HUNTING IN NEW ZEALAND
British settlers arrived in New Zealand and found that there was no suitable game animals to hunt for meat. From the 1850's they shipped deer and other game animals to New Zealand and released them in the mountains and forests to provide a food source for settlers and natives alike as well as a sporting culture for the wealthy at that time.
RED STAG
Red Stags in New Zealand reside predominantly in forests and tussock mountain terrain. They are regarded amongst the best trophy animals in the world by hunters due to their large antler growth. They hold an awe inspiring presence, with huge antlers and a large body size of approximately 400lbs.
All stags are unique, no stag will be the same. The nature of these beasts are flighty however can become aggressive and dominant during the roar, they are exceptionally good at bounding through native bush and forests without making much of a sound!
The best time to hunt Stags is from the end of February though until June.
BULL TAHR
One of the most challenging hunts we have on offer is for the Himalayan Bull Tahr which resides in the snow capped mountains of the Southern Alps.
This mountain king is known for its strength and stamina and can more than often take a few shots to get down! A powerful mountain goat that will test your hunting skills! This trophy can weigh up to 300lbs of pure muscle and can be hunted via the traditional spot and stalk method or via helicopter.
The prime time to hunt Tahr for their beautiful cape and jagged horns is from May through until July.
FALLOW BUCK
Fallow Bucks are visually a beautiful deer and make a stunning trophy mount. They are known for their palmated antlers and agile nature. Often found in forests and native bushland as well as lush pastures, these deer present in a multitude of colour variations.
Originally introduced from European decent, they have flourished in the New Zealand environment and are strong in numbers.
Fallow Bucks are best hunted from mid April through until May as they are un their rut at this time. A distinctive croaking noise sets them apart from the other deer species during their rut. A great additional trophy to add to the hunting experience!
CHAMOIS
Originally introduced to New Zealand from Austria as a gift, the Chamois is a nimble antelope type of animal can be found high in the mountain tops of the South Island.
A challenging trophy to hunt, they have spectacular sense of smell and a keen eyesight making them very aware of their surroundings and oncoming hunters! Their character defining horns with a hook on the end and tan/black coat make an impressive trophy to behold.
Chamois can be hunted at any time of year however are at their prime during the months of April through until August.
ARAPAWA RAM
Named from an Island just off the coast of the top of the South Island, the Arapawa Ram was introduced from Spain from Captain James Cook, one of the first European explorers to visit New Zealand.
These rams are known for their curled horns and thick wool coat that varies in colours of brown, white and tan. These can be hunted all year round, as their horns and coat do not change at any time of year.
Arapawa Rams make a great trophy for children or hunters keen on ram/sheep trophies to add to their collection.
FISHING
New Zealand has some of the best canal and river fishing available in the world! Rainbow trout and Brown trout are the most targeted fish species here ranging from 5lbs to 30lbs! The best time for fishing these behemoth fish in the canals is during the months of April through until September. River fishing such as fly fishing is best in our summer months of December through until February.