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 In Fall 2002 (Spring in NZ) Inside Sportfishing Television had the privilege of fishing and filming at a premier fishing travel destination in New Zealand, Poronui Ranch. Poronui Ranch is a luxury fly fishing lodge nestled in the Taharua valley south-east of Taupo on New Zealand's spectacular North Island, offering guests access to trophy trout on a privately owned 16,000 acre ranch.
The 16,000 acre property is possibly the best fishing lodge New Zealand has to offer and has been a favored fishing and hunting ground for both ancient Maori tribes, and since 1877, the English settlers. Today the trout fishing on Poronui Ranch is recognized as world class.
The landscape at Poronui is as varied as the sky is big. Crystal clear mountain water tumbles through forests of beech and native ferns, then twists its way through alpine meadows of wild grasses on the valley floor. In the summer months, as mayflies settle on the water's surface, fishing becomes religion at Poronui Ranch.
 Having heard the stories of the kind of giants to be caught fishing NZ, avid fly fishermen from all corners of the globe come to Poronui Ranch to test their skills against New Zealand's notoriously large, and wily, brown and rainbow trout. They do it in an isolated and beautiful wilderness. Guests will discover uncrowded streams, home to incredibly large resident browns and rainbows, with angling opportunities to suit every preference or ability.
The Fishing Experience
 What makes dry fly fishing at Poronui Ranch so special is the immediate access to so many of New Zealand's best quality fishing waters and guides. The privately owned property covering 16,000 acres offers access to the Taharua - a spring creek - that meanders down the valley, while the Mohaka River - a tumbling freestone stream - wraps itself around one boundary.
The mountains adjacent to Poronui are vast estates of Maori-owned land. We are privileged to have access to much of this wonderful wilderness reserve. Without a doubt, the remoteness of these rivers and streams make them some of the most prized fly fishing waters in the world.
The Ranch also hosts a helicopter charter service flying fishermen quickly and easily into otherwise inaccessible areas. This immediate and flexible access to waters on the Ranch, and nearby, mean you will never fish the same spot twice. The legendary Ngaruroro and Rangitikei Rivers, and many more remote and smaller streams, are only a short and spectacular helicopter flight away.
Whether you choose to wade in shallow, gentle streams, or tackle the very physical demands of an alpine freestone stream, there is water on the ranch to suit you.
Poronui Ranch has a team of permanent full-time guides who are considered the consummate professionals in their field. They share an extraordinary knowledge of the country, and collectively have more than a hundred years fishing experience on our waters. Our guides know every stream intimately, and ensure angling pressure is constantly monitored and controlled to maintain the health and confidence of the trout.
Experienced anglers will find the challenges of fishing at Poronui Ranch very rewarding. Beginners have the opportunity to learn from the best guides in a truly inspiring environment.
Lodging and Facilities
 Fishing isn't everything at Poronui Ranch. The property is a wonderful outdoor playground. We offer a range of other outdoor activities and have excellent facilities for hiking, horseriding, mountainbike riding, shooting and rafting. There are more than 100 miles of private roads and tracks that wind their way through the hills and along the streams. Close to the main lodge, a modern sports and relaxation center has gym and health club facilities.
An exciting addition to the Poronui Ranch experience is the outpost accommodation provided by the stylish tents of the safari-style camp. Situated on the bank of the Mohaka River, the camp is a days' horse ride from the lodge. The camp is available on a fully-serviced basis for luxury overnight camp-outs.
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