New
Zealand Hunts
Stick & String Outfitters
is proud to bring you a very special bowhunting opportunity
in New Zealand. We have teamed up with one of
the largest and most diverse, best quality, and well-respected
outfitters in New Zealand, Kiwi Safaris.
They also have the most bowhunting experience of any
outfitter on the islands. Being a large outfitter, they
can offer diverse hunting on numerous properties for
any species you desire. Kiwi Safaris
is also one of the few New Zealand outfitters to offer
"free range" hunts in addition to "estate
hunts." Kiwi Safaris New Zealand is located in
our of the worlds most diverse hunting locations - the
South Island. They also offer hunts on the North Island.
Hunting with Kiwi Safaris
We offer only the very best in fair chase
"free range" hunting on exclusive private
properties, where outstanding trophies are regularly
taken. We also offer the finest "game ranch"
hunts on our exclusive hunting estates, for all game
animals in New Zealand. We don’t just hunt one
small property therefore limiting our client’s
chance of taking the largest trophies.
Jeri Frehner with her World Record
Red Stag for a lady hunter at 468 SCI.
The different species of game animals
all have different requirements to grow the largest
trophies, from climate to terrain. Also clients get
the opportunity to see more of our beautiful country.
All trophies are eligible for the SCI record book, plus
each year we consistently take a number of Red Stags
and Wapiti (Elk) Bulls that score over 400 SCI.
All out hunting in the South Island takes
place on rolling to steep hill country, which backs
onto the lofty peaks of the Southern Alps. A reasonable
level of fitness is preferable and will make your hunt
more enjoyable. In the North Island, the country is
rolling and easy to get around.
We specialize in husband and wife teams
and use only the best accommodation where you can enjoy
first class meals and genuine Kiwi hospitality. When
on safari we use our own lodges, our new one at Sherwood
Downs and of course our lodge at Quartz Creek. In Christchurch
we recommend our clients to stay at the Crowne Plaza
Hotel.
Join the 'professional and friendly team'
from KIWI Safaris and experience all we have to offer
in the South Pacific; Big Game Hunting, Bird shooting
and Varmint Hunting, Fishing and Photographic safaris...
'Come as client, leave as a friend'...
Bowhunting
Kiwi Safaris New Zealand attract more
and more bow hunters every year and this is reflected
in the SCI Bow Hunting Record Book where in the Tahr
section alone, clients of Kiwi Safaris NZ hold 9
of the first 10 placings. Many huge red stag have
also been taken with bow and arrow.
We encourage our bow hunters to come
early in the season from late February through to May
as the days are longer, the game is more settled and
the access is excellent to our properties at that time
of year.
We use the spot and stalk method of hunting,
plus we also have a few blinds in strategic spots. All
our guides carry laser range finders and typically shots
are between 25-40 yards.
Mike Freeman is the General Manager of
Kiwi Safaris New Zealand. He is a past winner of the
World Bow Hunters chapter award for Professional Outfitter
of the year. Mike’s great love of hunting over
the previous twenty years saw him become an outfitter
in 1988. Being an avid trophy hunter, he has built up
an excellent knowledge of all game species found throughout
the South Pacific. Mike has also hunted overseas with
some of the best outfitters in Australia, New Caledonia,
Mongolia, Canada and the United States. In January 2004
and 2005 Mike was honoured by Safari Club International
at the Reno Convention when he was awarded the runner
up award for the International Professional Hunter of
the Year for 2004 and 2005.
Big Game Hunting
Red Stag Hunting
Red Stag is probably the most popular
animal in New Zealand for overseas hunters to pursue.
They can be sought after from February to the end of
August. The top months for pursuing these magnificent
animals is March or April when they are in the roar
which is similar to the rut that our elk have.
We have the world's greatest red deer
herds on offer. Native to Europe, red deer were first
introduced to New Zealand in 1851 from top Scottish
and English herds. With our mild climate, the lack of
any predators plus widespread releases, they were soon
established through the North and South Islands. The
red stag can be hunted from late February through to
the end of August. Many consider March and April the
most exciting hunting, as this is when the ‘rut’
is on. The ‘roar’ of the red stag is enough
to excite the most experienced trophy hunter.
