Experience The Hunt With Jim Gibson From NEW ZEALAND SAFARIS

[NEW ZEALAND SAFARIS]

Authentic Safari Hunt ~ New Zealand Safaris ~ Personal, Profesional...the hunt of a lifetime


New Zealand Safaris Offers World Class Trophy Hunting

As professional New Zealand hunting outfitters we are known internationally as the "free range" hunting specialists, with exclusive access to some of the most iconic privately owned high country wilderness mountain properties and extensive estates in New Zealand - South Island, North Island and Australia. We offer premier big game hunting, including the “monster” red stag and tahr, as well as amazing fishing and wing shooting. As a small, family run business our goal is simple, provide excellent hunting, convenient and high quality accommodations and a high level of service during your stay with one of the country's top professional New Zealand hunting outfitters. High quality hunts over high turn over hunts.


"If we knew New Zealand Safaris was going to be this good we would have come years ago"
~ James & Karen, Texas

New Zealand Safaris

Founded by New Zealand Hunting Outfitter and Guide Jim Gibson, he's spent a lifetime building personal relationships with private landowners to give you access to a hunting experience you’ll never forget. They are, in a word...spectacular. Thousands of acres, world class scenery filled high quality game.
Located in Fairlie in central South Island, New Zealand Safaris primary hunting lodge, All Seasons Lodge, is within 5 to 30 minutes of our hunting properties…and 20 minutes to an hour to major New Zealand sightseeing attractions.

In close proximity to so many sightseeing opportunities, we can help you tailor your hunting experience to include fun activities for family and non-hunters that will be truly memorable. We’ll pair you with an experienced local sightseeing guide to build your itinerary, allowing you to go at your own pace and see the sights relevant to you.

New Zealand Safaris offers you one of the most diverse hunting experiences you will find on Earth.

Everything from tropical coastlines, rugged mountain peaks and fertile river valleys cloaked in dense forests. Each environment providing some of the best free range wild game, and fair chase hunting to be found anywhere. Our specialty is genuine hunting safaris, game stalked on foot, by way of horseback, ATV or 4x4 to access some of New Zealand’s most iconic private land. No resort style multi-group cramped lodges. Your hunt is yours alone.


“Great quality hunt and trip. This staff met our every expectation plus! This man gets it done. Awesome lodge, great food and friends. Don't wait this was truly the trip of a life time."
~ Kurt, Alaska

New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 26, 2019 at 3:29 PM

 

[NEW ZEALAND SAFARIS]

There is only one word for New Zealand...EPIC.
~ Bear Grylls

Scattered across the surface of this planet are the hunting spots that are, in a word…pure.

Where the combination of awe-inspiring scenery, a thrilling hunt, and challenging game create the experience of a lifetime. New Zealand is the greatest of these places, where an adventurous hunter can find world-class trophy hunting guided by one of the best professional outfitters in New Zealand. New Zealand Safaris offers one of the most diverse hunting experiences you will find on Earth, with tropical coastlines, rugged mountain peaks and fertile river valleys cloaked in dense forests. Each environment providing some of the best free range wild game, and fair chase hunting to be found anywhere.

New Zealand Game Varieties by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 26, 2019 at 3:47 PM


The New Zealand Safaris Difference

Located in the Fairlie basin on the South Island near the world famous Mount Cook National Park, with New Zealand Safaris you experience a world-class true, big game hunting safari in New Zealand.

Experience professionally guided safaris on our large private high country stations, home to game animals that have populated the river valleys and mountain tops since their introduction in the mid 1800's. Our personalised hunts cater for single hunters, families or small groups of all ages and abilities staying at our hunting lodge or private ranch cabins.

New Zealand Safaris gives you a choice of experiencing hunting high quality, free ranging animals in their natural environment, or combine the best of both experiences on our private fair chase estate.

If you have always wanted to really experience unrestricted hunting and amazing scenery in New Zealand, in the true spirit of the outdoors then come on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the South Island’s picturesque paradise with your New Zealand hunting outfitter.

