Please see below for frequently asked questions about hunting red deer in New Zealand
All-inclusive lodge stay with meals, beverages, daily guiding, local transfers, wi-fi, laundry, and booked trophy fees. Upgrades, extra trophies, and curated add-ons are available.
Shot opportunities for rifle red deer and elk are effectively guaranteed, with success rates to match.
International flights, taxidermy, crating/shipping, trophy upgrades or extra species, gratuities, visas/nzeTA, spa or personal items, firearm import fees, and any pre/post-hunt touring.
Late February through August for the main season; peak red stag roar occurs late March through late April. Velvet stag is November through January. Tahr/chamois winter coats are available late April through September; waterfowl May through July.
Click to view our New Zealand hunting season chart.
We highly recommend being in the best shape possible for your age and physical abilities to ensure the best hunting experience. Don’t be concerned if you have any physical or health limitations, our guides are well-trained, experienced, and considerate. They will tailor your hunt to suit your abilities.
We’ve worked with guests of all fitness levels, including wheelchair hunters, and our luxury lodge is fully handicap accessible. That said, if you can spare the time, adding some extra activities like walking, biking, or gym workouts beforehand will certainly pay off.
Rifle: 100–300 yards on average (longer possible). Archery: up to 60 yards on antlered game.
Yes, spot-and-stalk archery is common with good success across species.
No, New Zealand has no snakes, predators, or venomous creatures to worry about while afield.
No, New Zealand does not use a tag system, and packages are all-inclusive.
Utvs to vantage points, followed by spot-and-stalk for deer and elk; helicopters are commonly used for alpine tahr/chamois access.
A tailored gear list is provided after booking. If you plan on even the possibility of hunting Tahr and/or Chamois additional warm weather gear will be needed. Daily laundry is included in daily rates.
Yes, quality rain gear is essential year-round. We will supply our recommended gear list upon booking.
This varies by your home country and hunting traditions. We recommend you wear what you feel most comfortable in; quiet technical camo helps for archery. Popular patterns include Pnuma, Kuiu, and Forloh.
Choose well-broken-in mountain boots (e.g. Crispi, Meindl, Scarpa, Lowa, Lathrop & Sons). Clean boots speed New Zealand customs to protect our environment from possible threats.
No, our guides carry Swarovski optics and rangefinders. However, you can bring your own if you prefer.
We recommend bringing 10× binoculars if you have them.
Relax at the lodge, enjoy unlimited local activities in New Zealand’s top tourism region, or add species, since New Zealand is not on a tag or permit system.
Yes this is very common, videography/photography services are available for an extra fee, with edits delivered post-hunt. You will need to book in advance.
Check out some of the videos on our YouTube channel: Venator Cardrona Safaris.
Every effort is made to recover the game. However, in the unlikely event an animal is wounded and unrecovered, the full trophy fee applies. You may continue hunting on a trophy-fee basis.
Game is typically skinned and quartered in the field. The meat, capes, and antlers or horns are then transported to our off-site cooler. Of course, all game is skinned according to your specific instructions for taxidermy.
Our private chef will prepare the game during your stay. The remaining venison is then utilized locally.
Possible but complicated and expensive. Nothing goes to waste, and you’ll enjoy game cuisine during your stay.
Two exclusive preserves totaling 15,000+ acres of varied habitat; tahr and chamois are available on private and public land nearby. We are located in prime country with no lodge changes, long transfers or overnights required.
Yes, assistance in many languages can be arranged in this major tourism region.
Hunting is solid February through August. Pre-roar (early season) is great for thicker cover; the roar peaks late March through late April; May onward pairs well with winter-coat tahr/chamois.
Yes, November through January aligns with summer holidays and prime dry-fly fishing.
Same species, just different terminology based on where you are from.
Our experienced guides field-judge carefully. You can upgrade in the field if you choose to take a larger class than booked.
Yes, expect flavorful dishes from the lodge chef.
Yes, red deer have a pair of ivory teeth, similar to elk ivories.
No, success is strong across the entire season.
SCI cites 826 2/8" taken here.
A deep bellowing roar during the rut, often likened to a lion.
The elk bugle is late March through late April, overlapping the red stag roar.
Introduced in 1909, courtesy of president Theodore Roosevelt.
Safari Club International book of records:
Wapiti typical category lists a 472 2/8” bull as world record, which was hunted here with us.
Wapiti non-typical category lists a 591 5/8” bull as world record.
Rocky Mountain Elk is the largest big-game species in New Zealand. Mature bulls often range 300–500+ sci.
Typically mid-April to mid-May.
Originally introduced from Europe.
Light brown with white spots, chocolate, white, and occasional black.
Yes, the pronounced larynx is characteristic.
Yes, close to prime alpine terrain with no long transfers needed.
Often helicopter-assisted access to remote countries. Foot hunts are possible but very demanding.
Yes, specialty hunts available by arrangement.
Yes, this is a common add-on, best planned at the start to work around weather windows.
May through August for prime winter coats.
Yes, ewes make great additions to dioramas.
Yes, May through August offers dark winter coats.
Yes, we highly recommend efficient access to high alpine areas. Foot hunts are very physical.
Both sexes have black horns, males tend to be heavier with a more pronounced hook.
