NEW ZEALAND: Winter In New Zealand

[sheephunterab]

We just got back from New Zealand where we experienced a healthy dose of winter. We started on the North Island with the crew from Stoney Creek Clothing where we hunted fallow deer and learned many of the traditional Kiwi deer stalker methods of hunting, dressing and packing game. It was a really cool experience.

Then we headed to the South Island where winter was in full force. We helicoptered in to the mountains for three days to hunt tahr and chamois and then hiked back out to Gary Herbert's lodge to round out the trip in a bit of luxury for red stag and feral goat. It was a pretty cool adventure all round.

In between we missed a couple flights, rented a car and drove on the wrong side of the road and just experienced the typical challenges of international travel.

 

[BRICKBURN]

That kind of pack out is certainly cultural. Could you imagine trying that here?

Looks like you had some fun.

 

[stug]

You certainly would have copped the bad weather. We had 30cm of snow on the ground. I've been looking at the hills and thinking too much snow, well done for getting out in it.

 

[sheephunterab]

 

[gillettehunter]

Dang. Those snow covered rocks look treacherous. Glad you made the effort too bad the weather wasn't more co-operative. Bruce

 

[cagkt3]

Very cool - that's very nice to give that deer a piggyback ride

 

[kathy]

Cool hunt. I see a Drahthaar in a couple of your pictures. had them since 1980, great versatile dogs. Forrest

 

[petrusg]

Thanks for sharing

 

[cpr0312]

Cool, thanks for sharing!

 

[Shootist43]

Looks like you guys enjoyed a great hunt. Did you see any tahr? What were the temperatures you experienced on your "cool" hunt? Who "packs" out the game? Thanks for sharing.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Bicycled around and over the South Island in 2000. Magnificent place!
Thanks for sharing the hunt!

 

[sheephunterab]

Looks like you guys enjoyed a great hunt. Did you see any tahr? What were the temperatures you experienced on your "cool" hunt? Who "packs" out the game? Thanks for sharing.

Temperatures got down to -15C when we were camping in the mountains. We share the packing duties.

 

[sheephunterab]

 

[sheephunterab]

After we hiked out of the mountains the accommodations improved a lot!

 

[sheephunterab]

Last hour of the last day but I got it done!

 

[sheephunterab]

 

[Pheroze]

Man, that just looks like a great hunt. Congratulations!

 

[sheephunterab]

Thanks...it certainly was filled with a variety of hunting styles and conditions!

 

[Shootist43]

You "guys" really got some nice trophies. Thanks for sharing the photos.

 

[CAustin]

Thanks for sharing. Great view from that lodge.