8 POINTS OF DIFFERENCE

The top 8 reasons New Zealand Safaris is rated best of the best.

1 Quality hunts over quantity hunts.
It`s about personalized high quality experiences, not budget hunts, or high turn over hunts. From the properties to meals, guiding, rooms and service New Zealand Safaris is second to none. As a small, family run business we believe in a genuine, personal hunting experience for each hunter, family or group. One hunt at a time.

2 You have the choice of free range and fair chase hunts.
Although we have the most extensive variety of privately owned free range properties in New Zealand, we also have proven our fair chase Estates will match any in the industry. As many hunters do, you can combine the two all on private land such as stag and tahr.

3 We're family friendly.
With a wide range of non-hunting activities we have our own personalized travel agent. We are near the famous Mount Cook National Park and Southern lakes region in the central South Island. We will book the whole lodge and hunting areas out to families or groups, and we can help you arrange several local non-hunting activities.

4 We are the bull tahr foot hunting specialists.
We’ve earned the reputation for having the highest success rate hunting big mature bull tahr, on private wilderness land on foot. Not only Because we live right in the home of the tahr, but like many other Outfitters that share properties or hunt on government land we know where and when to find those older trophy bulls that are not constantly getting hunted by others. With our lodge right here it’s a perfect combination to hunt out of if clients are bringing non hunters.

5 Our own All Seasons Lodge is central to all our South Island species.
We are situated between 5-30 minutes from all our free range and fair chase properties including birds, varmints, the Southern lakes, Mt Cook and under 40 mins from our closest airport. This means that valuable time isn’t wasted traveling to different hunting areas each day.

6 We have the largest variety of private land foot hunting properties in New Zealand.
We specialize in private land hunting, which means weather you choose free range or fair chase we have exclusive access to privately owned wilderness properties. Building relationships over many years with honesty and loyalty has earned us the opportunity of holding these areas that many Outfitters each year try to hunt on.

7 Local, fully trained and highly experienced guides.
With in-depth and life-long knowledge of the area, Jim and his team and born and breed in the country and know it and the people well. They are also trained in first aid and operate under the guides health and safety policy putting your safety and enjoyment foremost while out hunting.

8 We use a professional, full-time expediter for your game.
This relationship ensures your trophies are prepared and shipped to the highest standards within 3 months of your hunt. We work with taxidermist that we can recommend if you would like to have your New Zealand animals mounted to the highest life like standard either in U.S or Canada.

 

[NEW ZEALAND SAFARIS]

A WORD FROM YOUR OUTFITTER

I’m often asked what sets us apart and my answer is always the same. 'It's the experience of the hunt' with your own local New Zealand hunting guides and the diversity and quality of private land we hunt on that no other New Zealand hunting outfitters or guides can match.

The story you will tell is about stalking that cunning red stag or glassing up to those old bull tahr. It’s about climbing to the highest peak and finding where the mountains end and where sky begins. It’s about stalking through an ancient forest and feeling like the journey forward is a journey back. The hunt of a lifetime is as much about challenging the cunning game as it is about the journey that led to harvesting it.

I’m a proud New Zealander, born and raised on the South Island, a long time member of the New Zealand Hunting Guides Association, and I’ve spent a lifetime building personal relationships with private landowners to give you access to a hunting experience you’ll never forget. They are, in a word…spectacular. Endless acres and stunning scenery filled with plentiful, high quality game. Decades later, I still guide over 80% of our hunts because I love what I do as much as I love giving personal attention and building a relationship with every client. With New Zealand Safaris you’ll experience a truly customized hunting experience and discover the best of what New Zealand has to offer in the privacy of your own hunting party with one of the highest quality New Zelaand hunting outfitters in the country.

I welcome you to personally get in touch with me & give us the opportunity to discuss further our “Hunting Safari Experience”. It’s a story you’ll be telling for a long time to come.


