FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Whatever’s on your mind, we’ve thought about it.

PLANNING YOUR HUNT

SEASONS & TIMINGS

  • Mid-February through to August for the main season; peak red stag roar occurs mid-March through mid-April. Velvet stag is November through January. Tahr/chamois winter coats are available late April through September; waterfowl May through July.

  • Hunting is solid from February through August. The roar peaks mid-March through to mid-April; May onward pairs well with winter-coat tahr/chamois.

  • No, success is strong across the entire season.

  • Typically early-April to early-May.

  • Yes, November through January aligns with summer holidays and prime dry-fly fishing.

  • The prime rutting period for Himalayan Tahr is May-July, when their impressive winter coats are at their longest.

  • First weekend in May through to the end of June.

BOOKINGS, INCLUSIONS & LOGISTICS

  • All-inclusive lodge stay with meals, beverages, daily guiding, local and airport transfers, Wi-Fi, and booked trophy fees. Upgrades, extra trophies, and curated add-ons are available at the current pricelist.

  • Flights, taxidermy, expediting, trophy upgrades or extra species, gratuities, visas, firearm import fees, and any pre/post-hunt touring.

  • No, New Zealand does not use a tag system.

  • We highly recommend being in the best shape possible for your age and physical abilities to ensure the best hunting experience. Don't be concerned if you have any physical or health limitations, our guides are well-trained, experienced, and considerate. They will tailor your hunt to suit your abilities. We have hosted all levels of fitness.

  • Yes, this is very common; videography/photography services are available for an extra fee, with edits delivered post-hunt. You will need to book in advance.

ON THE HUNT

ACCESS & AREAS

  • South Pacific Safaris lodge is right on their hunting land of 4400 acres. On this property are the Red Stag, Fallow Buck, Elk and Arapawa Ram. We have a 33000-acre private access to Tahr hunting country in the Southern Alps and concessions for several hundred thousand acres for the hunting of Chamois.

  • UTVs to vantage points, followed by spot-and-stalk.

    Helicopter or UTVs for Tahr access.

    Helicopter for Chamois hunting.

  • We have two options:

    1. Foot hunt on our private access 33000-acre property.

    2. Heli-assist hunt to help access the higher country.

  • Yes, we highly recommend efficient access to high alpine areas. Foot hunts are very physical.

  • No, prime areas are approximately one and a half hours’ drive to where the helicopter is based, right on the hunting area, so there is no wasted time in the air.

SHOOTING & HUNTING METHODS

  • Rifle: 100-300 yards on average (longer possible).

    Archery: up to 60 yards on antlered game.

  • Yes, spot-and-stalk archery is common with good success across species.

  • Yes, specialty hunts available by arrangement.

  • It is hunting, but shot opportunities for rifle red deer and elk are effectively high, with success rates to match.

  • Every effort is made to recover the game. However, in the unlikely event an animal is wounded and unrecovered, the full trophy fee applies. You may continue hunting on a trophy-fee basis.

  • Our experienced guides field-judge carefully. You can upgrade in the field if you choose to take a larger class than booked.

  • Relax at the lodge, enjoy unlimited local activities in Kaikōura’s unique town, or add species, since New Zealand does not have a tag or permit system.

OPTICS & GEAR IN THE FIELD

  • No, our guides carry Swarovski optics and rangefinders. However, you can bring your own if you prefer. We recommend bringing your own binoculars.

  • We recommend you wear what you feel most comfortable in; quiet technical camo helps for archery.

SPECIES GUIDE

RED STAG & ELK

  • A deep bellowing roar during the rut, often likened to a lion.

  • Rocky Mountain Elk is the largest big-game species in New Zealand. Mature bulls often range 300-500+ SCI.

  • Introduced in 1909, courtesy of President Theodore Roosevelt.

FALLOW DEER

  • Originally introduced from Europe.

  • Light brown with white spots, chocolate, white, and occasional black.

TAHR & CHAMOIS

  • Yes, this is a common add-on, best planned at the start to work around weather windows.

  • Yes, nannies make great additions to dioramas.

  • Both sexes have black horns; males tend to be heavier with a more pronounced hook.

OTHER SPECIES

  • Yes, a classic New Zealand species; great for extending a hunt or for youth/first-time hunters.

  • Yes, an affordable, fun big-game add-on.

WATERFOWL

  • Paradise ducks, black swans, mallards, grey and shoveler ducks, and Canada geese.

