About South Pacific Safaris
There’s a handful of guides that can take you hunting in Kaikōura.
But they don’t have our hard-won heritage of doing it this well.
Our team
We’re a family unit
We all grew up together, closely connected to the land and the guests we bring into our home. With South Pacific Safaris, you’re more than a client. You’re part of our story.
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Becky
CHEF
Becky is our in-house chef, preparing the meals that bring people together at the end of a day in the field.With family recipes passed down generation to generation, Becky’s cooking is shaped by the produce of Kaikōura. From fresh seafood to homegrown meat, fruit, and vegetables, it’s all sourced locally.
For Becky, the best moments are when everyone’s at the table: sharing food, stories, and laughter before the hunt starts again.
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![A middle-aged man and woman standing outdoors in front of a lush, green mountain landscape. The man is wearing a black jacket with a logo, and the woman is dressed in a light-colored dress. Both are smiling and looking at the camera.]()
Brent & Louise
OWNERS
Brent and Louise are the owners of South Pacific Safaris, welcoming guests into a ranch that is as much their home as it is a hunting destination.Together, they bring a deep respect for the land and the game that thrives on the estate, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Brent and Louise find that the true reward of the hunting experience lies in hospitality. Opening the property to others, so that lasting memories and connections can be made.
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![A man in outdoor camouflage clothing smiling while standing on a grassy trail with rolling hills and the ocean in the background.]()
Dan
GUIDE
Dan is one of our trusted guides. He relishes chats with guests, knows the terrain like the back of his hand, and enjoys the chase of every hunt.With Dan, you’re in good hands. Every hill is conquered with a smile and the confidence to know what’s over the next horizon.
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![A young man is standing outdoors next to a truck, with a brown dog standing in the truck bed. The man is wearing a gray jacket and shorts, and the dog has its tongue hanging out.]()
Gus
GUIDE
Born and raised in North Canterbury, hunting has been a part of Gus’ life from an early age.
What began as rabbit shooting (with an ambitious goal to score 100 before nabbing his first deer) quickly became a lifelong pursuit. Gus has now hunted extensively across New Zealand and overseas, bringing that depth of experience to every hunt he guides.Gus can’t wait to help you achieve your dream trophy.
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Hayden
GUIDE
With more than 30 years guiding at South Pacific Safaris, Hayden knows this land and its animals as well as anyone.Every week, his goal is the same: for every client to walk away having had the hunt of a lifetime.
Hunting has been a constant thread through Hayden’s life, and that passion extends well beyond the ranch. He's deeply woven into the Kaikōura community, particularly through teaching young people how to hunt with care and respect for the land and animals they're a part of.
Off the clock, you'll find him out pig hunting with his pack of dogs, or taking friends, family, and kids into the hills. The relationships and memories built through time in the field? That's what keeps him coming back.
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![A man wearing a gray cap with and a camouflage jacket, fishing in a natural outdoor setting with mountains and greenery in the background.]()
James
GUIDE
James works as a guide and represents the company at hunting shows across the USA. Hunting has been a lifelong passion of his: he first picked up a rifle at age 7, starting with rabbits, hares, and possums. Since then, he has taken all but one trophy species in the South Island and is now setting his sights on completing the North Island list.
James loves showcasing New Zealand's beautiful landscapes and being part of the lifelong memories made by the incredible people who choose to hunt with us. Being part of a family-owned and operated business makes it all the more rewarding. The team works together toward a shared goal, and knowing they're doing it for more than just a job is what makes it truly special.
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![A woman smiling outdoors. She is wearing a black T-shirt with a logo, a white long-sleeve shirt underneath, and a brown apron tied at the waist. The background features mountains and greenery.]()
Kerryn
Kerryn is a trained soft tissue masseuse who brings a genuine spa experience right to the chalets: perfect for guests looking to recover after a long day in the field. When she's not working out the knots, you'll often find her in the kitchen alongside Becky, where she's equally at home.
Our story
This estate was one of the first New Zealand HUNTING RANCHES.
Now a family-run business since 2018, we’re the only hunting outfit in New Zealand to provide both coastal and alpine experiences.
And it’s difficult to match our calibre. At South Pacific Safaris, there’s no division between “staff” and “hosts”. The people guiding you are the same people who care for the land, fill our game freezers, prepare the lodge, and fill your glass at dinner.
We’re not here to rush you through an itinerary. You’re our house guest. Enjoy a glass with us, kick back, and then let’s get out there.
Our approach
We don’t measure our success by the number of guests, but by the satisfaction of each one.
This is why we only host a limited number of people.
We want to focus on you without distraction. How you like to hunt, what you’re looking for, and where you come alive.
That’s what sets South Pacific Safaris apart. Your time with us is tailored. No one else will get the same experience you enjoy.
Join our table
Join our table
“Thank you so much for making us feel at home and part of your family. This place is amazing. Precious memories made. Fantastic trophies. Beautiful, hospitable place to hang our hat. Wouldn’t change a thing. See you all again with our sons!”