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The Crown Jewel of Stag Hunting

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NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand flag

The Destination

New Zealand has become one of the world’s premier destinations for hunters pursuing the majestic Red Stag. Known for producing some of the largest and most spectacular stags on earth, New Zealand combines breathtaking scenery with a hunting culture that is as wild as it is refined. The adventure goes beyond the hunt. Rolling hills, alpine peaks, pristine rivers, and the warm hospitality of the Kiwi people make every safari here unforgettable.

The Terrain

The terrain varies dramatically offering unique hunting experiences:

  • South Island: Towering Southern Alps, alpine valleys, tussock grasslands, and native beech forests. Prime Red Stag and Tahr country.

  • Glacial Lakes & Rivers: Sparkling waters running through mountain gorges make the backdrop as stunning as the hunt itself.

 

Most stag hunts involve a spot-and-stalk approach, with glassing from ridgelines and challenging climbs to position for the shot.

Huntable Game Species

New Zealand is a free-range and estate hunting paradise with a variety of big game species introduced in the 19th and 20th centuries:

  • The Red Stag – the iconic trophy species of the region.

  • Other Big Game: Himalayan Tahr, Chamois, Fallow deer, Elk (wapiti), and Arapawa rams

 

The Red Stag roar (rut) from March to April is the pinnacle hunting season, when stags are highly vocal and offer thrilling stalks.

The Experience

  • Cuisine: Dining in New Zealand emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. Hunters enjoy venison, lamb, seafood, and farm-to-table meals paired with world-class wines from regions like Marlborough and Central Otago. Game meat from the hunt is often prepared in camp, adding a personal connection to each meal.

  • Lodging: Accommodations range from traditional high-country hunting cabins to an alpine lodge with five-star amenities set against panoramic backdrops, offering comfort and atmosphere after a day in the field.​

Why Hunt New Zealand?

  • Legendary Red Stag trophies, from free-range to record-book estate hunts.

  • Diverse game opportunities, including Tahr and Chamois in alpine country.

  • Unmatched scenery.

  • Warm Kiwi hospitality with world-class food, wine, and lodging.

  • The roar season, one of the most exciting big game hunts in the world.

 

New Zealand map

"New Zealand, an experience that blends adventure, scenery, and comfort."

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Interested in hunting New Zealand?

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