New Zealand South Island Red Stag

With over 30 years of experience hunting in New Zealand and Australia along with over 30 years in hospitality, this outfitter prides themselves on delivering only the best! Whether it be in the field or at their lodge you will take confidence knowing that they are the people you will be dealing with day to day and face to face while hunting. You are going to experience some of the best big game hunting that the beautiful South Island of New Zealand has to offer. They offer hunting opportunities for Red Stag, Elk/Wapiti, Fallow Buck, Bull Tahr, Chamois, Arapawa Ram and Feral Goat. All of these animals can be hunted with rifle, bow and muzzleloader. The outfitter has stated that they believe that the key to their success is simple: "It's “All” about You and Your New Zealand hunting experience!" The HFA team has hunted with this outfitter, as well as many of our clients. You can rest assured that this outfitter will exceed every expectation!

Red Stags can be hunted from mid-February, and this is when they are in hard antler, til mid-August, as after this time they shed their antlers. The most productive and exciting time to hunt Red Stag is during the roar, which occurs mid-March till late April. This outfitter offers both free range and estate hunting for these majestic Red Stags which can be taken with the rifle or bow. The terrain ranges from timbered forests to open snow grass and from gentle flats, rolling hills to very steep mountains. Spot and Stalk is the most productive way to hunt. Hunting can be as physical and challenging and hunters should have a moderate to good level of fitness to give them the best chance at a trophy of a lifetime.

The Lodge is spacious and an open floor plan. There is a formal Lounge and TV room were clients can choose to relax and enjoy pre-dinner drinks and snacks before sitting down to a healthy, wholesome New Zealand country style meal in the dining room. The lodge also has wireless internet and a library with an extensive range of hunting and fishing books. They also have washing/drying and ironing facilities available. As well as the lodge accommodation that has 2 guest rooms, they also have 4 newly built chalets, all with private en-suit bathrooms, super king size beds, heat pumps and views to die for. The Trophy/Game room has a bar, pool table, lazer shooting game, sky TV, dvd player and great selection of mounted New Zealand Trophy animals.

TAHR: The properties that this outfitter hunts are situated in the heart of the Tahr zone. These properties are world renowned for taking record trophy Bull Tahr. They take mature bulls aged at 6.5 years old and up. They consider anything over eleven inches to be of trophy quality. They hunt Tahr all year round but for prime capes the best time is May through to August. The rut occurs mid-May to mid-July.

CHAMOIS: This outfitter also hunts in prime Chamois areas. All on foot. The rut is mid May and can extend through into June. During the rut the bucks are very vulnerable to hunt and like all males they have one thing on their mind and we are not talking about wine and roses. A trophy Chamois is eight inches long or better and like Tahr can be hunted all year round. They tend to live at high altitude in small family groups. With their beautifully curved horns and their distinctive facial markings they make an excellent trophy. *A Helicopter is available at a hunters request and cost (Approximately $1500-$2000 per hour).

FISHING: New Zealand has long been regarded as one of the world's best trout fisheries. Every year anglers from all parts of the world travel to New Zealand to fish its crystal clear, snow fed rivers streams and lakes which are inhabited by magnificent rainbow and brown trout. This outfitter has access to some of New Zealand's finest trout water. Anglers will enjoy the diversity of nymph, to dry fly fishing with 95% of their fishing being spot and stalk. There is nothing more exciting than casting a dry fly upstream and waiting in anticipation for a feeding trout to take your fly on a perfect drift, you then say to yourself God Save the Queen (wait two seconds) and lift, setting the hook and then the fight begins!

New Zealand's fishing season opens on the first of October for the central South Island lower country. High country fishing season opens on the first Saturday in November. They both close on the 30th April.

Fallow Deer, Wapiti, Arapawa Ram, Feral Goat, and Wild Boar are also available to hunt on a trophy fee basis.

TROPHY FEES (Due Upon Harvest):
- Wapiti 340-370 SCI: $8,500
- Wapiti 371-400 SCI: $11,500
- Wapiti 400 + SCI: $POA
- Fallow Buck: $4,850
- Arapawa Ram: $2,500
- Goat: $2,500
- Boar: $3,250

*Red Stag in the 430" to 600" Class must be reserved before December 31st prior to the opening season to guarantee availability.

Day rates include all meals and accommodation for the duration of the hunt. Complimentary beer and wine with evening meal. Professional Guide, field preparation of trophy animals, use of firearms, pick and drop off at Christchurch Airport.

Hunter Day Rates:
- 1-on-1: $550
- 2-on-1: $400 ea.
- Non-Hunter/Observer: $250