Of the seven deer species still to be
found in New Zealand, the red deer is the most common
and is almost the most sought after quarry of the hundreds
of overseas hunters who regularly visit our shores.
Kiwi Safaris offer the finest ‘free range’
and ‘game ranch’ trophy hunts for red stag
in New Zealand.
We hunt both Islands, on large private
sheep and cattle ranches, which feature rolling hill
country, interspersed with clear mountain streams and
areas of native forest. In the South Island, free range
stags are found on the Phantom Wilderness.
The size and nature of the country makes
them difficult to hunt, except for the hardened and
fit trophy hunter. The red stag is about the size of
a mule deer buck. Every year we take trophy stags from
about 300 SCI to 450 SCI. In good growing years the
largest stags will approach 500 SCI. Free range stags
measure from around 260 to 330 SCI.
New Zealand Bull
Elk
It was in 1905 that the only liberation
of North American Elk took place, in the inhospitable
Fiordland National Park, in the southwestern corner
of the South Island. The area consists of steep glaciated
valleys, clad in dense rain forests, surrounded by towering
bluffs and snow capped mountains. The area is subject
to a rainfall level exceeding 300 inches annually.
The Rocky Mountain Elk adapted readily
to their new environment and in the early years grew
antlers approaching the best that their North American
forebears produced. Unfortunately, the herd expansion
was halted by the topography and the fast encroaching
Red deer herds with which they interbred. Because there
are so few pure Elk left in the wilds of Fiordland,
the only hunt we offer is a ‘game estate’
hunt in the South Island.
Each year we take some exceptional bulls,
with both rifle and bow in the 300-400+SCI range. Elk
or Wapiti as they are known in New Zealand can be hunted
from the middle of February through to August. The Elk
bugle starts in March and continues through April.
Himalayan Tahr
and European Chamois Hunting
Tahr and chamois are two of the most prized wild goat
species in the world. They inhabit some of the
most rugged country known to man. Mike Freeman's KIWI
Safaris has long been known for the high quality of
it's free range, fairchase alpine hunts for Himalayan
Tahr and Chamois. During the last decade we have put
in place, rigorous long term game management strategies,
on the ranches we hunt exclusively. Our aim is to develop
the finest free range, fairchase hunting available in
New Zealand. Hunting that compares to any of the great
hunting adventures, available in the World. We are now
achieving this with our Himalayan Tahr hunts.
All our Tahr and Chamois properties are
fully accessible by four wheel drive vehicle. Sometimes
in the winter we may use a helicopter for transport,
but all hunting is done on foot. The hunting is spot
and stalk, so good binoculars are essential. Our guides
carry spotting scopes at all times. Accommodation can
be in our hunting lodge situated in the high mountains
or at one of ranch houses close by the hunting area,
with full facilities and excellent meals, it is ideal
for hunters and their families. We customize every hunt
to meet our client's every need so contact us for a
quote.
The Tahr and Chamois can be hunted from
our lodges at Sherwood Estate or in the Rangitata Valley
on Quartz Creek. Experience the best Tahr and
Chamois with Kiwi Safaris.
Tahr Hunting
The Tahr has been designed by nature as
the perfect extreme mountain animal with only the Rocky
Mountain Goat challenging him as the ‘King of the
Mountain’. The Tahr bound down the almost vertical
rock bluffs, their hooves barely touching the rock,
while we only can stand and watch in awe.
To see a mature Bull, in full rut, standing
on the white snow, his flared mane blowing in the wind
is one of the most memorable alpine hunting experiences.The
bulls are either solitary or in small bachelor groups,
but at the onset of the ‘rut’ in early may,
they join the female groups. A mature Bull can weigh
up to 300 lbs.
At Kiwi Safaris NZ we pride ourselves
on the fact we hunt 95% of all our Tahr on foot without
the need for helicopter access. Our 4 private properties
border one another and have excellent 4x4 vehicle access.
