It all began January 27th

It all began January 27th!

After a lovely Christmas period where the property was full and bustling with guests enjoying every aspect of Poronui, from property tours, riding, biking, fishing, hunting and just relaxing and taking it all in. All guests spent quality time with each other and the team.

Christmas was uncharacteristically cold for New Zealand, over New Year we had a hailstorm which left the back of the property looking like snowfall!

Then everything became very dry, and the rivers began to drop. The benefit to this is access becomes much easier in and around the water. The days are hot, so wet wading is encouraged by the guide team which is much nicer than being in hot heavy waders.

Then January 27th it rained for a day – this dampened the earth and out flourished the cicadas! Yippee it’s all on! We are throwing big size 10 dries, and the takes have been epic. Some streams are so clear the stealth and teamwork of the guest guide is key.

This morning, I asked head guide Paul McDonald what he would say to anyone considering New Zealand for their next fly-fishing experience “Welcome to the Olympics of Fly Fishing” he then followed this up with a big smile and “it’s easy you just need to work with the guide and build that fishing relationship”

This afternoon I have listened to each fishing guest tell the tales of the day to others over a cold beer and ice teas. As Bill is talking about a particularly tricky and semi cooperative fish another said ‘they don’t get this big being dumb” And that’s it New Zealand have some of the biggest wild backcountry trout anywhere, they become this large in pristine conditions, little pressure in the water from other trout, fish species or predators. Roll on the hot sunny noisy cicada days!

I am often complimented on the team here and Poronui who all provide genuine authentic care to all guests and visitors and love doing so. We also have an additional management and support team in the background keeping the wheels turning based in the local Taupo township. A hardworking farm team who on any given day rain or shine can be seen working stock around the property producing quality animals for a number of agricultural markets, at this time of year also feverish about their upcoming season are the gamekeepers, they produce the country’s best birds for our winter wing shooting programme.

We are all Part of Something Bigger, and we love welcoming you to our beautiful, unspoiled natural playground. Keep your eyes peeled, more news from the Poronui Team coming soon.

Claire Hall, Lodge Manager.