For the weekend of 15th to 17th April all the staff from IT Partners enjoyed the hospitality of Poronui Ranch. A 16,000 acre Hunting and Fishing reserve around 50 kilometers past Taupo.

The weekend was hosted by Andrew, Peter's boss and his wife Sarah.

Peter traveled down on the Friday, arriving at Poronui for lunch, followed by a relaxing afternoon of Petanq, Clay Shooting and a helicopter tour of the property looking out for Red Deer.

We were staying in one of the 7 comfortable cabins at the Lodge which normally house the hunting parties.

Our cabin for the weekend and the spectacular view from the window
	Admiring the view from the balcony at the lodge (photo courtesy Greig McGill)

Ann arrived just in time for dinner having been at school all day. She almost panicked when the road she was following ended, but carried on for a few more kilometres down the gravel road before she came across the sign for the Ranch and was revived with several glasses of delicious and expensive champagne.

Relaxing in the Lodge on Friday evening

On Saturday we had a coach to three vinyards in Hawkes Bay, stopping at Sileni and Vidals for wine tasting (and buying), before going on to Craggy Range for lunch and a tour of the state of the art multi million $ facility. Entertainment for the coach journey was provided by Craig and Greig with their guitars (ear plugs supplied by Ann).

	Sileni Vinyards
You can see why they call it Craggy Range !
	The landscaping was very impressive       Ann talking to Maureen having bought yet more wine!
The Restaurant

The coach journey back was quite slow and quiet, (no guitar duets), meaning we arrived just in time to get changed for dinner in the cellar. The main course was Venison shot on the ranch which was so juicy and full of flavour.

	Greg enjoying his two (yes TWO) Creme Brulee!   Dinner in the Cellar at Poronui
Relaxing after Dinner

A lie in on Sunday before a Helicopter flight for those who missed out on Friday. More clay shooting and massages for those who wanted them. We could have gone horse riding or mountain biking but those activities were a bit too adventurous.

Ann had a go and yes she did manage to hit a clay!	Peter managed to do some serious damage to quite a few clays!
(photo courtesy Greig McGill)
	The views of the ranch from the helicopter were absolutely stunning!
	There's a helicopter out there somewhere !

Our last meal at the lodge was a wonderful lunch consisting of fresh sandwiches and possum pies which Peter thoroughly enjoyed!