Hunting

Our hunting service provides individually planned trophy hunts throughout the South Island of New Zealand.

• All hunting tours start and return to Christchurch NZ
• All guided hunts are a mix of locations to best satisfy the species being hunted
• All hunts may be extended as a sightseeing tour of the South Island
• All hunts welcome both bow and rifle hunters
• All hunts welcome non hunters to share the experience.
• Major species: Red stag; Fallow stag; Thar; Chamois; Wild Boar; Goat.

The mix of hunting locations are chosen to reflect the species & trophy quality.


Alpine Hunting Locations
The Southern Alps of New Zealand provides the perfect refuge for Thar and Chamois and Red deer. Thar and Chamois live predominantly above the bush line at 1500 metres and graze on a wide variety of sub-alpine species. Red deer generally live in the bush laden valley floor. Fallow deer may be found in a number of locations away from the alpine regions and are scattered in through out New Zealand.

Wapiti or Elk in the wilderness are heavily cross bred with red deer and are hunted in Fiordland. Extreme fitness is required for this area. Other free range species hunted are Whitetail, Wild Boar, and Wild Goat which make up the full extent of the available species in the South Island. Personal fitness must be above average for free range hunts, although some private land can offer a less daunting hunt.

Rifle - A Blaser 6mm and/or 7mm magnum are standard calibres which are available. However you can bring your own. It is not a problem, just declare it on entry at any airport with your hunting or rifle licence from your country. Airport Police will issue a one year tourist firearms licence at your port of entry and on arrival.


New Zealand Chamois
At the turn of the 20th century Emperor Franz Josef gifted a few chamois for release only in the Southern Alps near Mt. Cook. Since that time, unhindered by any predator except man, they have spread south into Fiordland and north into Nelson-Blenheim area.

Chamois are quick, elusive and have extremely good eyesight making them one of the more treasured trophies. Male and female carry horns and are available to hunt all year. The mating period when the buck is with the does is May-June. This is considered the more favourable time. Free range hunting: Private/public land.


New Zealand Tahr (Thar)
These alpine animals were released about the same time as the Chamois in the early 1900's, but unlike the Chamois have limited their range only a little north, southeast and west of Mt. Cook in the central Alps. They survive and find refuge in the high precipitous rocky bluffs, but descend at feeding time to graze on the sub-alpine shrubs and tussock grasses. Timing and patience is an essential part of hunting. Bulls move in with the nannies about mid-May yet they are successfully hunted all year round. Free range hunting: Private/public land.


New Zealand Red Stag
Liberated as early as 1851 in both the North and South Islands, the red deer species has established itself very successfully throughout New Zealand. It is generally hunted for most of the year with the trophy hunters coming out in earnest in March-April during the rut. Trophies are hunted with diligence up until August when antler drop is likely to occur. Managed game: Private land.


New Zealand Fallow Stag (dama dama)
A number of liberations from 1864 established these timid animals in pockets scattered over both North and South Islands. The main hunting areas are on private properties scattered throughout New Zealand.

The rut occurs late April a time for aggression and timidness to be lost. You will still need all your skill. Managed game: Private land.

For a personalised New Zealand hunting trip, please Contact Us