On this page you will find useful information you may need to know before hunting in New Zealand. Click on the links below or scroll down to view.

Clothing
Fitness Level
Firearms
New Zealand's Outdoors
Climatic Conditions
References
Useful Links

Clothing
While on safari the use of loose fitting, warm and appropriately coloured clothing is recommended.

Soft colours as with olives are excellent, however there are many camouflage patterns available that fit our surroundings.

In winter hunts, it is advisable to carry thermal underwear, and polar fleece or woollen outer garments.

At all times, a good lightweight water proof jacket is needed. We do not suggest denim jean type materials or footwear as light as running shoes. We do emphasise that boots perform the most critical part of the hunt, they need to be reasonably light, leather, with a traction sole. Back to Top

Fitness Level
With the rugged mountainous terrain in New Zealand big game hunting requires good general physical fitness.

Our Wilderness Hunts require high levels of fitness as the terrains we cover can vary greatly.

Our Package Hunts however are not as physically challenging as the Wilderness Hunts and can be tailored for most fitness levels. In some cases there is the support of additional aids such as aerial transport to recover hunted game. Back to Top

Firearms
The firearms that are needed can be supplied, however a hunter can bring his own rifle or shotgun into this country for a license fee of NZ$25.00.

Recommended calibers are from 6mm to the larger 30 caliber magnums. Bullet weights from 100 grains to 180 grains.
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New Zealand's Outdoors...such diverse opportunities for the Trophy Hunter.
New Zealand consists of two main islands, the North Island being less mountainous than the South Island.

The pride of the South Island is it's mountain chain, the Southern Alps. New Zealand's outdoors are a glowing example of many environments and landforms.

As you travel from the coast line to the island's centres, you will encounter spectacular changes caused hugely by climate and geological structure. Few animals were here upon man's first arrival. New Zealand being mainly a large sanctuary for bird life, with no known predominant predators.

Wild animals as we know today, were transplanted by the very earliest of white settlers and became established at a rapid rate. Most likely due to the plentiful rainfall and vegetation and the absence of preditation, apart from man.

An overseas visitor will soon notice these rapid changes in climate. This may be better understood by noting the size and shape of New Zealand's coastline and adding several different sea currents and two prominent wind directions.

As the land mass is so diverse, both rain or sun can become quickly expected or accepted. Wild animals, as with all wildlife, are dependent upon their early instinctive weather forecasting ability. The study of this behaviour enables a good hunting guide to help determine where there are better hunting prospects. A factor that Kiwi Wilderness Safaris are most aware of. Back to Top

Climatic Conditions
The seasons in New Zealand are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is during June, July, August. During a 7-10 day period one can expect a few days of rain or snow in this season.

Summer is (December, January, February) and Autumn (March, April, May), however, are at times hot, though there is distinct cooling during the evenings especially during the Autumn season in the High Country. The best of the settled weather is usually late Summer and early Autumn.

Click here for information about clothing you will need while hunting in New Zealand. Back to Top

References

Rod Brandenberg, USA

"I really enjoyed the hunt, too bad we didn't have more time to acquire another Tahr brute, a great excuse to come again. I can say with authority now that these animals were definitely harder to hunt than sheep, because of their habitat. They’re more curious than sheep, but they move less frequently, therefore more difficult to locate. You have an amazing set of ‘peppers’ Pete, some of the Tahr you were spotting were barely visible through a spotting scope! Many thanks." (Wilderness Hunt)

Philip Holden, Noted & very experienced NZ outdoor writer specialising in hunting & the NZ high country

"Thanks to Peter’s tireless efforts and boundless enthusiasm I secured two very representative Tahr, both making the SCI record book score, and one making the NZDA record book score. I found Peter extremely good company, he has an easy knack of getting along with people and knows his animals and the country they frequent as well as any man in his line of work. Indeed I found his ability to spot Tahr at extreme long range nothing short of extraordinary. Really I can’t recommend him highly enough." (Wilderness Hunt)

Jeff O’Dell, USA

"Peter operates a top notch hunting outfit to include the very best of equipment and accommodations, and especially his expertise in scouting and judging game. Peter made us feel right at home from day one and worked very hard guiding me two magnificent trophy animals, the Tahr and the Chamois." (Wilderness Hunt)

Dr Calvin Speckman, USA

"The trip was great! Peter was flexible to switch hunting areas for the local weather conditions. He was willing to change the day’s plans according to my wife’s wishes. (she says that has never happened before). I would strongly recommend the sightseeing aspect, as Peter allowed time to soak in the local culture. Peter can tailor make a hunt to satisfy any ones taste and ability. All the three trophies I booked were great, with the Red stag being much better than I had hoped for." (Package Hunt)

Bob & Faye Survil, Duncanville, Texas, USA

"We really put Pete to the test during our week's visit. His main task was to be Bob's hunting guide with the primary objective being a Himalayan Tahr and gold medal Red stag. Despite adverse weather conditions, Pete's tactics paid off with an extremely nice gold (SCI 310 2/8) Red and a symmetrical (44 2/8) Tahr and to add a bonus a pair of Paradise duck. All in all we believe that we received exceptionally good value for our money and highly recommend Peter's Kiwi Wilderness Safaris."

Vey Payne, Beaudesert, Queensland, Australia

"I have no hesitation in recommending Peter's Kiwi Wilderness Safaris for personal good companionship and success, which is a result of Peter's experience and unequalled knowledge of the animals and habitat he hunts."

George Guymer, Narrandera, New South Wales, Australia

"Peter is an extremely good hunter who does his work before you arrive and if you are willing to work on the hunt you will achieve what you came for." Back to Top

Useful Links
Hunting & Fishing Links

• Stoney Creek Shop, New Zealand Your first choice for quality outdoor gear
• Trout Fishing Services Dick Marquand Trout Fishing Services · Central Otago · New Zealand

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