Incredible New Zealand hunting packages for Red Stag, Himalayan Tahr, Chamois, Fallow Deer, & Elk that deliver the unforgettable adventure you’ve always dreamed about.
Update January 2023: New Zealand was closed to tourists from most countries for all of 2020 and 2021 as well as most of 2022 due to COVID. So, we still have a gigantic backlog of rescheduled hunts that we’re working through. For that reason, we’re not booking any new hunts or responding to any enquiries about hunting in New Zealand in the future until we get that cleared up.
At Big Game Hunting Adventures, we specialize in providing our clients with an outstanding New Zealand hunting safari from start to finish: expert assistance with planning for your trip, high quality accommodations, delicious food, a friendly and experienced hunting guide, and unparalleled hunting for numerous species of wild game.
Due to our exclusive access to high quality private land, we provide incredible New Zealand hunting safaris that few other outfitters can match. We specialize in hunting on foot for Red Stag (Red Deer), Himalayan Tahr, Elk (Wapiti), Alpine Chamois, and Fallow Buck.
Since we hunt on such well managed private land with good road access, we conduct our Chamois and Tahr hunts without using a helicopter. No other New Zealand hunting outfitter can match our historic success rate or consistently harvests big, mature Tahr and Chamois without using a helicopter like we do. For this reason, we are the premier destination for hunters who want a free range hunt on foot for these alpine species.
The New Zealand hunting packages listed below are valid for hunts booked in 2023 and 2024. Contact us for specific dates available.
New Zealand Hunting Packages
1×1 Trophy Red Stag Hunt
We are currently fully booked for red stag hunts for the foreseeable future.
With the largest antlers in relation to their body size of any species of deer in the world, it’s easy to understand why Red Stag are New Zealand’s premier big game animal. We have exclusive access to several ranches containing fantastic Red Stag habitat on New Zealand’s South Island and it’s not uncommon for our hunters to see 20+ mature stag each day on our Red Stag hunting safaris.
1×1 Trophy Bull Tahr Hunt
We are currently fully booked for tahr hunts for the foreseeable future.
We have exclusive hunting rights on several massive sections of private land in the South Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island. This part of the Southern Alps around Mount Cook contains some of the country’s best Tahr habitat and it’s also near where Himalayan Tahr were originally released in New Zealand many years ago. Not surprisingly, this land has the highest Tahr population in New Zealand and some of the best Tahr Hunting opportunities anywhere in the world.
No other New Zealand hunting outfitter has a historic success rate that can compare with ours when it comes to hunting free range Himalayan Tahr on foot without using a helicopter.
Mountain Hunting Package
6 Days (5 Nights) Accommodation
We are currently fully booked for the Mountain Hunting Package for the foreseeable future.
This New Zealand hunting package is the perfect opportunity to hunt both of New Zealand’s most prestigious high country species on foot: Himalayan Tahr and Alpine Chamois. In addition to our outstanding Tahr hunting, we also have some of the best free range Chamois hunting on private land in all of New Zealand.
We are not exaggerating when we say that we offer some of the best hunting in New Zealand for free range Chamois and Tahr hunting on foot without using a helicopter.
New Zealand Elk & Red Stag Hunting Package
5 Days (4 Nights) Accommodation
We are currently fully booked for stag and elk hunts for the foreseeable future.
This New Zealand hunting package offers the opportunity to hunt the two deer species most known for their magnificent antlers: Elk and Red Deer. So, if you’ve always dreamed of a premium Elk hunt combined with the opportunity to pursue the famous Red Stag in a world renowned hunting destination, then this is the perfect hunt for you.
New Zealand Fallow Deer & Stag Hunting Package
5 Days (4 Nights) Accommodation
We are currently fully booked for fallow deer and stag hunts for the foreseeable future.
New Zealand may be best known for the excellent stag and fallow deer hunting in the country. Fortunately, this New Zealand hunting package offers a great hunting opportunity to take both of these antlered species on single hunt.
New Zealand Antler Hunting Package
5 Days (4 Nights) Accommodation
We are currently fully booked for the Antler Hunting Package for the foreseeable future.
Speaking of antlers, this hunting package is also extremely popular with “antler lovers.” Offering the opportunity to hunt a Red Stag, an Elk, and a Fallow Deer, this is the perfect New Zealand hunting package for hunters who want to harvest the three most popular species of deer in the country.
New Zealand Tahr & Red Stag Hunting Package
5 Days (4 Nights) Accommodation
We are currently fully booked for tahr and stag hunts for the foreseeable future.
