New Zealand experiences beyond the hunt

Venator combines world-class red stag hunting with extraordinary New Zealand adventures. From the Fiordland Heli Traverse and fly fishing to adrenaline-fueled activities like bungee jumping and jet boating, guests experience the thrill of the outdoors. Pair that with award-winning vineyards, craft breweries, luxury spa treatments, and guided tours, and Venator ensures an unforgettable, all-encompassing New Zealand experience beyond the hunt.

While hunting the finest red stags in the world is why you may have heard of Venator or have hunted with us, it is our location and ease of access to mind the awe-inspiring experiences that New Zealand is famous for that are sure to delight anyone looking to explore the stunning natural beauty of this unique corner of the world.

One of the most popular experiences is a scenic helicopter tour, known as the Fiordland Heli Traverse. With experienced pilots and comfortable helicopters, it is the ultimate way to see the outstanding contrast of the lakes, rivers, mountains, glaciers, oceans and fiords from a unique perspective.

The Fiordland Heli Traverse is a full day excursion exploring this famously remote and untouched part of New Zealand. Skilled pilots will get you close to huge waterfalls and give you a bird's eye view the region’s unique wildlife in its otherwise inaccessible natural habitat.

You will hover over glaciers of ancient blue ice and land in the snow at beautiful, isolated mountain lakes to capture photographs and memories you will treasure forever.

Lunch hits a little different when you arrive by helicopter and land in the middle of the Southern Alps

You will enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch with a spectacular mountain backdrop and may even have some fresh lobster collected from pots on the West Coast to bring back to the Lodge for dinner.  

The Fiordland Heli Traverse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and unquestionably an enduring favorite amongst all our of guests that we highly recommend.

Another popular experience is fly fishing. The rivers and streams around the Upper Clutha Valley are known for their world-class trout fishing. If you would like to enjoy the tranquility of exploring some of the most stunning rivers and lakes of the South Island of New Zealand we are able to organize expert local fly fishing guides to ensure you are in the right location with the right rods and tackle to land one of the trout that this region is famous for.

For those looking for a little more action or adrenaline, you're in the right place. The Southern Lakes region is famously known as the 'adventure capital' of the world. From bungee jumping off the historic Kawarau Bridge to feeling the forces of the world's only commercial jet sprint boat, off road buggies, testing your shooting skills at the ultimate clay bird shooting range, sky diving, the thrill of driving high performance race cars on a race track or taking the passenger seat in a vintage WWII fighter jet, Venator is the ultimate base for not only your hunt, but also your ultimate New Zealand experience during or after your time with us, all of which are sure to get their heart pumping and experience the wild side of New Zealand.

We also offer personal training classes and guided hiking and mountain biking tours arranged to suit your schedule during your time with us.

Here at Venator, we pride ourselves on hand selecting the best experiences to seamlessly fit alongside your hunting schedule so that you can truly 'do it all'.

We can't wait to share the best of this stunning location with you during your time with us.

Whether your goal is to pursue an SCI world record red deer stag, capture a fallow buck,  hunt elusive alpine bull tahr, or design a luxury multi-species vacation for your family, our team is ready to craft your bespoke itinerary.

Talk to our team now

Keep reading

Keep reading our journal entries.

May 18, 2026

The Origins of New Zealand Tahr Hunting

The Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) stands as one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine game animals. Renowned for their thick, flaxen manes, agile nature, and affinity for sheer vertical rock faces, hunting a Bull Tahr in the Southern Alps offers one of the most physically demanding, rewarding pursuits in the Southern Hemisphere. Navigating rugged high-country bluffs, executing precision shots across deep ravines, and enduring the crisp alpine elements leave a lasting impression on every sportsman.

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Venator x Johann Fanzoj

Last year, we had the pleasure of partnering with Johann Fanzoj to create a custom Classic M98 built around the legendary Mauser 98 action. The bespoke rifle is a reflection of shared values and hunting excellence. Made from premium materials with meticulous attention to detail, the Classic M98 is more than a rifle, it is an heirloom, offering hunters a lasting connection to heritage and a timeless expression of luxury.

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The Origins of European Chamois Hunting in New Zealand

The European chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) stands as one of New Zealand’s most elusive and thrilling alpine game animals. Renowned for their incredible speed, sharp senses, and remarkable agility across steep, precipitous rock faces, these remarkable creatures offer a true test of stamina and marksmanship.

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