordinating client experiences, organising masseurs and bookings and fishing licences, and so much more.

“Ultimately, we want to add a bit of fun to every stay, and share a piece of Poronui and New Zealand with every guest.”

A day in the life

Most days start early for the Lodge, with all teams checking in to ensure that everyone is set for the coming day. If a guest wants to spend the day with the horses, then Claire will be coordinating with Mackenzie to make sure that everyone will be ready when the guests arrive. Helicopters, hunting guides, Chefs, the list goes on.

This coordination continues throughout the day, with teams liaising in the background to ensure that each stage of every guest’s journey is as effortless as possible.

From mid-afternoon, Claire often meets guests returning from their hunting, fishing and trekking to hear stories from the day. At the same time, she’s curating experiences for the next day – such as planning a special meal or an extra adventure that really wows.

At the end of the day, Claire, guides and guests all come together to share their stories from the day over some of the best culinary experiences the country has to offer.

Going the extra mile

At Poronui, we understand that no two guests are the same. That’s why we offer a wide range of activities and experiences that cater to diverse interests. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, we’ll work with you to create a personalised itinerary that suits your preferences.

Working here for a quarter of a century means Claire’s collected her fair share of special moments too.

“One flyfishing group had been bouncing between the Lodge and the streams for most of their stay – so we thought we’d surprise them. We set them up in the helicopter, and flew them to the highest point of the estate. When they arrived, we’d prepared canapes and a picnic. They sat there and lunched like kings, with hundreds of acres opening out below them; they saw beautiful views that they might have missed going back and forth.”

That’s the reason why our guests come back year after year. “They’ve very much part of the family,” says Claire. “Some guests have been visiting us for 30 years. Now they’re bringing their grandkids for trekking or horse riding.”

“One guest had been coming here for years, and was very much part of Poronui. He brought his sons here the year before he passed: he said he came out to look at ‘acquiring land’. His family still comes back every year, in his memory.”

“Those sorts of stories are what makes the Lodge so special to all of us. We create a truly authentic experience for everyone who visits, and they become our lifelong friends.”

Excellence every step of the way

Poronui is more than just a destination. Many of our guests return year after year, drawn not only by the stunning scenery and world-class activities but also by the genuine warmth and hospitality of our team.

And of course, Poronui is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the estate and supporting sustainable practices, so that future generations are able to enjoy our stunning hunting, fishing, pheasant drives, horse experiences, and more in a breathtaking environment.

Choosing Poronui means more than a holiday. It’s a journey that leaves a lasting impression. Our team is dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable experience that exceeds your expectations.