Remember, we hunt on the eastern side
of the Southern Alps and it is all ranch country ranging
from rolling hills to steep mountain country at the
back of the properties. A Tahr hunt, while being quite
physical is achievable by most people and we have guided
clients as young as 9 years of age and a number of Lady
hunters as well to secure the trophy of a lifetime.
For Tahr hunting, the best time for the
capes is from May through to October and it is possible
to see in excess of 100 Tahr a day with many trophy
bulls among them.
It is recognized that Kiwi Safaris New Zealand has the
finest foot hunting in New Zealand on its private land
for trophy bull Tahr.
It is also a fact the Kiwi Safaris NZ
have taken more trophy bull Tahr with the bow than anyone
else in New Zealand.
Chamois Hunting
Native of central and southern Europe,
the Chamois is one of the most graceful game animals
to be found in New Zealand. Introduced in 1907, they
are now found throughout the mountain ranges of the
South Island. Of the antelope family, the Chamois has
exceptional eyesight and has the ability to run effortlessly
in the roughest terrain.
Both the Bucks and Does have horns but those of the
female are normally thinner. The Chamois are a small
nimble animal.
The bucks are usually solitary animals
and sometimes they are found in small bachelor groups.
However with the onset of the rut in April they join
the female family groups for about a month. During the
mating season the older bucks become quite aggressive
and intolerant of the younger males, driving them off,
emitting a whistle sound as a warning.
The Chamois like the Tahr can be hunted year round,
but the most popular time is from April through to August
when the capes are long and black in color with a silver
strip along their spine. We normally hunt the Chamois
on foot using the spot and stalk method of hunting.
Access is by 4x4 vehicles and it is common to come across
Chamois while hunting Tahr as they are found in the
same areas on our properties.
We can also offer a helicopter for access
to some of the more remote areas to get where there
are some excellent numbers of trophy animals. This can
be an exciting alternative, as well as being the most
spectacular flights you will experience with the opportunity
to take exceptional trophies.
Fallow Deer Hunting
Originally from Europe, the first fallow
deer were introduced into New Zealand in 1864. Now they
are the second most wide spread deer in New Zealand.
Despite its small size, the fallow buck is very aggressive,
during the ‘rut’, when vicious and often fatal
fights between bucks occur.
Fallow exhibit three color phases; the
most common black or chocolate brown, the brown and
spotted menil, and the white fallow. We take several
of each color phase every year. Fallow bucks can be
hunted from March through to September.
Their antlers differ from Red deer and
are more like the moose, round near the bases and palmated
out towards the ends. During the ‘rut’ which
starts in early April and finishes in May, the bucks
are very vocal, making a ‘grunt’ or ‘croak’
noise, as he issues his challenge.
Kiwi Safaris New Zealand offer both ‘free
range’ and ‘game estate’ hunts, on large
private sheep and cattle ranches, which feature rolling
hill country, interspersed with reas of native forest
and scrub.The Fallow bucks elusive nature means he can
often live in small areas of brush or forest, feeding
out onto nearby crops or pasture, similar to the elusive
Whitetail of North America. Limited take of mature trophy
bucks has ensured we can maintain high trophy standards.
Hunting is spot and stalk, on the bush fringes usually
in the morning and evenings. The 'rut' is an exciting
time to hunt with the vocal, aggressive bucks challenging
each other, while keeping harems in tact. The terrain
is rolling hills.
Over the past 5 years, the size of the
Fallow deer now being taken has risen quite remarkably
and now it is becoming common to get Bucks scoring greater
than 230SCI.
Typically we take between 25-30 Bucks a year and after
the Red Stag are the most favored deer species.
We hunt on 3 properties for Fallow and
they are all within a short drive of one another.
Sika, Sambar, and
Rusa Deer Hunting
In addition to the species listed above,
we also offer excellent hunting for Sika, Sambar, and
Rusa deer. Please contact Stick & String Outfitters
for details.
Wild Boar Hunting
Captain Cook was the first European to
liberate wild pigs in New Zealand in 1773. They are
now found all over the country.
It is common to hunt boars with trained
dogs, which is exciting and often dangerous, with unpredictable
boars. We also use the spot and stalk method on we have
excellent properties which have numerous boars. Many
of the wild boar get extremely large, some weighing
several hundred pounds.