Jim Gibson
Professional Hunter (Owner)

“With us, you’ll experience a truly customized hunting experience and discover the best of what New Zealand has to offer in the privacy of your own hunting party.” ~ Jim Gibson

Hunting New Zealand by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 26, 2019 at 4:00 PM


Rhonda Gibson

It's been said that, "behind every good man there's a good woman." Rhonda has been with Jim in the guiding industry since they both started, making lunches to now running their own All Seasons Lodge. With a farming background and a love for cooking, horses, and kids, Rhonda has earned a reputation not only for her amazing meals, but also her fresh baked goods. Naturally an entertainer, she helps keep the ship running while the busy hunting season is in full swing.

Rest assured she will welcome you as a friend into the lodge life and make your stay a memorable one.


Troy Gilmore

Troy first hunted with Jim back in 2006, and has been back 3 times now for different species. Today Troy has become a good friend, highly trained outfitter and a great representative in North America for New Zealand Safaris. As a professional guide in Colorado on mule deer and whitetail, Troy knows the industry well and helps Jim during the busy hunting trade shows in the U.S. With his experienced knowledge of New Zealand hunting and tourism, he helps our clients with a lot of questions like bringing guns into New Zealand, flights, and what to do after the hunt and where to go.

Coming back for the 2018 season to hunt and help out again, Troy is a great go to guy for all things related to New Zealand Safaris.

 

[NEW ZEALAND SAFARIS]

Hunting Safaris with New Zealand Safaris

We're known for guiding our clients to some world class trophies, in some of the most huntable private land in New Zealand. From the majestic Red Stag to the challenge of the Alpine Chamois.


Top 6 Most Popular

Red Stag

World Class Deer Hunting in New Zealand.

The red stags of New Zealand grow the largest antlers of any animal in the world for their body size (they weigh between 350 to 500lbs).

In 1851 European settlers introduced their most prized and beloved game to New Zealand: the Red Stag.

Since their introduction, free to thrive in an environment rich with vegetation and free of large predators, New Zealand has become a global destination to hunt the world’s best trophies.

New Zealand Safaris gives hunters the choice of hunting free range red stags, or our exceptional fair chase red stag all on our private, long term leased land. Based out of Fairlie in the central South Island our hunting is conducted on some of New Zealand's most iconic high country cattle and sheep stations (ranches). These properties vary in size and vegetation from 3000 acres of rolling hills with native timbered valleys that is home to our fair chase stags.

Impressive antler mass, long even lower tines, heavy main beams with great crowns they are a sight to see. Each day we leave the hunting lodge after a great breakfast and head out glassing and spotting stags and assessing the quality of each deer and what each individual client is looking for.

Red Stag by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 26, 2019 at 4:29 PM


We score the stags on the S.C.I inch system from 300-500+ (except for free range stags scored per point), seeing between 15-30 mature trophy stags in a day. Your guide will give you an indication of what score he will be, as we are focused on what the client likes in antlers foremost. If the stag goes over that score break the client is not obliged to pay an upgrade unless previously discussed, it's about the hunt and what our client likes over score.

From there we plan our approach to get into a suitable range between 80-250 yards and take time to make the shot. Bow hunting on these guys will get your heart pumping with average shots at approximately 40 yards where we can use cover, calling, and blinds to get in close. This is also great for non-hunters to take part in the hunt and capture some amazing photos from the mountains to the ocean.

This property also has outstanding fallow buck, ram, and alpine goat on it.

Red stags can be hunted from February to August with the rut being March to early-May. During the rut the red stags ‘roar’ and challenge each other for dominance. If the guide calls a stag that goes over that class you will not be charged.


"These huge deer have had careful management over the last 25 years to become some of the most impressive blood lines in the world."

 

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Free Range Red Stag Or Fair Chase Up To 350 Inches

Free Range Red Stags are traditional in antler formation, judged in the same way by points that they grow with 35 inch+ main beams.

There are no score classes as we hunt the biggest we can find on private land. Stags range from 5x5-8x8 (or with Fair Chase Stags up to 350 inches), where you will typically see between 4-10 trophy mature stags in a hunt.

 

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Red Stag - SCI 351 to 380

A great class stag with typical antler formation they carry more mass, length and points. This is where the Antlers start growing palmation in the crowns. They still hold a more typical head.

