The Coastal Wairarapa in the southeast portion of North Island consistently produces free range, best-quality Red Deer (Cervus elaphus scoticus) stags available in New Zealand.  Red stags are our most sought after trophy in New Zealand, and game management is an imperative of this operator. 

Free-chase Red Deer hunting in New Zealand is available on North Island and South Island.  They originate from some of the prestigious game parks in the United Kingdom. The characteristics of these herds in New Zealand were preserved for many years by geographical isolation.  Combined with perfect habitat and careful management, these superior genetics produce exceptional trophies.

Access to hunting country is by 4WD and ATV.  Red stags are available near the homestead, and throughout the property from coastal flats to remote basins in the hills. Hunting Red stags beside the Pacific Ocean is a unique hunting experience.  Lush coastal flats draw Red deer down from the limestone hills during the night, as do high basins with abundant high quality fertilized ryegrass and clover. In the absence of hunting pressure, these free-range Red deer reach maturity and achieve exceptional trophy antler quality.

The typical hunting method is spot and stalk. Hunters glass extensively from high points with binoculars and spotting scopes.  Red deer remain undisturbed until a trophy stag is found and a stalk is planned. Trophy Red stags exhibit racks from 5x5 to 7x7, with beams ranging 32 to 40 inches.  

Best New Zealand Red Deer hunting dates are mid-February through August for trophies, with late March thru April being the rut. Habitat consists of grassland, tussock, manuka, tawhine scrub and native bush.

Contour varies from coastal and river flats, to easy basins then rolling hill to steep limestone bluffs.  In addition to plentiful red stag, North Island property has excellent Fallow bucks and wild boar that may be taken for additional trophy fee. 

Fallow deer (Dama dama) became established in New Zealand following 24 releases between 1860 and 1910.  Fallow deer have since flourished and are the second most widespread game animal in New Zealand, both free range and in private game ranches.  Both Red stag and Fallow buck can be hunted simultaneously in some areas.

Fallow deer are highly gregarious and frequently seen in large groups in open country. They are 3 distinct color phases, the most common black or chocolate brown, the brown and spotted menil, and, rarely, the white fallow specimen.  Strikingly beautiful animals, the broadly palmate antlers of a Fallow buck are more in keeping with those of a moose than other deer. Trophy racks are up to 30-inches long with large palms and many points, often 6 to 12 points per side.

Trophy Fallow bucks can be hunted March through September.  The rut, when bucks give a croaking call as the answer challenges while trying to maintain their harem of cows, occurs in April and provides exciting hunting opportunities.  Habitat is grassland and native bush.  Topography varies from gentle basins to steep hills.

Alpine hunting for Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus)and European Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) is available on large private stations of over 50,000 acres in the Southern Alps, on South Island of New Zealand.  They are absent from North Island. These animals can be hunted all year, but capes are prime in the winter months, April through August.  Tahr and Chamois rut from mid-April through May. 

The bull thar is one of the most sure footed animals on the planet and is really at home in rugged and mountainous terrain.  They provide a true hunting challenge.Tahr inhabit the main mountain ranges of the South Island of New Zealand, mostly at altitudes between 4500 feet and 7000 feet. A high level of fitness is mandatory. 

The most agile animal in the Southern Alps is without a doubt the chamois. This is a unique hunt in terrain not as rough as the Tahr but still very exciting.  Though strictly considered alpine animals, there are some areas where they are found in the forests almost at sea level on the West Coast side of the Southern Alps.

Lots of time is spent glassing during alpine hunts.  Quality optics are essential.  The Southern Alps are physically challenging to hunt, but these are well-tracked with navigable trails.  Climb to hunting level effortlessly on ATVs.  If desired, transfers by heli can also be arranged.  Nowhere else in the world can Himalayan Tahr and European Chamois be hunted simultaneously. 

Hunters will see a thrilling abundance of these beautiful alpine animals in their mountainous habitat and to have the opportunity to take world-class trophies on traditional, free-range foot-hunts.  Topography varies from river flats to steep hills, snow and ice covered mountains up to 12,000 feet. Cover is grassland, tussock and pockets of native bush.

Sika (Cervus nippon) are deer of Asian origin, but were successfully introduced to New Zealand in 1905 via stock from Woburn Abbey Park in England.  Sika stag hunting in New Zealand is available on North Island.