Feral Goats and
Sheep Hunting
Feral goats are widespread throughout
New Zealand, and come in every conceivable size, shape
and color. Trophy billies can be hard to find and a
hunt can be an exciting addition to a safari. We have
areas with large numbers, making them ideal for bow
hunters.
The Arapawa sheep was introduced by explorer,
Captain Cook. They make an unusual and attractive trophy,
with many rams being taken by overseas hunters each
year.
We also have areas where wild merino sheep can be found.
Small
Game Hunting and Fishing
Hunting for a variety of varmints is
part of the excitement of hunting with Kiwi Safaris.
We hunt for wallabys, goats, hares, rabbits and 'possums.
These varmint hunts can be a great interlude on your
big game safari, also great for honing the shooting
skills. They are a lot of fun for your partner, and
the younger hunters, if you bring them down to New Zealand
with you.
We also have good numbers of wild turkeys
on several of our properties. We have one area in particular
which has lots of 'big ol' toms'.
New Zealand has some excellent game bird
shooting in both the North and South Islands. Most of
our bird shooting takes place on properties near our
main Tahr hunting properties, so can be combined with
a hunt or fishing safari. We can also offer Pheasant
and Quail hunts.
The general duck season runs from early
May until the end of July. During this season you can
shoot Mallards, Grey ducks, Paradise Ducks, Black Swans
and Canada Geese. Canada Geese can be hunted for 10
months each year, and there are additional seasons for
shooting ducks over crops.
Experience some of the finest trout and
salmon fishing in the World! Generally all of our fishing
safaris are carried out in the beautiful South Island.We
are fortunate to have some of the best guides in New
Zealand available to us. Guides like Dick Marquand of
Cromwell, who operates on Lake Dunstan and the surrounding
rivers, which are only an short drive from Queenstown.
Hunting Properties
Game Ranch Hunts
Kiwi Safaris offers the best game ranch
hunts in New Zealand. Our exclusive Game Ranches are
large, rolling country with native bush cover for the
animals. They offer exciting, challenging and sometimes
demanding hunts for some exceptional record book trophies.
All trophies taken on our game ranches make the record
book! We like to customize our hunts to meet our client's
every need. Every combination of species and size trophies
available!
What ever you need let us give you a
quote for the hunt of a lifetime! Join the 'team' from
Kiwi Safaris and experience all New Zealand has to offer.
We use a combination of Lodges, Motor
Inns and Ranch Style accommodation depending on where
we are hunting. With full facilities and excellent meals
it is ideal for hunters and their families. Sight seeing,
shopping, adventure and eco tours available for families.
We have a range of rifles available at no extra charge.
While monster Red stags and huge Elk
bulls are the main game ranch animals Kiwi Safaris hunts,
we also can hunt for exceptional Fallow, Sika, Rusa,
and Sambar deer. We can also hunt Tahr and Chamois on
a game ranch, but because our wild free range hunting
for these animals is so good, we like to give our clients
the ultimate alpine hunt.
Let the "professional team" from Kiwi Safaris
help put your name in the Record book for all time!
Sherwood Park Estate
This property is adjacent to our lodge
and consists of gently rolling hills dissected by crystal
clear streams, which climb through native tussock to
the mountains beyond. The milder climate ensures less
winter snow and more spring rain, which in turn make
great antler growing conditions. We hunt here for huge
Red Stags, Wapiti and Fallow Deer with the occasional
Chamois also being taken. It is also an ideal hunting
area for Bow Hunters given that it has excellent cover
over the whole property. There are also opportunities
to hunt Wild Turkey here and fantastic trout fishing
is only 5 minutes drive away.
Quartz Creek
Quartz Creek Hunting Estate lies on the
southern side of the Rangitata River. It rises from
the river terraces to magnificent rolling snow tussock
covered tops and down Quartz Creek on the other side
to the adjacent Phantom Wilderness. This is a 7,000
map acres property but if laid flat would translate
to over 10,000 acres making it New Zealand’s largest
and most magnificent hunting estate.