  • Often, subject to your country's import rules; taxidermy in New Zealand may be required.

WILDLIFE SAFETY

  • No, New Zealand has no snakes, predators, or venomous creatures.

FIREARMS

LODGE RIFLES

  • Yes, the most commonly used is the suppressed Sako with a Swarovski Z5 scope.

    Left and right-handed available at no charge.

  • We recommend .308.

BRINGING YOUR OWN FIREARM

  • Straightforward: apply to New Zealand Police for a visitor permit before arrival; we'll help with the process.

  • Approximately NZD $25, payable on arrival to the police; have cash ready to save time.

    More info here.

TOURING WITH A FIREARM

  • Using lodge rifles is recommended if you plan to tour, to avoid logistics issues. There is the possibility of storing with South Pacific Safaris whilst on tour if required.

  • Not permitted unless you are specifically hunting under Australian rules; tourists should not carry firearms into Australia.

THE LODGE

ROOMS & CAPACITY

  • We are a small, intimate hunting lodge. We accommodate 10 guests across 5 ensuite bedrooms.

  • Yes, South Pacific Safaris specialises in families, and all family members are most welcome.

  • Yes, complimentary. South Pacific Safaris uses Starlink.

FOOD & DRINK

  • Stays include a dedicated chef and hostess, brunch, afternoon tea, evening canapes and four-course dinners with paired wines, an extensive beverage selection, daily servicing, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless, luxurious, and personalised experience.

  • Yes, we provide an extensive selection of beverages, including top international and New Zealand wines and spirits, included as part of your stay.

  • Yes, South Pacific Safaris collects dietary preferences prior to arrival to provide tailored menus that accommodate allergies and specific requirements.

  • Yes, chef-prepared game dishes include venison.

Non-Hunting and Guest Activities

  • Our on-site hostess will look after non-hunters throughout their stay. Let us curate your dream experience—with a host of unique activities right on our doorstep, you'll be spoiled for choice during your visit.

  • Our on-site hostess curates everything to suit your interests and the weather.

  • No, typically we set up activities when you arrive and take into account weather when booking dates. But a heads up on popular activities, such as whale watch, early in the season is advisable.

  • Transport for non-hunting activities is easily organised by the lodge hostess.

  • Yes, Kaikōura is a small tourist town that is less than 30 minutes’ drive.

  • Yes, the lodge has two hot tubs and its very own masseuse.

TRAVEL & ARRIVAL

DOCUMENTS & ENTRY

  • Yes; ensure 3+ months' validity beyond departure for your passport. NZ ETA (Electronic Travel Authority): apply before travel.

    You can do so using this link.

FLIGHTS & TIME ZONES

  • We can recommend qualified travel agencies to assist our guests. If you book flights on your own, please let us review prior to booking. The international date line can cause mishaps.

  • Westbound to New Zealand, you 'lose' a day; eastbound home, you ‘gain’ it back. Plan flights accordingly.

MEETING POINT & PRE-HUNT STAY

  • We meet in Christchurch. We advise arriving at least a day prior to the hunt to relax. You will then be collected from your hotel at 10am on the morning of your hunt. It is a 2-hour drive to our hunting lodge. You will then start your hunt that afternoon.

  • Yes, South Pacific Safaris recommends arriving at least a day prior to the hunt to adjust to the time zone. Suggested hotels:

WEATHER & WHAT-TO-PACK

  • The weather is notoriously unpredictable; it's often said New Zealand can experience four seasons in one day. Since it can snow and rain at any time of year, bring quality waterproof clothing that's warm and well-fitting.

    • February-March (summer): pleasant, warm late-summer weather; daytime highs around 19-20c (66-68f), nights at 13c (55f).

    • April-May: moderate to cool; April highs around 16-17c (60-62f), lows near 9-10c (48-50f). Towards May, highs of 11-14c (51-57f), lows around 2-7c (35-44f), with distinctly cold mornings and evenings.

    • June-July (winter): daytime highs around 10-12c (50-54f), cold nights 0-4c (32-39f). June is typically slightly warmer than July with higher rainfall — cold, brisk, and often wet.

  • Plan on at least one wet day during a hunt week. Snow is unlikely.

  • Choose well-broken-in mountain boots (e.g. Crispi, Meindl, Scarpa, Lowa, Lathrop & Sons). Clean boots speed New Zealand customs to protect our environment from possible threats.