They have thrived in the beech forests, manuka scrub and open tussock country of the Kaimanawas.  Free-range trophy hunting takes place on a large, remote private station.  Sika deer are numerous, with 20-40 or more seen per day. 

New Zealand consistently produces world-class Sika trophies, and compares well with Sika trophies from wild herds anywhere in the world.  Trophy stags are typically 4x4, but the number of points can go to at least 12.  Typial antler beam lengths are 24 to 32 inches.  Dates for New Zealand Sika hunting are late-February through mid-May.  

Smaller and more difficult to hunt than red deer, sika trophies are highly prized. Even though they are the most vocal of deer in New Zealand they are more often heard than seen.  They are vocal when alarmed, but are curious and territorial so respond to challenging roars during the rut.  The Sika rut occurs during April.  Winter Sika hunting through September can be rewarding, but snow is likely.

Cover comprises grassland, tussock, manuka scrub and native bush.  Contour varies from river flats to rolling hills up to 5,000 feet altitude.

Accommodations are personal preference.   Comfortable cabins with hot shower or luxury lodge are available by advanced arrangement.

New Zealand offers Sambar deer hunting, an opportunity to be found in few other places world-wide.  In the Wanganui-Manawatu region, southwest portion of the North Island, there is a short season of 6 weekends from mid-August through September. Sambar hunting is available during this time on private land. Typically, 10-20 Sambar deer per day are observed, usually females and young stags.

New Zealand and Australian wild sambar herds are derived from the large bodied Sri Lankan sub-species (Cervus unicolor unicolor) and are bigger than red deer.

This is a difficult hunt for an elusive animal, but considering the scarcity of hunting opportunities for Sambar, offers a rare chance to see good numbers in an area with excellent trophy quality. Trophy stags are very challenging,  Their habit of hiding in cover during daylight hours, moving out to feed at night makes them a difficult deer to hunt, mostly seen in poor light very early and late in the day. Good optics are essential, as glassing endlessly defines this foot-hunt.

New Zealand trophies compare well with trophies from the Sri Lankan subspecies from which they originate. Only one other subspecies from the Indian subcontinent produces larger heads. The top New Zealand trophies are reputedly superior to the best Australian trophies. Success rate is around 50% per weekend on adult stags from 26 to 30 inches. 

Sambar occupy a variety of habitats, often in proximity to farmed land. Cover comprises grassland, gorse (a prickly yellow-flowering plant), pine forest, and native brush.  Contour is flat to rolling hills.

The tropical French colony of New Caledonia, about 3 hours flight-time north of Auckland, has the most abundant Rusa deer herds in the world.  Javan Rusa (Cervus timorensis) were introduced in the 1800's and thrive on the rolling brown grasslands to the extent that hundreds of does and a couple dozen trophy stags may be seen per day.

Trophy quality is world-class.  New records are frequently taken.  Hunting is in idyllic warm temperatures, with Rusa deer abundant and constantly in view.  The best time to hunt is during the rut, which occurs July through August.  

Rusa deer hunting is often taken in conjunction with a New Zealand winter hunt, for example for Tahr, Sambar or Sika. With the abundance of game this is an ideal destination for a group of hunters. Vegetative cover is grassland on the hills and wooded stream beds. Contour is easy rolling hills.

For hunters with limited time or mobility, or those who wish to take monster trophies, high-fenced game ranch hunting is an attractive option.  All big game species in New Zealand are available in intensively-managed, game ranch settings.

Elk and Rusa are extremely difficult to find in the wild in New Zealand, but excellent specimens can be found in game ranches. If hunters are seeking multiple trophies, for example 7 species in 7 days or so, then game ranch hunting is an obvious choice.

World-class trophies of several species can be taken in New Zealand free ranging in the wild.  These include Sika, Sambar, Fallow, Tahr and Chamois.  Several days per species, minimum, should be allowed to take a representative trophy.  

Red stag trophies of a stature nonexistent in the wild are found on high-fenced game ranches.  Free-range wild Red stag are typically 5x5 or 6x6, scoring 240-260 SCI with a handful of bigger trophies taken in New Zealand each year.  In a high-fenced game ranch, however, such Red stag racks scarcely rate a second glance with racks readily available from 300 to 360 SCI, and others much better than this occurring, even up to 500 SCI.

Game ranches vary from several hundred to several thousand acres.  Enclosed tracts consist largely of forested areas and offering challenging hunting. Accommodations are usually more luxurious than Spartan, and appealing to non-hunting guests.