This is our most popular multi-species hunting package. We specialize in hunting bull Tahr on foot and this package offers the opportunity to hunt bull Tahr on private land as well as the chance to pursue New Zealand’s premier big game animal in the Red Stag.
New Zealand Classic 4 Hunting Package
7 Days (6 Nights) Accommodation
We are currently fully booked for the Classic 4 Hunting Package for the foreseeable future.
This New Zealand hunting package is perfect for those who want the absolute best of what New Zealand has to offer. It includes a Tahr, Red Stag, a Chamois, and a Fallow Buck. These are the most popular species we offer hunting for and hunters who book this package will truly have a world class hunting experience. This package also includes accommodation and food for one non-hunting guest.
Please note: we know every hunter is unique, so while you’re welcome to hunt solely for the animals listed in each package, all our New Zealand hunting packages are flexible. All of these packages may be upgraded with additional hunting days and/or animals at our normal daily rates and trophy fees listed below.
You’ll be at a premier hunting destination in the South Pacific with lots of opportunity to hunt other world class trophy animals. For this reason, you can also add other big game species to your New Zealand hunting package on a trophy fee basis. Consult our price list below for details on adding additional species to your hunt.
In addition to Red Stag, Bull Tahr, Alpine Chamois, and Elk (wapiti), we also have outstanding trophy hunting for Fallow Buck, Arapawa Ram, Merriam’s Turkey, Feral Goats, and Wild Boar on the South Island. We can also arrange a trip to the North Island (which is just a short, 1.5 hour scenic flight away) to hunt Rusa, Sambar, and/or Sika Deer. If there is time remaining during your New Zealand hunting safari after you get your trophy, we can also facilitate a fishing or wing shooting trip for some of the many game bird species in the country.
Daily Rates
1 Hunter × 1 Guide: $450 per hunter, per day
2 Hunters x 1 Guide: $350 per hunter, per day
Hunters 16 And Younger: $150 per hunter, per day
Non Hunter: $200 per person, per day
We guarantee a reasonable shot on our New Zealand hunting packages and our lifetime success rate on all species is over 95%. However, if you do not a species listed in a package on your hunt, you will receive a $3,000 refund per species not taken. Though every effort will be made to follow up and recover wounded animals, all animals wounded and not recovered will be charged full price.
We have scoped and suppressed rifles available for hunters who do not wish to bring their own rifles. For $150, we provide use of the rifle and appropriate ammunition.
While you’re responsible for paying for your airline ticket, taxidermy, and shipment of your trophies home, our New Zealand hunting packages include all costs associated with the hunt. There are no hidden fees.
Why Should I Book A New Zealand Hunting Trip With You?
- We have exclusive hunting rights to private land with very good road access containing some of the best wildlife habitat in New Zealand.
- We book a limited number of high quality hunts each year, abide by strict quotas, and carefully manage our hunting areas. This ensures that our hunters have high success rates and consistently harvest mature Red Stag, Tahr, Elk, Chamois, and Fallow Deer trophies.
- We specialize in hunting Himalayan Tahr and Chamois have exclusive hunting rights to private land containing some of the best Tahr and Chamois habitat in New Zealand. Since this land also has very good road access, you’ll get an exceptional free range hunting experience on foot with the outfitter who has the highest success rates in New Zealand on mature Tahr and Chamois without using a helicopter.
- You’ll have the opportunity to hunt monster bull Elk without fighting crowds on public land, worrying about a permit application deadline, deciphering complicated hunting regulations, or spending years accumulating bonus or preference points to draw a coveted Elk tag.
- We are not a high turnover outfit. Instead, we focus on providing quality hunts with the best possible experience for each guest.
- Our main hunting lodge is centrally located on the South Island between 5 and 40 minutes of all our hunting areas. This allows our guests to spend the maximum amount of their valuable time in New Zealand hunting without wasting valuable time driving.
- No hidden costs: our New Zealand hunting packages include everything except for your air fare, taxidermy, and shipment of your trophies.
- Our Hunting Guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and have many years worth of experience guiding hunts in New Zealand.
- We take pride in providing an authentic, personalized New Zealand hunting experience with outstanding personal service before, during, and after your hunt. You will not have problems getting in touch us when and we’ll be available to you through the entire process to provide assistance with anything you need related to the hunt.
- We offer a family friendly New Zealand hunting experience with a wide range of local non-hunting activities and sightseeing tours. We are situated near the famous Mount Cook National Park and numerous lakes in the central South Island.