 

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Red Stag - SCI 381 to 410

This class of Stag is where you start getting the points and palmation Red Stags are famous for, with that very heavy mass. A very popular class for the deer hunter.

Your guide will help assess the stags you will look over, every stag being different, as it’s important to find what you like in a trophy

 

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Red Stag - SCI 411 to 450

Our most popular class of stag where you get huge crowns and length on the main beams.

Antlers on Red Stags in this class start really showing a lot of points on a huge frame of more the non typical type of head. The average age of the red deer is between 6-9 yrs old. These guys are a sight to see, great for the non-hunters to come out and capture amazing photos of the game and scenery.

 

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Red Stag - SCI 451 +

If you are after something to make your friends jaw drop they walk into the room, this is the game for you.

These true giant stags roam the hills for over 25 years on this property, born from a renowned bloodlines.

Red Stag New Zealand by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 27, 2019 at 4:44 PM

 

[NEW ZEALAND SAFARIS]

Bull Tahr

The King of the Southern Alps.

Himalayan tahr are one of the most sought after alpine trophies in the world, with the mane of a lion, the strut of a grizzly bear…the mountains are his domain.

Originally from the Himalayas, they adapted well to the Southern Alps of New Zealand and now rank among the best huntable tahr in the World. It is also our specialty!

Tahr hunting with New Zealand Safaris

Tahr hunting is what New Zealand Safaris has built our reputation on. Our tahr hunts are conducted on wild, free range, private wilderness area land, where we are foot hunting, not using helicopters. All of these privatewilderness areas are leased long-term and are exclusive to New Zealand Safaris. Our properties get you right in the heart of where the first tahr herds were liberated and thrive today. On these properties you'll find the highest tahr population numbers in the central South Island.

Bull Tahr by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 26, 2019 at 5:22 PM


These properties have excellent mountian roads which allows us to cater to all levels of hunters. From glaciers to river valleys non-hunters have an opportunity to enjoy the scenery and watch the game.

Our properties are all within 40 minutes of our main hunting lodge, or we can camp out in the back country cabins.

HUNTING THE TAHR
...A Few Things To Know

This hunt is suitable for all ages and ability due to the excellent road access. Our tahr hunts involve driving between 20-30 mins from the lodge (cabins are available if preferred on the properties) to one of four extensive areas from 15,000 - 47,000 acres into the valleys and on mountain passes where we glass and spot from the truck.

Tahr hunting is similar to that of many sheep hunts around the world in that there is a lot of glassing from distance to first locate a mature bull, and to ascertain his age and trophy potential. In the earlier months the bulls will be down low seeking reprieve from the sun as they grow out their manes.

Judging bull tahr is very exciting as they can appear from simply nowhere rolling there bodies like that of a grizzly bear showing his size and dominance to any challengers. On our hunts you can expect to see between 30-150 tahr a day with 5-15 trophy bulls. From here we then plan the stalk and the shot which can be between 100 - 350 yards+ depending on the hunter's ability.

Averaging at 270 lbs these are truly magnificent animals and an amazing hunt in some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see. If you truly value sheep hunting and the mountains and scenery that go hand in hand with this big game hunt, then you will love hunting with us, many bring the non hunter also to be in these amazing places. If clients would prefer we can utilize a helicopter for access up onto the tops for day hunts.

The rut runs from around late May to the end of July with hunting from February to the end of November.

Hunting Tahr in New Zealand by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 26, 2019 at 5:22 PM

 

[NEW ZEALAND SAFARIS]

Alpine Chamois

The antelope of the Southern Alps.

These agile and graceful animals were originally from Europe and is one of the more challenging of New Zealand’s trophies to hunt successfully.

Chamois were gifted from Austrian emperor Franz Josef in 1907, they were introduced to the central South Island's Mount Cook region in New Zealand.

