Situated on the lush North Island coast line, this is a small family business that has been outfitting hunts full time for 26 years. They own and lease several properties managed for trophy hunting totaling over 25,000 acres of pristine free ranging and estate country. From their lodge they can hunt 6 different deer species. The species that you can hunt are Red Stag, Fallow Deer, Elk, Sika Deer, Rusa Deer, and Sambar Deer. You can also pursue Arapawa Ram, Pacific Goat, Wild boar and Waterfowl. The Pacific Ocean gives way to lush bush clad mountains alive with game. Not many places can you be trophy hunting in the mountains with ocean views in sight! The thick Manuka trees allow Stags to stain their antlers dark black with white ivory tips. You can hunt with your choice of rifle, bow or muzzle loader. They primarily hunt spot & stalk and their Ranch is well tracked to access with Polaris Rangers. They also have many permanent ground blinds in high frequency areas where hunters will have many opportunities at all species with bow or rifle.
This particular profile is to outline hunting for Sika Deer with this outfitter. Sika deer were gifted to the New Zealand Government by the Duke of Bedford in 1904. Three males (stags) and three females (hinds) from Woburn Abbey were shipped in 5 crates on a 70 day voyage fed on clover hay and carrots. Their Sika deer are of mixed origin with 5 of these animals being of the Manchurian race and 1 hind of the Japanese race. These sika were liberated in the central north island in 1905 and have thrived in the Kawaka and Kaimanawa Ranges scrub and tussock habitat. Today New Zealand offers some of the best trophy Sika deer hunting in the world.
You can only hunt Sika in the North Island of New Zealand, there are no Sika in the South Island. Trophies are typically 4x4 with 24"-32" antler length. They are very territorial and alert making them an exciting animal to hunt. Sika are one of the most vocal deer and can often be called in from a long distance during the rut from mid-April through late May. Sika can be hunted from the end of February through August and can be added to any North Island Hunt.
As you know there are many outfitters in New Zealand to choose from. This outfitter said that what sets them apart from the rest is their easy going family atmosphere. You will arrive as a client and leave as a friend! Their location means they can hunt all the New Zealand deer species and they are only a 2 hour flight from the Southern Alps for Tahr and Chamois. They go out of their way to make non-hunting guests time enjoyable and eventful with free local sight seeing and day tours. They are not a ‘high volume’ operation with many hunters in camp at once, they think you deserve their full attention so they make sure your trip is the ‘hunt of a lifetime’. They guarantee a high level of service from beginning to end, with outstanding trophy quality and hunting.
NORTH ISLAND
On the North Island, situated just 3 miles from the pacific ocean, and surrounded by hunting country, they offer accommodations out of their ranch house. Couples enjoy the privacy of their own secluded cottages with queen beds, cable TV and en-suite facilities. They welcome all groups whether it’s hunters only, husband and wife teams, family groups and friends. They serve up delicious fresh local cuisine, including lobster and seafood, your wild game, their ranch lamb and beef with quality local wine and beer. You won’t go hungry or thirsty! Enjoy a laid back family atmosphere and plenty of laughs. Kick back in the evening at their fully stocked rustic hunters bar and dining room, watch footage from your days hunt on the big screen, and tell the tales of adventure. Depending on what you’re hunting, just 1 hour from the ranch house is their 16,000 acre property with their rustic 3-bedroom house just 200 yards off the ocean. With breathtaking views it makes a great getaway for a night or two and some more great hunting and adventures. The North Island is a lot more temperate than the South, rarely do they ever get to freezing temperatures, and when you hunt Tahr and Chamois in the South Island with them you get a stunning scenic flight from their estate across the Cook Straight and down the mighty Southern Alps to Fox Glacier all included in the hunt! What a way to see New Zealand’s breathtaking beauty!
SOUTH ISLAND
They also have large public and private concessions on the South Island in the Southern Alps for Tahr and Chamois which is only a 2 hour scenic flight away.
From the moment you touch down in New Zealand they take care of everything so you have a seamless experience from start to finish. All you have to do is take in the amazing scenery and enjoy the ‘kiwi’ experience they will share with you. Most all of their hunting is on the North Island, unless you are hunting Tahr and Chamois. It is very common to hunt Stag and Deer on the North Island, and then jump over to the South Island to hunt Tahr and Chamois. This is very easy to do and should definitely be considered if these species on your agenda. When hunting Tahr and Chamois they have their exclusive area for these hunts located on the South Island. The South Island can be a lot colder than the North so hunters need to have adequate gear for the Southern Alps. There is plenty to do for the non-hunters or hunters waiting for a break in the weather. Lake Matheson is a photographers dream with crystal clear mirror image of the mountains behind. Walk old mining shafts lit with glow worms, soak at the mineral hot tubs, take a heli flight up to the Fox or Frans glacier, or just sample some of the local beers at the local bar. At this location, from the dining room, guests have a spectacular view of the mountains and Mt Cook, which is the highest peak in New Zealand sitting at 12,218 ft.
This outfitter is also a full service operation! They provide full in house travel and flight arrangements - (they have access to competitive pricing through their Air New Zealand Corporate account). They are one of the few outfitters with an in-house expediting service. This means your trophies are cared for the way they should be and shipped within a matter of weeks after your hunt. They offer pre/post-hunt tours with a mountain hunters tour guide or a full New Zealand hunt/tour. Their Tahr and Chamois hunts are fully inclusive of all helicopter time, internal flights and all accommodation. Free use of quality firearms and ammunition
Their lodge is located only 3 miles from the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by hunting country. New Zealand’s unique landscape and scenery makes it a destination non-hunters will enjoy as much as the hunters! Some local attractions include boutique vineyards and wine tasting, hot air ballooning, shopping, golfing, scenic hiking, sheep farm experience, Maori culture and coastal seal viewing. They keep a laid back family atmosphere making sure to have fun along the way! For a high quality professional New Zealand hunting experience with a hands on outfitters that can do everything you want, they invite you to join them for an unforgettable adventure!Non-hunting companions will find New Zealand a relaxing and beautiful country to visit. They offer non-hunters daily sight seeing and touring complimentary! They welcome all groups whether it’s hunters only, husband and wife teams, family groups and friends.
HUNTING SEASONS:
Hunting season begins at the start of February with the Red Stags and Elk stripping their velvet followed by the Sika and Fallow. The bulk of their trophy hunting takes place between early March and the end of July, which is fall/winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Ram, Goat and Boar can be hunted year round. Fishing can be had throughout the season while trout fishing is best February/March.
RUT SEASON BY SPECIES:
- Red Stag/Elk/Fallow/Sika Rut: March/April
- Rusa/Sambar Rut: July/August
- Tahr Rut: May/June/July
- Chamois Rut: May
HUNTING PERIODS:
- Red Stag: February-End July
- Elk: February-End July
- Fallow: Mid February-End July
- Tahr: March-September
- Chamois: March-September
- Sika: Mid February-End July
- Sambar: May-October
- Rusa: May-October
- Waterfowl/Black Swan: May-June
- Turkey (all year) - best October
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