Cuisine
09 January 2025
Poronui Lodge is synonymous with world-class outdoor adventures and hospitality – and serving up unforgettable meals is all part of the experience.
Nestled in a breathtaking landscape, the Lodge offers many chances to celebrate our country’s rich heritage and celebrate the best of New Zealand cuisine. From the gin-clear waters teeming with kaimoana (seafood and shellfish) to freshly harvested meats and flavoursome produce, the Lodge truly is a treasure trove for keen foodies.
A highlight of any visit to Poronui is joining the long table in the Lodge’s dining room to share a meal with the other guests.
Enter the Lodge, and you’ll be welcomed by a warm and rustic ambiance, dozens of mounted trophies and photographs of the Lodge and its history. Couches are grouped around the wood fire, cracking and burning away. Around the corner, you’ll see the open-plan kitchen where the culinary team are preparing snacks and the next shared meal, and a long table with many places set.
When joining for breakfast – taken at your leisure – guests are welcome to a selection of dishes. Start the day the right way, with French toast, pancakes, eggs, fresh muffins and breads, house-made granola and more, all with fresh seasonal twists. In the early hours, guests and guides will often be discussing their plans for the day over a cup of fresh pressed coffee or a juice before heading out to see the estate. Custom lunches and picnics are packed for guests to enjoy while horse riding, hunting or fishing further from the Lodge.
The kitchen itself is busy all day, with guests arriving at different times for morning tea or elevenses, and the chefs preparing for the forthcoming meals.
“We want to showcase the best of New Zealand produce and what our country offers, especially to our international guests. We draw on international flavours, while showcasing our produce and our philosophy at the Lodge.”
Chef Adrian and the team believe in creating a dining experience tailored to each guest’s preferences, and to try to offer something that’s truly special with every meal. Adrian explains that this isn’t just about meeting dietary requirements, but to explore new flavours and show what Poronui and New Zealand have to offer on an ever-changing menu where no two dinners are the same.
His philosophy is simple yet profound: to create dishes that not only delight the palate but also tell a story about the land and our people. By working closely with local producers and farmers, and hunters who have harvested deer on site, Adrian ensures that every ingredient is at its peak of flavour.
“When everyone is chatting at canapé time, we like to hear about guests’ goals while they’re here. A guest might mention New Zealand lamb, for instance, so we bring that forward in our menu planning and make that part of their experience with us.”
“One guest came to Poronui to hunt Sika, Fallow and Red deer, and was curious about the difference in flavour. So we prepared the back steaks from those he’d harvested. That was a great lunch for him!”
A visit to Poronui is a chance to experience some of the very best of what our country has to offer. From the fresh seafood sourced from our pristine waters, to the produce from our fertile lands and world-class meats, the country’s bounty is transformed into extraordinary culinary experiences for our guests.
A dining experience here is more than just a meal. It’s a celebration of our culinary heritage. Whether it’s a leisurely breakfast, a sumptuous lunch, or an unforgettable dinner, Poronui’s culinary journey is an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
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