Big Game Hunting in New Zealand is generally February through August, species-dependent.  May through July, big game may be coupled with duck hunting in New Zealand.  Please consult the GetDucks.com New Zealand Hunting Calendar to best customize your perfect trip.

NORTH ISLAND 

$500 daily to include one hunter plus one guide Big Game Hunting in New Zealand.  Non-hunters $250.

Free Range Trophy Fees:

• Red Stag $3,000
• Fallow Buck $2,500
• Sika Stag $5,000
• Bull Tahr $3,500
• Chamois $2,500

BULL TAHR/CHAMOIS COMBO 8 days $8,800 (Saves $1,200)

Game Ranch Trophy Fees:

• Red Deer Stag (up to 320 SCI) $3,000
• Fallow Deer $2,500
• Sika Stag $5,000
• Rusa $5,000
• Himalayan Tahr $3,500
• European Chamois $2,500

For wingshooting, Daily Rates-only apply.  The months of  May and June are ideal for combining wingshooting and big game hunting in New Zealand.

North Island New Zealand Hunting Packages include: airport transfers (Palmerston North Regional Airport), homestead lodging accommodations during the hunt, all meals and beverages, fully-guided hunting, and trophy care in the field.

Immersed in beautiful New Zealand settings, lodging on North and South islands provides the perfect back-drop for New Zealand hunting trips.  Excellent regional foods and wines, personalized service, complement the experience for perfection.

NORTH ISLAND

For groups, especially with non hunters along, accommodation will be in the homestead lodge on the Tasman Sea. This is a large-style villa with 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and large lounge with open fire, dining room and kitchen. Sundecks look out onto the attractive gardens and tennis court.  

For single hunters, or those keen to spike camp among the game, additional accommodation available from cabin with hot shower, power and flush toilet to mountain cabin with rainwater tanks, open fire and swimming hole in the creek.

Non-hunters can relax at the homestead or explore the property by 4WD. Coastal seal colonies provide great photo opportunities as do amazing coastal landforms like Honeycomb Rock.  Forays to town just hour away includes wine trails, visiting abalone and jade jewelry stores, antique shops, local art galleries and a rare native-bird sanctuary that exhibits the Kiwi and Takahe.  During a daytrip by train to the capital city of New Zealand, Te Papa, the New Zealand National Museum can be visited, followed by shopping while wandering along picturesque streets near the harbour.

All meals and beverages are included and prepared on the premises. New Zealand food is noted for its freshness and tasty nature.  The menu features wild game along with New Zealand beef and lamb, plus fresh coastal seafood. The Wairarapa Coast has abundant seafood, and is right out of the front door. Paua (abalone) and crayfish (lobster) are local delicacies readily obtainable simply by diving with a snorkel.   Moki, blue cod and butterfish are excellent local table fare.  An excellent variety of local wine is also provided.

SOUTH ISLAND

Luxury lodge accommodations in Hanmer Springs, New Zealand. With large gardens and spectacular panoramic views over the Hanmer Basin, this is the place to be to relax in tranquility and privacy.  

Nestled on a plateau overlooking the beautiful mountains, rivers and farmland, the unique lodge offers 5 bedrooms, with either King or Queen beds, private bathroom, large lounge and stone log fire, pool room, computer with Wifi for your use, large  outdoor decks,  lovely gardens and spectacular views.  Private-chef offerings include scrumpous cuisine and local delicacies after a fun day.  A truly relaxing and tranquil atmosphere ensures that your next New Zealand vacation is enjoyed in style, privacy, and comfort. 

Hanmer Springs is one of New Zealand's top tourist destinations.  It is situated around famous thermal spa pools where one can sit and soak, or be pampered with a private sauna, massage, facial, manicure or pedicure.  For those looking for something more physical there is a beautiful 18-hole golf course, forest trails, horse treks, jet boating, rafting, ATV trails.  For the more adventurous New Zealand-originated thrill of bungy jumping.  The local Marble Point Winery is open for wine tasting and sales.  

Your lodge hostess will arrange an activities program for non-hunter participants. While the others in the party are enjoying the great outdoors, you too can also have an enjoyable day doing whatever appeals.  Day options include: a Spa & Beauty package in Hanmer Springs, Lunch & Wine Tour of local vineyards, exploring the beautiful city of Christchurch, whale watching at lovely seaside town of Kaikoura, or TranzAlpine Scenic Train rides through the magnificent Southern Alps.