They are the largest sub species of chamois, with some of the most attractive markings of all our game animals living in defined free range areas of the South Island of New Zealand. Living in small family groups, the chamois is extremely agile with nimble feet and keen 10x eyesight…making for a truly challenging hunt and an extremely rewarding experience for those that love mountain hunting. Chamois bucks (males) and nannies (females) can look identical although the bucks typically have heavier bases and a full hook on their horns.

Alpine Chamois by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 26, 2019 at 5:48 PM


One of the most exciting and challenging mountain hunts in the world, chamois are a small and alert mountain antelope that live in tight family groups. A lot of time is initially spent spotting these reclusive animals where we have good vehicle access into the valleys, living in the early season on the edge of timber and rocky bluffs, to long native grasses and sunny faces in winter.

HUNTING THE CHAMOIS
...A Few Things To Know

Chamois bucks typically spend their life solitary outside of the rut and blend in very well with the environment at only 60-100 lbs in weight. Their capes change colors from tan to dark brown as it cools off in late April.

We have some of the most accessible and high quality privately owned free range wilderness properties in the country as professional New Zealand hunting guides that is exclusive to New Zealand Safaris. This hunt will suit the true sheep hunter who is prepared to put in the time to achieve one of the most under valued trophies in the hunting world. If clients would prefer we can utilize a helicopter for access up onto the tops for day hunts which can be a good option for some.

Chamois bucks start their rut early-May to mid-June, which is the prime hunting season. Hunters will need to be in reasonable mountain shape, and practice prone shots out to 300 yards.

Chamois Hunting in New Zealand without a Helicopter by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 26, 2019 at 5:48 PM

 

[NEW ZEALAND SAFARIS]

New Zealand Elk (Wapiti)

The largest of our game animals.

Elk, or Wapiti, were gifted to New Zealand by President Roosevelt in 1909, with 20 animals being released in George Sound, Fiordland in the South Island.

Elk (cervus elaphus nelsoni) or Wapiti are the largest of all the big game hunting species in New Zealand.

This huge (up to 1,000lb) deer is the largest of the round-horned deer in the world, with antlers running 5×5 (10 points) and larger in New Zealand they are closely related to Red Stag. The best elk trophies often exceed fifty inches in length. New Zealand Safaris offers clients access to hunt on the elk property that is well known throughout all the New Zealand hunting outfitters. This large, privately owned estate has exceptional trophy elk and while on safari you will typically see between 6-15 trophy elk bulls that can range in score between 350-500+ S.C.I. inches both typical and non-typical.

New Zealand Elk (Wapiti) by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 27, 2019 at 12:29 PM


Because there are very low numbers of pure wapiti left in the wild in New Zealand, free-range hunting is extremely difficult and restricted to a few very remote areas in the rugged south west portion of the South Island where there is a ballot system in place.

Elk hunting in New Zealand typically runs from late February through August. Since the elk rut (bugle) coincides with the red stag, fallow buck, and sika stag ruts many clients find it makes a nice addition to their New Zealand hunting safari.

ELK HUNTING NEW ZEALAND
...A Few Things To Know

Your New Zealand hunting guide will give you an indication of what score he will be, we are focused on what the client likes in antlers foremost and class. If the bull goes over that score break the client is not obliged to pay an upgrade unless previously discussed, it is about the hunt and what our client likes over score.

From there we plan our approach to get into a suitable range between 80 - 250 yards and take time to make the shot. Bow hunting on these guys will get your heart pumping with average shots at approximately 40 yards where we can use cover, calling and blinds to get in close. Non hunters are encouraged to take part in the hunt and capture some amazing photos of your New Zealand Safari.

 

[NEW ZEALAND SAFARIS]

Arapawa Ram

A rare and attractive trophy.

Once plentiful, due to overhunting in other countries, New Zealand is now one of the only places left where you can hunt this majestic animal.

This breed of wild sheep were introduced in 1867 to Arapawa Island at the top of the South Island of New Zealand.

The Arapawa Ram is the descendant of a flock of domesticated sheep that were introduced to Arapawa Island over 200 years ago as a food source for whalers. They are a wild, hardy sheep that is totally unique to the country and a great sheep hunt addition to your New Zealand guided hunting trip.

