New Zealand Red Stag Hunt
The Hunt
Experience one of New Zealand’s premier big-game adventures in the spectacular South Island. This destination has produced truly exceptional Red Stags, including world-record-class animals taken with both bow and rifle. Hunters can pursue everything from an unforgettable trophy stag to the opportunity for an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime animal.
Red Stag season runs from mid-February through late July. One of the most exciting times to hunt is during the legendary roar, when the calls of mature stags echo through the surrounding valleys and mountains. Experienced guides work closely with each hunter to create a personalized hunt focused on their individual goals and trophy expectations.
The Hunting Area | South Island, New Zealand
The hunt takes place on New Zealand’s South Island near the Southern Alps, surrounded by some of the country’s most dramatic mountain scenery. The landscape ranges from rolling hills and open tussock country to rugged mountain terrain, native bush-filled gullies and crystal-clear alpine rivers.
The hunting country sits near the base of the Southern Alps, with towering mountains and the Rakaia River region nearby. Different habitats throughout the area provide hunting opportunities for Red Stag, Elk, Fallow Deer, Bull Tahr and Arapawa Ram.
This also makes an outstanding destination for couples and families. Non-hunting companions can enjoy sightseeing, wineries, fishing, spa experiences, shopping, scenic helicopter flights and other South Island adventures while the hunter is in the field.
Food & Lodging
Guests enjoy upscale accommodations surrounded by beautiful New Zealand countryside and mountain views. The lodge offers privacy and plenty of room to relax after a day in the field, along with inviting indoor and outdoor spaces, a swimming pool, walking areas and comfortable fireside gathering spaces.
The experience also highlights fine New Zealand cuisine and local wines, making the time away from the mountain part of the overall adventure. Hunters traveling with non-hunting companions will find plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the region as well.
Make the Most of Your New Zealand Hunt
Your Red Stag hunt can become an incredible multi-species New Zealand adventure. Depending on your hunting dates and trophy goals, several additional species may be added to your trip. Contact Top End Adventures and we’ll help customize your hunt.
Bull Tahr
Take your hunt into the rugged mountains in pursuit of one of New Zealand’s iconic alpine species. Bull Tahr thrive in steep, challenging terrain, and this hunting area lies within their native New Zealand range with access to approximately 50,000 acres of additional Tahr country. The focus is on mature, older bulls, making this an exciting addition for hunters wanting a true mountain experience.
Best trophy opportunity: approximately April through September, with additional good opportunity during other portions of the year.
South Pacific Elk / Wapiti
Add a New Zealand Elk hunt to your adventure and experience the excitement of pursuing mature bulls against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. During the bugle, bull calls carry through the valleys, creating an unforgettable hunting atmosphere.
Typical bulls in this area may be 6×6 or 7×7, with main beams exceeding 50 inches, and non-typical bulls are also present. New Zealand Elk, commonly called Wapiti, have developed unique characteristics in the South Pacific and can carry an impressive number of tines.
Best trophy opportunity: approximately March through August.
Fallow Buck
Fallow Deer offer a completely different hunting experience and make an outstanding addition to a New Zealand Red Stag hunt. Mature bucks are known for their distinctive palmated antlers, with no two trophies looking exactly alike.
During the croak, bucks become particularly active and aggressive, often fighting with other males. Fallow Deer may occur in chocolate, brown and white color variations, adding another unique dimension to this beautiful trophy species.
Best trophy opportunity: approximately March through August.
Arapawa Ram
Pursue one of New Zealand’s most distinctive game animals. Arapawa Rams descend from a feral sheep population that has existed in New Zealand for more than a century and are considered among the world’s oldest and rarest wild sheep breeds.
These agile animals are known for dark brown to black wool and impressive spiraling horns that can reach beyond a full double curl. The combination of their history, appearance and trophy characteristics makes the Arapawa Ram an excellent addition to a New Zealand hunting adventure.
Hunting opportunity: Year-round
Ready to Hunt New Zealand?
Whether you’re looking for a trophy Red Stag, a multi-species New Zealand hunt or a hunting adventure combined with an unforgettable South Island vacation, Top End Adventures can help put together the right trip for you.
Contact us to learn more about available hunting dates, trophy options, add-on species, pricing and complete trip details.
Give Marc a call at 208-867-6675 or fill out our handy form.