The south of New Zealand is widely recognized for its incredibly diverse and unique landscapes. Here, the big red stags are hunted in managed areas, and at Venator we ensure this territory is in their natural habitat.
Convenient
location
Venator is located in the picturesque township of Wānaka, offering the best hunting and tourism combination in the country. A scenic 1-hour drive from Queenstown International Airport and only 10-minutes from our prime hunting grounds.
Exclusive
hunting areas
Set across over 15,000 acres, our privately owned and leased hunting estates represent the pinnacle of New Zealand’s big game preserves. The hunting area is in an undulating backcountry, covered in native vegetation.
There’s excellent cover and plenty of draws and gullies. This environment delivers all the excitement of hunting in raw, untamed terrain without compromising on accessibility, you can travel on foot, drive in via 4wd or be flown in.
Family run
family focused
Venator New Zealand is the ideal hunting destination for the whole family. With luxurious accommodations and a diverse range of activities, from laid-back sightseeing to adrenaline-fueled adventures, there’s something for everyone.
Whether relaxing or exploring, Venator offers the perfect destination for a truly unforgettable experience.
New Zealand hunting season
As New Zealand is not restricted by a big-game hunting season, our operations run
from late February to mid-August. It’s important to remember that the seasons here are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere.
Summer
(Dec-Feb)
As summer unfolds across New Zealand’s magnificent landscapes, hunters are invited to pursue chamois and tahr in their vibrant summer coats. This season also allows the chance to roam expansive terrain and encounter red stags in their habitat, the perfect window to secure a monumental trophy before the busy rut season begins.
Autumn
(Mar-May)
Autumn marks the start of the big hunt, hitting its peak from late March to early April. During this time, New Zealand’s marvelous scenery becomes the backdrop for the red stag rut (roar), offering a challenging hunting experience filled with excitement. This is also when elk bulls emerge confidently in the open, followed by the fallow deer, creating great trophy opportunities.
Winter
(Jun-Aug)
Winter offers a hunter’s paradise set against New Zealand’s captivating snowy landscapes, providing prime conditions to pursue red stags, elk, and fallow deer trophies. Chamois and tahr remain in peak condition, their striking winter coats adding both challenge and visual reward to the experience.
Spring
(Sep-Nov)
As spring breathes new life into New Zealand’s vivid landscapes, it also signals the final opportunity to hunt chamois and tahr. As the hunting season draws to a close, the angling season begins on October 1, welcoming fishing enthusiasts to enjoy the sport amidst New Zealand’s pristine beauty.
Book now for the
hunt of a lifetime