They reverted to survival characteristics and evolved extensively into this unique breed on the small Arapawa Island in the Marlborough Sounds, hence their name. They are usually dark brown and black in colour with white markings.

Usually, the average ram will possess 1-1.5 curls on either side, however, it’s not unheard of to hunt a trophy possessing two full curls.

Sheep hunting the classic Arapawa Ram trophy has an impressive set of double-curled horns, dark brown or black wool and a white blaze down it’s nose. The rams inhabit steep hill country, are hard-running and make for a trophy well worth the effort.

HUNTING THE ARAPAWA RAM
...A Few Things To Know

Weighing in at around 200 lbs their wool grows long and matted giving them a rasta appearance. Hunting is spot and stalk with shots from 30 - 200 yards, ideal for bow hunting New Zealand hunting guides judge them on mass of horn and number of curls.

Their most common colouring is all black with a depth of blackness which is particularly striking in the lambs, but Arapawas may often have white points, and on very rare occasions be pure white.

The most strikingly colored are those which are spotted with white over the whole body, and which are often referred to as 'cocktail' Arapawas.

The Ram makes an attractive trophy and is a perfect way to end a big game hunt. Many of our hunters spot the animals while out stalking their stag, and decide to take them in the last days of their hunt. A great way to mount your trophy sheep is either shoulder mount or to have the taxidermist turn him into a full body rug and European the skull on horns.

Arapawa Ram Sheep Hunting New Zealand by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 27, 2019 at 1:12 PM

 

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Fallow Deer

A striking trophy with vivid colors.

The only other game animal with palmation like a moose, fallow deer have the reputation of disappearing behind a blade of grass.

Fallow deer were among the first to be successfully introduced to New Zealand.

Fallow Deer Bucks are a striking trophy… vivid coloration in their coats, they are also the only other species to have unique palmated antlers like a moose. Introduced from Europe, they have spread through much of New Zealand and are now well established…and we have some of the biggest bucks in country! This is an ideal hunt if you are an “antler lover”.

Fallow deer hunting requires both stealth and good eyes as they are an extremely wiley animal. Unlike other deer, fallow bucks during their rut (croak) will actually make a rut pad or stand on a seasonal rut pad and wait for the females (does) to come to them to be mated.

On our free range fallow deer hunting properties it is not uncommon to see up to 100 deer on a fallow pad. New Zealand Safaris has exclusive hunting rights to two of the top free range and wild fallow deer hunting properties in the country. We guarantee that no other New Zealand hunting guides will have access to the quality and quantity of fallow deer in the country.

The rut for fallow deer runs through the month of April, with outstanding trophy heads these properties are home to one of the highest populations of pure wild fallow deer. Glassing from the truck into the rolling foot hills this hunt has similar aspects to that of a mule deer hunt. Capes on bucks vary from brown, meinal, to white and spots that run through the back on all phases of coat. On our estate, we also have exceptional trophy bucks that will rival any other New Zealand hunting outfitters.

In New Zealand, there is no seasonal restriction to hunting fallow deer, meaning generally they can be hunted throughout the year but for trophy fallow bucks, they are in hard antler from March-September.

Fallow Deer by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 27, 2019 at 1:22 PM


HUNTING FALLOW DEER
...A Few Things To Know

Hunters have the option of free range or fair chase estate hunts on private land. The estate hunt is on 3,500 acres where some of these wary bucks will rival some of the biggest in the world scoring in inches between 220 and 300+ SCI. Spot and stalk is preferred, it is very common to walk up on bucks hiding in very little cover so quiet and deliberate foot steps are required at times to get into range between 30-250 yards. Wild, free range hunting is on private wilderness land which are some of the top properties in New Zealand for quality, age and numbers which is exclusive to New Zealand Safaris.

Small in size and well muscled, fallow deer can weigh in around 200lbs, they have incredible speed and agility so time must be taken when stalking these deer.

An all round exciting deer hunt this is a great combination in timing with the Red Stag, Elk and Sika rut which runs from early April to mid May.