Red and Fallow Deer are the most predominant
game to be found here with Tahr and Chamois also present
in good numbers throughout the rugged steep creeks in
the area.
Canada Geese shooting and great Trout and Salmon fishing
are also close by. We use our 4x4 vehicles for access
and accommodation is in our Quartz Creek lodge which
features 3 guest bedrooms with private bathroom facilities.
The views from the lodge are spectacular looking up
the Rangitata River Valley.
North Island -
Poronui Ranch
Through our partnership with Westervelt, Kiwi Safari
can now offer the worlds greatest sika hunting at the
home of sika, Poronui Station. What was once a vast
high country sheep and cattle run is now a world-class
sporting estate attracting trophy hunters and wing shooters
from around the world.
Poronui is ideal Sika deer habitat and
the original New Zealand release of this species was
made here in the early 1900s. Since then this wild herd
has flourished and the property produces world-class
trophy heads each season. In addition, the extensive
game ranch offers trophy hunting for Red, Rusa, Sambar,
Sika Stags and Fallow Buck.
Free Range Hunts
Kiwi Safaris is one of the few outfitters
in New Zealand to offer true "free-range"
hunts on large sections of quality private land. The
Red Stag won't be as big as the "estate hunts"
but these lands offer challenging and extremely rewarding
hunts. Free range stags measure from around 260 to 330
SCI.
The Hossack
Our property, The Hossack, provides the
highest quality free range Red Stag hunts available.
Enjoy hunting for a true free range Red Stag on 25,000
acres of private wilderness country. Stags taken are
guaranteed to make the SCI record book. Hunters may
also take any non trophy 'pigs' during the hunt. Best
time is from the middle of February through to the middle
of May for this hunt. Minimum of 2 hunters and maximum
of 4.
Glazebrook
This high country ranch is situated in
the Marlborough area of the South Island. Clients have
the choice of flying into Blenheim or into Christchurch
where they will be transferred to the ranch by vehicle.
Glazebrook offers one of the best "Free Range"
hunts for Red Stag, Fallow Deer and Chamois. The property
also has a Game Ranch for those on a limited time frame.
Accommodation is in a new custom built lodge which has
4 chalets with private facilities in each.
Enjoy 5 days of hunting for a true free
range Red Stag on 16,000 acres of private wilderness
country. Stags taken are guaranteed to make the SCI
record book. Hunters may also take any non trophy 'pigs'
during the hunt. Best time is from the middle of February
through to the middle of May for this hunt. Minimum
of 2 hunters and maximum of 4.
Phantom Wilderness
The Phantom Wilderness area is the premier
Tahr and Chamois free range hunting property in New
Zealand following our game management plans over the
past 12 years. The hunting area consists of native alpine
grasslands or snow tussock as it is known in New Zealand.
We regularly take Bulls over 13 inches which was a dream
only a few short years ago. Here we hunt the impressive
Tahr and Chamois on foot using our 4x4 vehicles for
easy access to the remote valleys. Many outfitters will
tell you that you can only hunt Tahr with a helicopter
but this is not true as you will find when you hunt
with us. When hunting the Phantom Wilderness we stay
at our lodge at Sherwood which is only 20 minutes drive
away.
Orari Wilderness
This is our new hunting property which
was hunted for the first time in the 2005 season. It
consists of 8,500 acres and is rolling hill country
which borders the Orari River and the Phantom Wilderness
area. There are 3 good streams flowing through the property,
has its own airstrip, 3 excellent duck ponds and is
home to Red Stags, Wapiti, Fallow, Tahr and Chamois.
It has great 4x4 vehicle access and is only 10 minutes
drive from our lodge. The views from here are awesome
and we also intend to build a cabin here in case of
inclement weather.
Food and Lodging
Sherwood Park Country
Estate
Sherwood Park Estate lies to the south
of the Phantom Wilderness and Quartz Creek. Here the
landscape changes from the high mountains and flows
into the lower altitude, gently rolling Fairlie Basin.
The milder climate ensures less winter
snow and more spring rain, which in turn make great
antler growing conditions. The estate is high fenced
and compromises gently rolling country dissected by
crystal clear streams, which climb though native tussock
to the adjacent mountains.
