Hunt the South Island of New Zealand about 2 hours south of Christchurch, with one of most highly regarded outfitting companies in New Zealand. This outfitter is an avid trophy hunter himself, receiving the runner – up award for the “International Professional Hunter of the Year” in 2004 in Reno by Safari Club.
This is high-fence hunting, but in an immense area. They have over 100 square miles of continuous High-Fenced exclusive private estate to hunt. The terrain varies from nearly horizontal to nearly vertical, with more vertical than horizontal. They have access to nearly all of it with a road network cut into the mountain, a road that requires a grader every year to road ensure safe access with a side by side or even 4x4.
They take only 5 hunters per week, and focus on a quality experience for all the guests. Spouses or other non-hunting guests are welcome, depending on sleeping space availability as the lodge has only 5 bedrooms. The guides are very good, and the game is plentiful, and rarely do hunters go home without their animal(s). Bowhunters will have a noticeably more difficult time getting close for good clean shots, but you’ll get stalks nearly every day, and most days you’ll get a couple different stalks. Spot & Stalk with a bow is great fun, but unless you’re OK with using a rifle at the end, I’m recommending you book 2 extra hunting days for each animal in your package.
Choose from flat daily rate plus trophy fees or (my recommendation) or book an all-inclusive package. Animals readily available and common on their estate include: Red Stag – Tahr – Fallow Deer
Red Stag
The Red Deer, native to Europe are a close relative to our Rocky Mountain Elk, and introduced to New Zealand in 1851. A big Red Deer Bull, or Stag will be a little bigger than a big Mule Deer, but often carry antlers that will score over 400 inches. With the mild climate, lush vegetation and absence of natural predators, New Zealand’s Red Stag has evolved into the very best the planet has to offer.
Stags can be hunted from late February through the end of August, but most prefer to hunt during the rut, referred to as the Roar, from mid-March to Mid-April.
Our outfitter manages his properties very conservatively, and has a great supply of good to gigantic Stags. The trophy fees for the Stags are based on their age-class, determined by the score of their antlers.
Himalayan Tahr
The Himalayan Tahr are a magnificent Mountain Goat, transplanted into New Zealand’s alps (from the Himalayan Mountains of Asia) in 1904. They are designed by nature for the extremes of cliff-dwelling, very much like our own Rocky Mountain Goats, and are well-established on the south island.
A mature Bull Tahr, which may weigh as much as 300 lbs, will certainly have horns, but from a trophy perspective, most agree it’s the hair. A good mature Bull Tahr, in his winter coat, is a spectacular animal and will make a great full-body mount.
Our outfitter does some helicopter hunts, but he does far more free-range Tahr hunts. He has an area that is full of Tahr and accessible by 4x4. It’s physical, but in most case you can get above them and a great Bow Hunt.
New Zealand Elk or Wapiti
Elk were originally introduced to New Zealand in 1905, but their genetics were quickly diluted by the Red Deer, as they readily inter-breed. Good quality Elk are now available only in the estates. This outfitter has the finest Elk hunting in the South Pacific and every year they take bulls around 400 inches SCI.
The New Zealand Elk start bugling in mid-March which is the most fun and most productive time to hunt.
Fallow Deer
The Fallow Deer, originally from Europe, and transplanted into New Zealand in 1864 are now the 2nd most abundant Big Game animal after the Stag. There are 3 color phases present, although the Black or Chocolate Brown is the most common. They have spotted-Brown and solid White as well, all are beautiful. They are about the same size as a Whitetail, with a good deal more bone. Their antlers have a good deal of palmation and make a beautiful trophy. Our Outfitter has a good supply of animals in the estates as well as some areas of free-range to hunt.
European Chamois
The European Chamois, native to central and southern Europe was introduced to New Zealand in 1907. They are a small and nimble animal with exceptional eyesight, probably regarded as one of the tougher hunts in New Zealand. They are one of the most graceful game animals found in New Zealand, living in the more rugged mountainous areas.
Bow Hunters
There are many good rifle hunting outfitters in New Zealand, but most lack the skills, area and patience to be good Bowhunting outfitters. This outfitter has a long history with bowhunters, and his clients hold 9 of the 10 spots in the SCI record books for Tahr with a Bow. He was named the Bow Hunter Chapter award for Professional Outfitter of the Year by SCI.
Daily rates for 2024 in US $
1x1 - $1,250 / day
Non-Hunting Observer - $500 / day
Trophy fees for 2024 in US $
Red Stag ( 360 - 380 SCI) $8,000
Red Stag ( 381 - 400 SCI) $10,000
Red Stag ( 401 - 450 SCI) $15,000
Red Stag (451 - 500 SCI) $20,000
Red Stag (501 - 550 SCI) $25,000
Bull Tahr (Common) $6,000
Bull Tahr (White) $18,000
Elk / Wapiti (360 - 400 SCI) $10,000
Elk / Wapiti (401 - 420 SCI) $15,000
Elk / Wapiti (421 - 440 SCI) $20,000
Fallow Buck $4,500
Chamois $4,500
Arapawa Ram $1,500
Daily Rates include:
1) Round trip Airport transfer from Christchurch to camp
2) All accommodations and meals during the hunt
3) Services of licensed professional guide
4) Field preparation (including caping) of trophies.
5) New Zealand Goods and Services tax (15%)
Daily Rates Exclude:
1) Trophy fees for shot or wounded animals
3) Dipping, crating and shipping of trophies back to the US
4) Round trip air from the US
5) Gratuities for staff
Trophy
Packages for 2024
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