 

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Worthy of a Challenge

Boar Hunting

Wild boar are a prize to local hunters.

A large strong animal armed with sharp tusks, hunting has often been called a test of bravery for centuries.

Captain Cook's liberation of pigs (Sus scrofa) in New Zealand, while not the earliest release, was probably the first successful release. Wild black pigs became known as Captain Cookers.

They are today widespread throughout New Zealand though noticeably absent from a few areas. There are now, however, a variety of shapes and colours in wild pig populations due to the influence of many domestic breeds. New Zealand has a large population of pigs, a combination of feral, Russians and blues.

Wild boars can reach up to 440+ lb (200+ kg) for adult males, and can be up to 6 feet (1.8 m) long.

If surprised or cornered they may become aggressive - particularly a sow with her piglets - and if attacked will defend themselves vigorously with their tusks.

WILD BOAR HUNTING NEW ZEALAND
...A Few Things To Know

One characteristic by which domestic breed and wild animals are differentiated is coats. Wild animals almost always have thick, short bristly coats ranging in colour from brown through grey to black. A prominent ridge of hair matching the spine is also common, giving rise to the name razorback in the southern United States. The tail is usually short and straight. Wild animals tend also to have longer legs than domestic breeds and a longer and narrower head and snout. Trophy hunting in New Zealand is based around the hunt, the size of the boar, and the length and mass of a boars tusks that can grow in excess of 3 inches out of the jaw on big mature boars.

Currently wild boars are hunted both for their meat and to mitigate the damage they cause to crops and forests. Generally dogs are used, to track and subdue their quarry, which is then dispatched using a knife, rifle or bow. In several countries such hunting is a popular recreation, known as "pig hunting" in Australia and New Zealand, and "hog hunting" in the South of the United States. But be forewarned: it requires great stamina to run up and down the mountains after the dogs. Once contained by the dogs, the hunter finishes the pursuit with a camera, knife or gun. Brave Kiwis prefer using a knife! New Zealand Safaris can organize a guided hunting trip with dogs, or as typically happens we can run into them while out hunting different species like red deer or fallow deer.

 

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Sambar Deer

A rare trophy to hunt!

Considered an 'iconic herd'. Sambar deer are only in the North Island and mostly on private land.

New Zealand sambar deer, like rusa, originated from India with its introduction to the central North Island in 1875.

The South Pacific is the only region in the world this species can be hunted. Closely related to the rusa, sambar also prefer to inhabit thick scrub and bush however this species frequently ventures out into small clearings to feed.

Sambar are a large deer with a distress bark that is not dissimilar to a fog horn! The second largest deer species in New Zealand, a mature stag can weigh 700+lbs. The antler on sambar are very dense, and for this reason they are often sought after by both trophy hunters and knife makers all over the world.

We glass from the edge of the open fields on private land down into the valleys looking for a flicker of the ear, or a slight movement of the body. Free range, wild Sambar hunting requires patience and timing to find these shy giants, moving typically early mornings and late evenings sambar will be seen more often on cooler mornings as the sun hits open valley faces where they will come out to sun themselves.

Fitness does not play a major part in this hunt, but patience and skill as a hunter will earn you the reward that very few have the opportunity to experience.

New Zealand Safaris offers limited hunts each year on free range sambar stags, personally guiding these New Zealand deer hunts. The privately owned property we hunt posseses some of the largest wild sambar deer in the South Pacific, we strive to maintain the quality and numbers on this privileged hunt.

Hunts can be combined with sika and rusa deer also in the North Island of New Zealand, and with any of the main species in the South Island with a short 1 hour commercial flight.

Sambar deer stags are in hard antler and can be hunted from late May through September, with the rut running from mid June to August.

 

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Sika Deer

A cunning trophy to hunt!

Typical antlers have 8 points and this species has a long rutting season which extends from mid-April until June.

Sika deer were established in the central North Island of New Zealand, from a single release of six animals at Merrylees Clearing in the Kaimanawa Range in 1905, gifted by the Duke of Beford.

