New Zealand is a unique place as without exception, the abundant
game animals that are to be found here in the wild, were introduced
by the first settlers.
These introduced game animals now
exist without their natural predators, (wolves bears etc.) which in
their native home-land, control the population levels within the
carrying capacity of the land.
The Government of New Zealand
encourages hunting as it is now only the hunter who keeps the
population of game animals in balance with the environment.
We have consent from the Department
of Conservation and private land-owners to hunt on their land and
our license allows us to operate any where within the South Island
and Stewart Island.
The hunting that we offer is free
range and fair chase and we cater for all levels of
ability and experience including instruction for the less
experienced.
There is a wide choice of game
animals both large and small to hunt, and the duration of our hunts
are very flexible.
We recommend a minimum of six days
for large game trophy hunting.
Short duration hunting for large game
(non trophy) is available by arrangement for shorter periods.
Game:
Large Game:
Red Deer, Wapiti, Fallow Deer, Whitetail Deer, Wild Pig, Wild Sheep,
Wild Goat, Chamois, Thar.
Wild Fowl Hunting
when in season - opens 1st Saturday in May, closes mid
July.
We complete documentation for
bringing firearms into New Zealand.
We supply all hunting equipment
(including firearms if required) and for overnight trips or longer,
we supply all camping gear including food.
We complete Ministry of Agriculture
documentation and prepare and pack trophies to take home.
GUIDED
TROPHY HUNTING
We recommend that trophy hunts
be a minimum of six days & we cater for all levels of ability &
experience including instruction for the less experience.
Our rate per day includes
the following:
- All hunting and camping
equipment (includes rifles if required)
- All food while on the hunt.
(special diets & tastes catered for)
- Documentation for bringing
firearms into New Zealand.
- Airport pickup & drop off.
- All vehicle transport to &
from the hunting area.
- Department of Conservation
hunting permits.
- Arrangements made for the
hire of any items that are required.
- Base camp or cabin
accommodation while on the hunt.
- Arrangements made for
taxidermy in New Zealand if required.
- Packaging and documentation
for shipping of trophies.
- Government service tax of
12.5 %.
- Personal guide per hunter.
Not included in our rate
per hunter per day:
- Personal clothing, i.e.
sleeping bags, footwear, packs etc.
- Air transport to & from the
hunting area. (helicopter/plane)
- Accommodation, food &
refreshments while not hunting.
- Taxidermy / shipping of
trophies out of New Zealand.
We cater for bow hunters and
hunters using black powder firearms.
We also cater for non hunting members of a
hunting party, i.e. partners/wives .
Please note: Rates
quoted are GST inclusive.
RED DEER
Red Deer are spread widely throughout the
South Island. They are the most sought-after large game animal in
New Zealand, mainly because they are easily accessible.
The most productive time to
hunt Red Deer is during the rut which is the last two weeks of March
and the first two weeks of April. After the rut period, very good
hunting is still available during the autumn (fall) and winter
months right through until the end of September when the stags drop
their antlers.
Ten and twelve point heads are
quite common with good heavy timber. As red deer tend to live in
forested areas, the antlers are very dark and well stained.
WAPITI
Wapiti are only found in
Fiordland and this is the only free ranging herd in the southern
hemisphere.
Hunting pressure is very high
during the rut period (mid March - mid April) and a ballot is held
to allocate hunting blocks. Applications for the ballot open early
November and close mid January. The ballot is drawn by the end of
January giving successful hunters time to plan their hunt & travel
arrangements.
For us to make the necessary
arrangements for a wapiti hunt, we need to have a firm commitment
with a booking and deposit received by early November to lodge an
application in the annual ballot. This we complete at no extra
cost.
The best time to hunt wapiti
is the same as red deer.
Location hunted may vary
depending on hunters ability and what they desire. Helicopter
transport cost is approximate & may change as it is related to
flight time.
WHITETAIL DEER
Whitetail are found on Stewart
Island (the most southern island of New Zealand). The rut starts
during the first week of May, peaking about two weeks later. Just
prior to and during the rut, bucks tend to wander far and wide and
are less wary than normal.
Whitetail hunting is very popular and a
hunting block must be booked well in advance. (At least 6 months
preferably 12 months) We make the bookings at no extra cost but must
have a firm commitment with a booking and deposit received for a
hunt.
Access to Stewart
Island:
- Helicopter direct to the
hunting area in short time.
- Charter boat direct to the
hunting area. This departs from Bluff (port) This mode of
transport is the preferred method by many hunters as it gives the
opportunity to take a large quantity of gear including a small
boat which gives mobility around the hunting area. This can save a
considerable amount of time plus allow access to sea fishing.
*Charter boat hire can be shared by other
hunters travelling to or from the hunting region and this cost is
then shared.
Location hunted may vary
depending on hunters ability and what they desire. Helicopter and
boat transport cost is approximate and related to travel time.
Please note: Guiding rates are GST
inclusive.
THAR
(Alpine goat from Himalaya)
Thar are the most highly
sought after trophy in New Zealand as there is an incredible amount
of skill required to locate and hunt these top trophy game animals
which are found in the alpine area of the Southern Alps.
Thar tend to prefer high
altitude areas amongst ice and snow and live in large family groups
made up of young bulls, nannies and kids.
To hunt thar, one must be in
good physical condition with top quality footwear, clothing and
rifle.
The best time to hunt thar is
during the winter from the end of May through to September. The
first part of this period is the during the rut with bulls joining
groups of nannies.
Good hunting can be had during
the summer months as well.
CHAMOIS
(Austrian Alpine Antelope)
Chamois also live in the
alpine areas though at a lower altitude than thar. Chamois and thar
are seldom found together with chamois preferring the open grass
lands and thar staying close to large steep bluffs where they
retreat when sensing danger.
The distribution of chamois
throughout the South Island is far wider than that of thar and they
tend to be more mobile living together in small family groups.
Hunting conditions and time
for chamois is the same as for thar (May - September) with the
winter pelts being very attractive.
Chamois hunting is very
demanding and physical condition is very important for an enjoyable
experience.
Access for Thar and
Chamois:
Access into the mountains on
the eastern side of the Alps is generally by four wheel drive up
large river beds. It is possible to drive up the valleys for
helicopter pick up and positioned in to the headwaters and hunt back
down to the vehicle. This is usually very productive.
(Four wheel drive is included in our daily
rate)
On the West Coast, access is
by helicopter with flying time each way between 30 & 50 minutes
depending on location and the prevailing weather conditions.
Access to the West Coast
requires approximately 5hrs driving.
WILD BOAR
Wild boar are found throughout
the South Island in low land habitat.
The most successful and common method of
hunting wild boar is with specially trained dogs with good hunting
all year round.
WILD GOAT
Wild goats are common and good
hunting is available all year round.
Access for goat & boar is by 4 x 4 vehicle.
WILD SHEEP
Wild sheep are found in
limited numbers in remote areas.
Access is by 4 x 4 vehicle with good hunting
all year round.
Vehicle transport costs are
included in our daily guiding rate.
Location hunted may vary depending on
hunter's ability and what they desire.
Back to Fiordland Lodge
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If
you are contemplating a fishing vacation to New Zealand, please
contact us and we will share with you some time on the river amongst
breath taking scenery, clear, clean water, and pure fresh air.
Where do we fish? 
What to bring: 
Forest
