Hunting In New Zealand

New Zealand has a mild maritime climate but the weather can change rapidly. Most of our hunting is in late summer (March) and into early winter (May –June). The overnight temperature may drop to around freezing but daytime temp may be up to 20+ Degrees centigrade (70+F). So you need to bear this in mind when packing gear for the day. Our hunts usually involve some uphill climbing in the morning, which can be warm once the sun is up, but when we stop to glass you can quickly get cold. It is a good idea to have lightweight warm layers. The weather is always changing in the mountains and you can expect to encounter some wind and rain while you are here. We normally hunt at or above the bush-line, which in New Zealand is approx. 1000 meters above sea level (3300 Feet). Some of our hunts may go as high as 2000 meters above sea level (6500feet).

Our private land hunts are conducted on the Eastern side of the Southern Alps and tall Tussock grasses dominate the terrain with some scrub and Beech forest in the valleys. The East coast is generally quite dry (for NZ) but can be windy.

Our wilderness hunts are normally on the Western side of the Southern Alps. The West Coast is a temperate rainforest environment, which does receive a lot of rain-similar to coastal Alaska/Canada and Scotland. The West Coast is dominated by rainforest and the higher elevations are a mixture of tussock grasses and sub alpine ‘monkey scrub’.

If you are coming on a Tahr or Chamois hunt in May-July you can expect some snow and there may be ice in the creeks and gullies. I have ice axes and crampons if needed but generally we try to avoid areas with a lot of ice/snow.

We have the option of private land hunts, which have a cabin/hut for accommodation, or our wilderness hunts, which use a tent. Private land is 'easier' and better suited to older hunters or those new to mountain hunting. Wilderness hunts can be physically challenging.

Wilderness & Public Land Hunt

Group Size	7 Days Tahr Hunt Cost	12 Days Tahr & Chamois Hunt Cost
1 PAX	USD. 5250.00 PP	USD. 9000.00 PP
2 PAX	USD.  3750.00 PP	USD. 6750.00 PP

Private Land Hunt:

Group Size	5 Days Tahr Hunt Cost	5 Days Chamois Hunt Cost	5 Days Red Stag Hunt Cost
1 PAX	USD. 5500.00 PP	USD. 5500.00 PP	USD. 5500.00
2 PAX	USD. 4500.00 PP	USD. 4500.00 PP	USD. 4500.00

Price Included:

- Pick up/drop off from Christchurch International Airport.
- All Transport during hunt.
- All meals, snacks and drinks during hunt.
- Accommodation during hunt.
- Skinning/trophy care and delivery to taxidermist.
- SCI measuring if requested.
- Camping equipment.
- Helicopter transport where needed.
- Guiding fees.
- Trophy fees.
- Small game can be taken free of charge on an opportunity basis (Goats, Boar, and small game).

Not Included:

- International and domestic airfares.
- Taxidermy/expediting of trophies.
- Tips.
- Rifle hire:$150USD per trip.
- Alcoholic drinks.