Sika have a red orange colored coat with spots and white rump they weigh between 150-240 lbs. A cunning deer similar to that of a whitetail they inhabit native manuka and timber for most of the day venturing out in the evenings to late morning. Sika deer stags are highly vocal species, with over 10 individual sounds, ranging from soft whistles to loud screams.

Trophy antler formation is generally typical 4x4 formation with 30+ inch main beams which is how New Zealand hunting guides judge them, these deer are very exciting to hunt. We use tree stands, blinds, calling and stalking to hunt these deer with shot ranges from 40-150 yard shots bow hunting is possible.

Sika Deer by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 27, 2019 at 1:46 PM


New Zealand deer hunts can be combined with sambar and rusa deer also in the North Island, and with any of the main species in the South Island with a short one hour commercial flight. We can stay in a New Zealand hunting lodge or hunting cabin depending on the private property while sika deer hunting.

The sika deer rut is similar to that of the red stag, fallow buck and elk in the month of late March though April, although we hunt them from February through August.

 

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Rusa Deer

Elusive and rare!

The most elusive deer in the New Zealand bush, rusa have the most narrow distribution of all of the recognized deer species here.

Rusa deer are native to Indonesia, and were mistakenly introduced into New Zealand in 1907 under the impression they were sambar deer.

Inhabiting the central North Island's east coast of New Zealand, where they do very well in the warmer temperatures Rusa deer have course hair with exceptionally long dark antlers averaging 32+ inches with typical formation of 3x3 although some trophy rusa stags can have a non typical formation.

Rusa deer seek cover during the day, time spent sitting at first light glassing and judging them as they feed proves to be the best way to hunt them. Male rusa deer (stags) can weigh up to 400 lbs with shots ranging from 150-250 yards this is a great New Zealand deer hunt to add to your safari.

With a very distinctive call the rusa stags become aggressive during their rut for the hinds (females) which is from late June to August like the sambar deer. New Zealand Safaris personally guides clients on private land in the North Island of New Zealand. We also arrange rusa deer hunts in Australia while buffalo hunting.

A short one hour commercial flight from the South Island with your New Zealand hunting guide to the heart of the rusa deer hunting safari that awaits you. Rusa stags can be hunted from April through August, the meat of this species is considered very tender and tasty for such a big animal.

Rusa Deer Hunting New Zealand by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 28, 2019 at 12:51 AM

 

[NEW ZEALAND SAFARIS]

Whitetail Deer

A transplant from the United States.

Whitetail deer originated from the American state of New Hampshire, and were introduced into Stewart Island at the bottom of the South Island of New Zealand in 1905.

New Zealand has the only herds of white-tail deer in the southern hemisphere!

The original species introducted in 1905 still exists there today living in heavy cover and is as exclusive as its homeland cousins.

Our hunting is done mainly on private reserves that have small numbers of whitetail deer, where the bucks do very well. Weighing less than their cousins, we typically hunt them by sitting and glassing, waiting for the deer to feed out of the cover.

Whitetail stags come into hard antler in March, with the rut taking place in May.

Whitetail Deer by New Zealand Safaris posted Feb 27, 2019 at 1:58 PM

 

[NEW ZEALAND SAFARIS]

Fun and Adventure

Alpine Goat


A challenging year round hunt.


Free range or fair chase, alpine mountain goat hunting is a challenge for both bow and rifle hunters.

The perfect "top off" to your New Zealand big game hunt. They are also ideal as a first trophy for novices and as an affordable New Zealand big game trophy for youth hunters.

Introduced by the early settlers in the 1800's, alpine goats have now become widespread throughout the country.

Adult male goats in New Zealand stand around 60-80 cm at the shoulder and weigh an average of about 42 kg. Females are smaller (shoulder height around 60-70 cm) and lighter (average around 30 kg) than males.

Weighing between 80 - 120lbs, they inhabit rocks and hills similar to a tahr although at lower elevations. Their population numbers can become high due to preferring heavier cover where they can go unseen unless disturbed.