Yes, spectacular scenery and an exciting alpine hunt.
No, prime areas are within reach without overnight moves.
Yes, Possum numbers are modest, wallabies are about 2.5–3 hours from the lodge.
May through June
Paradise ducks, black swans, mallards, grey and shoveler ducks, and Canada geese.
Often, subject to your country’s import rules, taxidermy in New Zealand may be required.
Yes, classic New Zealand species; great for extending a hunt or for youth/first-time hunters.
Yes, an affordable, fun big-game add-on.
We are located in Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand.
New Zealand’s #1 tourist area
There is a host of unique activities right on our doorstep, you will be spoilt for choice during your stay. Click here to learn more.
Yes, Wanaka town is under 10 minutes from both Cardrona Terraces and Wānaka Haven.
Yes, our onsite hostess will organize spa, massage and facials to suit your individual requirements in nearby Wanaka
Pure New Zealand activities include:
Our dedicated onsite hostess will curate all your experiences to make the most of your time in the adventure capital of New Zealand.
No, typically we set up activities when you arrive and take into account weather when booking dates.
A 700 m² luxury sportsman’s lodge on 42 acres, featuring six ensuite bedrooms, a hunter’s room, gun display, heated pool, and spacious living areas, combining premium comfort with scenic alpine surroundings
Both Cardrona Terraces and Wānaka Haven offer a range of premium amenities designed for comfort, convenience, and relaxation: heated pool, Wi‑Fi, terraces and outdoor seating, bar and lounge, coffee machine, Sky TV, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, library, laundry facilities, firearm storage, wheelchair access, and stunning mountain views.
Stays at both Cardrona Terraces and Wānaka Haven include a dedicated chef and hostess, breakfast, lunch or picnic, evening canapés and four-course dinners with paired wines, an extensive beverage selection, daily servicing, and Wi‑Fi, ensuring a seamless, luxurious, and personalised experience.
Yes, complimentary throughout both properties.
Yes, both Cardrona Terraces and Wānaka Haven are family friendly. Childcare can also be arranged in advance at an additional cost.
Yes, both Cardrona Terraces and Wānaka Haven feature chef-prepared game dishes, including venison.
Yes, both Cardrona Terraces and Wānaka Haven provide an extensive selection of beverages, including top international and New Zealand wines and spirits, included as part of your stay.
Cardrona Terraces can accommodate up to 12 guests across six ensuite bedrooms, while Wānaka Haven accommodates up to 10 guests across five ensuite bedrooms.
Yes, both Cardrona Terraces and Wānaka Haven collect dietary preferences prior to arrival to provide tailored menus that accommodate allergies and specific requirements.
Our on-site hostess will look after non-hunters throughout their stay. Let us curate your dream experience—with a host of unique activities right on our doorstep, you’ll be spoiled for choice during your visit.
At both Cardrona Terraces and Wānaka Haven, transport for non-hunting activities is organized on a case-by-case basis by the lodge hostess.
Straightforward: apply to New Zealand police for a visitor permit before arrival, we’ll help with the process.
Yes, premium rifles (e.g., blaser, sako, sauer, browning, tikka, winchester, botw) with quality optics (leupold, swarovski, leica) are available at no charge.
We recommend .270 through .300 winmag as they are ideal for most species.
Using lodge rifles is recommended if you plan to tour, to avoid logistics issues.
Approximately NZD $25, payable on arrival to police, have cash ready to save time.
Not permitted unless you are specifically hunting under Australian rules, tourists should not carry firearms into Australia.
Westbound to New Zealand, you ‘lose’ a day; eastbound home, you ‘gain’ it back. plan flights accordingly.
We meet in Queenstown, airport pick-ups or pre-hunt hotel assistance are available. It’s about an hour’s scenic drive to the lodge.
Optional: many guests arrive 1–2 days early to adjust to the time zone.
Borders are open, and no vaccination is required to enter New Zealand (subject to change; check current guidance before travel).
Ensure 3+ months validity beyond departure and at least one blank page. nzeTA (and ivl) may be required for many visitors; apply before travel.
New Zealand uses 230–240 v and type i plugs, most modern devices are dual-voltage. Bring a plug adapter and consider a power strip.
With the weather notoriously unpredictable, it’s often said that New Zealand can experience four seasons in one day. Since it can snow and rain at any time of year, it’s important to bring quality waterproof clothing that’s warm and well-fitting.
February and March: Summer, with temperatures between 40–80°F (5–25°C)
April and May: Autumn, with temperatures between 32–65°F (0–20°C)
June and July: Winter, with temperatures between 20–60°F (-5–15°C)
Plan on at least one wet or snowy day during a hunt week.
Yes, we recommend Ripcord Rescue Travel Protection’s comprehensive travel protection plan.
Yes this is common and easily arranged, though the lodge schedule moves to the next group after your hunt.
We can recommend qualified travel agencies to assist our guests.
If you book flights on your own, please let us review prior to booking. The international date line can cause mishaps.
No, export paperwork and final prep complete post-hunt.
Roughly 90 days to your nearest designated port of entry, once processing and shipping are complete.
A specialist partner handles prep, crating, documents, and coordinates directly with you for payment and delivery.
Possible but complicated and expensive; nothing goes to waste, and you’ll enjoy game cuisine during your stay.
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