What Happens If I Don’t Take An Animal Included In A Package?
We historically have success rates approaching 100% on most species of game. However, since we do practice fair chase hunting, nothing is guaranteed and hunters do occasionally fail to take an animal they were after. So, if you do not take one of the animals included in your package, you will receive a $3,000 refund per species not taken. That being said, while we will make every effort to recover all animals wounded during our hunts, any animal wounded and not found will be charged full price.
What Is A Typical Day Like When Hunting New Zealand?
A normal hunting day normally begins early in the morning when the hunters wake up and eat breakfast. Generally, the hunters and the guide leave the lodge around sunrise in a 4×4 vehicle carrying a cooler full of drinks, snacks, and lunch. Depending on the game being pursued, weather conditions, and the desires and physical abilities of the hunter, you’ll either drive or hike to a good vantage point and glass for animals. Once one is located, the hunter and the guide will plan and execute a stalk on foot based on the prevailing wind and time of day.
The hunters will likely eat lunch during a break from the hunt in order to maximize the time afield. The hunt then continues until dusk, when the hunters return to the lodge for dinner and to prepare for the adventures of the next day!
What Are The Accommodations Like On A New Zealand Hunting Safari?
Hunters will stay in our well apportioned hunting lodge located between 5 and 40 minutes from our various hunting areas in the central South Island of New Zealand. With individual rooms, wifi internet, a communal dining room, an outdoor fireplace, and a miniature golf course the hunting lodge is the perfect location to relax after a long day of hunting.
The accommodations are also perfect for non-hunting guests who want to come along to see some of the most beautiful places in the world and experience many of the other great things New Zealand has to offer. Though the majority of our hunters are from the United States or Canada, hunters from all over the world appreciate our good old fashioned Kiwi hospitality.
Best Caliber For Hunting In New Zealand
Most of our hunters use cartridges like the .270 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, .30-06 Springfield, and the .300 Winchester Magnum. Depending on the exact species you’re pursuing, be prepared to take a shot in the 50-350 yard range.
Bringing Your Rifle To New Zealand
Bringing a hunting rifle to New Zealand is a relatively simple exercise. In order to do so, you’ll need to apply for a visitor’s firearms license through the New Zealand Police web site. We will provide the necessary information to complete your application after you book. Start your application about a month before your hunt.
Among other things, the New Zealand Police ask for proof that you’re allowed to own firearms in your home country. If you live in a state or country that requires a firearm license, simply use that as proof. However, American hunters who do not live in a state with firearms licenses will need to use something else as proof, like a current hunting license. Other than that, applying for a New Zealand visitor’s firearms license is relatively painless and the Police are generally very helpful.
Once your application is complete, the Police will send you an email stating that your license is approved and that they’ll issue it to you upon arrival in Auckland. The license costs $25 NZ and you’ll need to pay for it in cash and with exact change.
Several weeks before your trip, contact Air New Zealand and inform them that you’ll have a firearm in one of your checked bags and ensure that they annotate that on every single flight in your itinerary, both coming and going. Let them know that you’ve already applied for your permit with the New Zealand Police.
Check the airline web site for details and carefully read their regulations regarding traveling with firearms. You’ll need to pack your rifle in a lockable, hard sided case. Air New Zealand also requires that you fly with your rifle bolt and all ammunition in a checked bag separate from your rifle.
Finally, fill out a US Customs Form 4457 and have it certified by a US Customs agent before you depart on your trip. This form serves as proof that you owned your rifle before you departed the United States and did not purchase it abroad. This form is required to bring your rifle back into the states after your hunt.
Included in our New Zealand Hunting Packages:
Trophy Fee for Specified Animals
Accommodation for Specified Number of Days
Exclusive use of the hunting area
Services of a Hunting Guide
Transportation between Christchurch or Timaru Airport and hunting areas
Accommodation, food, and beverages
Reasonable quantity of beer and wine
Laundry service during the hunt
Wifi internet at lodge
New Zealand Goods and Services Tax
Skinning and field preparation of trophies
Delivery of trophies to a New Zealand based taxidermist and shipping company
Not Included in our New Zealand Hunting Packages:
Gratuities for staff members
Taxidermy fees, expediting of trophies,
Crating and shipment of trophies
Export permits
Transport of trophies outside of New Zealand
Airline tickets
Personal, Travel and Trophy insurance
New Zealand rifle import license (NZ$25)
Rifle Rental