  • Yes, quality rain gear is essential year-round. We will supply our recommended gear list upon booking.

  • A tailored gear list is provided after booking. Daily laundry is included in daily rates.

POWER DEVICES

  • New Zealand uses 230-240v and Type I plugs; most modern devices are dual-voltage. Bring a plug adapter and consider a power strip. South Pacific Safaris has adaptors in each room plus hair dryers.

INSURANCE

  • Yes, we recommend Ripcord Rescue Travel Protection's comprehensive travel protection plan.

AFTER THE HUNT

TROPHY CARE & TAXIDERMY

  • Game is typically skinned and quartered in the field. The meat, capes, and antlers or horns are then transported to our on-site cooler. All trophies are skinned to your specific instructions for taxidermy. The trophies are either expedited to your appointed taxidermist in the United States or taxidermied here by one of our very experienced taxidermists in New Zealand.

  • We have a very experienced taxidermist here in New Zealand that we recommend.

    If you prefer to use your own taxidermist in the USA, that can be arranged.

EXPORT & SHIPPING

  • We deliver your trophies to a specialist expeditor, who handles prep, crating, documents, and coordinates directly with you for payment and delivery.

  • No, export paperwork and final prep complete post-hunt.

  • Roughly 90 days to your nearest designated port of entry, once processing and shipping are complete.

MEAT

  • The venison is utilised locally by donation. Up to 50lb of your meat can be taken back to the States as carry-on luggage. It needs to be prepared and packaged by a qualified person first, so generally needs to be taken early in the hunt week.

  • It is possible to take up to 50lb as carry-on luggage home. This needs to be prepared and packaged by an approved person. Harvest of the animal early in the hunt week is preferable to allow time to process.

GRATUITIES & COSTS

  • Gratuities are much appreciated by the staff. At your discretion; many guests tip ~10% of hunt value, commonly split two-thirds to the guide and one-third to lodge staff.

  • Yes, 15% GST is included in published prices.

FISHING

FLY FISHING

  • Yes, peak fly-fishing runs from November through April. The dry-fly season reaches its peak in December during the cicada hatch.

  • October 1 — April 30 for most trout waters.

  • Rainbow and brown trout are the primary targets.

Saltwater & Deep-Sea Fishing

  • Catches vary by location — from tuna and shark around Fiordland to snapper and kingfish in the Marlborough Sounds. The far north, around the Bay of Islands, offers exceptional saltwater fishing, ranging from marlin, kingfish, and sporting kahawai to terakihi (available around most of the coastline). Kahawai, an exceptionally fast and acrobatic fish, will strike eagerly at a fly cast from a boat or river mouth. Other species such as skipjack, tuna, and trevally also provide spectacular sport. Kaikōura generally catches sea perch, blue cod, groper and crayfish.

  • Best times by species:

    • Black marlin: comparatively rare; best off the East Coast north of East Cape, January to April.

    • Broadbill: rare but prized, widespread in midwater and usually offshore; best November to March.

    • Hammerhead shark: regularly enters northern waters in summer (bronze whalers and tigers can also be caught).

    • Mako shark: ranges north to the bottom of the South Island, most abundant in the North Island, particularly the far north; best in summer.

    • Pacific blue marlin: rarer; best off the East Coast north of East Cape, February to April.

    • Striped marlin: New Zealand reputedly has the largest in the world; best off the East Coast north of East Cape, December to June.

    • Thresher shark: most common from East Cape northward, can range as far south as Cook Strait.

    • Yellowfin tuna: mainly found on the East Coast north of East Cape; Whakatane is a noted base; best December to April.

    • Yellowtail (kingfish): ranges from the North Island to the northern South Island; a powerful fighter over 50kg (120lb); can be taken land-based; year-round in the north, mainly November to May in the Marlborough Sounds.

    Established bases (Bay of Islands, Mayor Island, Whakatane, Tutukaka, Tauranga) have charters supplying equipment, tackle, bait and refreshments.

    Day and overnight trips can be arranged; charters range NZ$700-1000 a day.

    South Island charters operate out of Milford Sound, the Marlborough Sounds (Havelock), and Kaikoura; North Island charters from Napier, Gisborne, and New Plymouth.

  • Highly variable by season, weather, and angler skill.

FISHING GEAR

  • For fly-fishing, bringing your own setup is recommended.