The gentle easy country makes Sherwood
Park, ideal for the older less able hunter looking for
a superb Red stag, fallow buck and the occassional chamois.
While hunting Sherwood Park accommodation is at our
newly built Sherwood Park Lodge, which has three guest
rooms each having ensuite bathrooms.
Our main lodge is near Fairlie on the
South Island. It is called Sherwood Lodge and it is
close to our main hunting areas particularly the Sherwood
Range. The Sherwood Lodge has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
plus we have 4 chalets there which are totally self
contained.
We also have a large Games/Trophy Room
which contains a Plasma Screen, Cable TV, Laser Shot
Game, Pool Table, Internet access, Play Station etc.
We also have a Golf Driving range, Archery Range, Clay
Bird Shooting and several Jeeps for 4x4 tours.
Quartz Creek Lodge
Our other lodge is at Quartz Creek in
the Rangitata River Valley. The lodge here has 3 bedrooms
and 3 bathrooms. It also has a self contained unit near
the lodge.Right opposite this lodge rafting and fishing
is available.
Glazebrook
Accommodation is in a new custom built
lodge which has 4 chalets with private facilities in
each.
Prices and Packages
Hunt Packages
Kiwipak™ Hunts
Over the years, we have put together
some of the more popular combination hunts and have
named them KiwiPak™ Hunts. All hunts listed below
contain the trophy fees for the animals listed, all
accommodation, meals during the hunt, guiding, use of
firearms and field preparation of your trophies.
(These prices may be subject to change without notice)
(1) KiwiPak™ Kiwi Safaris
New Zealand “Grand Slam” 8 day Hunting Safari
– Gold Medal SCI Red Stag, Gold Medal
SCI Wapiti Fallow, Tahr and Chamois. This exciting 8
day Safari will take place on the beautiful South Island.
Best months are May, June and July. $23,400
(2) KiwiPak™ 7 day Hunting
Safari – Silver Medal SCI Red Stag, Fallow
Buck, Bull Tahr and Chamois. Includes daily rates. $12,950.
(2a) KiwiPak™ 7 day hunting
Safari – Gold Medal SCI Red Stag, Fallow
Buck, Bull Tahr and Chamois. Includes daily rates. $15,500.
(3) KiwiPak™ 7 day hunting
Safari – Silver Medal SCI Red Stag, Sika
Stag, Bull Tahr and Chamois. Includes daily rates. $13,700.
(4) KiwiPak™ 7 day hunting
Safari – Silver Medal SCI Red Stag, Tahr,
Goat, Chamois and Ram. Includes daily rates. $11,350.
(5) KiwiPak™ 5 day Hunting
Safari – Bull Tahr and Chamois. Experience
the finest alpine foot hunt in New Zealand. Includes
daily rates. $7,750
(6) KiwiPak™ 5 day Hunting
Safari – Silver Medal SCI Red Stag, Tahr
and Chamois. Includes daily rates. $10,650
(7) KiwiPak™ 5 day Hunting
Safari – Silver Medal SCI Red Stag and
Bull Tahr. Includes daily rates. $8,100
(8) KiwiPak™ Kiwi Safaris
New Zealand Special Group Hunt - Gold Medal
Red Stag Hunt – 4 days – 6 hunters –
$7,950 each. Price includes round trip airfare from
Los Angeles to Christchurch. Experience the magic of
hunting on a private ranch on the beautiful South Island
for the majestic Red Stag. As well as the airfare, the
price includes the trophy fee for a Gold Medal SCI Red
Stag scoring between 330 and 350SCI, all meals and accommodation,
guiding and field preparation of your trophy.
Daily Rate
Hunt Prices
1 Hunter x 1 Guide US$500
per day
2 Hunters x 1 Guide US$350 per day
each
Non-hunters – US$200 per day each
Non-hunter touring rate – US$350 per day
The daily rate includes pick up from Christchurch International
Airport and return, all
accommodation and meals during hunt, guiding, use of
firearms and the field preparation of the trophies.
The day rate includes NZ Goods and Services tax of 12.5%.
References will gladly be provided
upon request.
