Hunt Nation is now offering trophy red stag, South Pacific elk and fallow deer on the largest certified game estate in the country for discerning hunters who want premium quality trophies paired with the most authentic fair chase hunting experience possible in New Zealand. Unlike many other outfitting operations found in New Zealand, red stag trophies here are not purchased from alternative game farms, nor are stags pre-measured and segregated into separate hunting estates based on antler size. Here, all stags are born and raised on the estate and hunters will encounter stags of all sizes during their hunt.
The outfitting business as well as the estate itself are family-owned and operated, whom of which are a fantastic group of people to spend any amount of time with. Hunt Nation’s Derek Amadio hunted with this outfitter in 2015 and has been sending happy clients here since.
The Hunt
All hunts are spot and stalk with 4wd vehicle access around the estate. Most hunts are conducted with two hunters per guide, unless otherwise requested. Standard packages include a five-day itinerary, with pickup and transfer to the lodge on day one with a return departure on day five, with four nights’ accommodations. This schedule allows for plenty of time to not only take a trophy stag but also additional game. Free range tahr and chamois, depending on the method used to pursue them, may require additional hunting days beyond a standard schedule.
Season
Hunts are available from February through July with the red deer rutting period, or “roar,” in March and April. It is not necessary to hunt during the roar for success but it is understandable many hunters choose this period to enjoy the sounds and rutting action. Generally speaking, the earlier in the season the better the selection of stags, with the later season offering the best hair quality on the alpine species. In-fact, we recommend hunting only during the months of May, June or July for anyone who wants optimal hair quality on a tahr or chamois trophy.
Getting Here
Fly internationally to Christchurch, New Zealand (CHC). Most international flight options from the United States will fly to Auckland (AKL) followed by a 1.5-hour domestic connecting flight onto Christchurch. Once in Christchurch, the outfitter will meet you with an hour road transfer to the lodge.
Accommodations
A lodge with four bedrooms each with ensuite bathrooms with a private in-house chef is standard with red stag packages. Hunters who want a more rustic approach may choose cabin located inside the estate available at a lower cost (approximately $500 per person savings for any packaged red stag hunt).
Additional Activities
The greater Rakaia Gorge region offers year-round activities including fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout, salmon fishing, jet boating, a choice of six ski areas including heliskiing, shopping and touring. A private guide and vehicle can be arranged to entertain non-hunting observers.
Red Stag Size Categories
Red stag packages are priced based on antler size with 25” increments between each category. A typical year will produce trophy stags from 300” to over 600” SCI. Unlike most other estate hunts in New Zealand, none of the stags here are captured and premeasured or segregated by size class. Therefore, all stags must be judged by the guide while in the field. Although rare, any error in the guide’s trophy judgment will go to the client’s favor. Upgrading to a larger size category during the hunt may be possible, pending availability.
325-350
350-375
375-400
400-425
425-450
450-475
475-500
500-550
550-600
600+
Pricing for 2024
Five Day/Four Night Package Pricing for 2024:
1 Hunter 2 Hunters
Red Stag up to 350 $8,000 $7,000
Red Stag up to 375 $9,000 $8,000
Red Stag up to 400 $11,500 $10,500
Red Stag up to 425 $14,000 $13,000
Red Stag up to 450 $18,000 $17,000
Red Stag over 450 POR POR
Trophy Fees for Additional Species
Fallow Buck, up to 230 $4,500
Fallow Buck, above 230 $6,500
Fallow Buck, over 260 POA
Wapiti Bull starting at $7,500
Himalayan Tahr (best available) $6,500
Alpine Chamois (best available) $4,900
Helicopter Assistance (If requested, per flight hour) $2,200
Arapawa Ram (best available) $1,750
Pacific Goat (best available) $1,500
Captain Cook Boar (best available) $1,500
Additional Guided Hunting Days: $700
Additional Nights at Lodge: $250
Guided Touring Days with Guide, Vehicle and Lunch, Per Person: $250
Youth Daily Rate (Under 18): $200
Youth Daily Rate (Under 10): No Charge
Season Dates: 2024: Call for open dates February through July
Pricing is largely all-inclusive from arrival in Christchurch to departure. Airport reception and ground transfers, meals and accommodations during the hunt, 1×1 or 2×1 guiding, trophy fee(s) for chosen package; rifle rental and basic prep and transport of trophies to taxidermist/expeditor are all included.
