Frequently Asked Questions

We are booking hunts for 3 years in advance. However, you can book last minute or a year out, just be aware your options for availability will be less. If you know you want to come and have specific dates you need to travel, please book as early as possible.

Our main hunting season is from  February to August. Most of the deer species rut late March through the end of April. Tahr and Chamois winter coats start late April, rut is late May to the end of July, but they will have their winter coats right through to September. The main bird hunting season is from May to July.

Yes, you will require a current passport and you will have to apply for a quick online travel visa to visit New Zealand. You will be sent travel information that will walk you through this process after booking with Exclusive Adventures. 

Absolutely! Our lodging and dining is set up to accommodate wives and families, with private living areas and ensuite bedrooms. Your wife will love the luxury and comfort of the lodge, and also the range of activities she can do if she doesn’t want to join your hunts. We have multiple family groups every year and specialise in offering something for everyone.

Should you wish to bring your personal firearm to New Zealand we will assist you with the paperwork. The process can be quite cumbersome and we recommend applying no later than 6-8 months BEFORE your trip to New Zealand.

We welcome bow and muzzleloader hunters as well. We have a number of archery hunters every season and our clients enjoy great success rates on all of our species.

We recommend calibres between .270-300 Win mag.

Shooting distances will vary between 100-300 yards. If you would prefer to not go through the hassle of travelling with a firearm we have a range of high-end rifles and scopes you can hire while here. If traveling to multiple countries during your trip (for instance, splitting your vacation time between NZ and Australia), we recommend you DO NOT travel with your own firearm as paperwork between multiple countries can be difficult.

If you are NOT bringing your own firearm or would prefer to use one of ours at the lodge, we have a good selection of excellent firearms mostly in 300 Win Mag. Remington, Tikka and custom Proof Research rifles. Most of the rifles are fitted with a suppressor and others with muzzle breaks. We also have a left-handed rifle and a suppressed .308 for kids. All our rifles are very reliable and accurate and are equipped with Swarovski, Nightforce and Vortex scopes. There is a $175 USD charge for the use of our firearm(s) and ammunition for the hunt. Rifles will be there and ready for your use and we do not need to know in advance.

We are located 20 minutes outside of the ski resort town of Wanaka, and just a one hour drive from Queenstown (closest airport). Our location is highly desirable for local New Zealanders and for tourists from all over the world. We are on the South Island of New Zealand.

Yes we can, and this is something we specialise in. The great thing about our location is that we are centered in the most beautiful part of the country with so many popular destinations that are not only famous worldwide, but also popular amongst the locals. We can help book your entire itinerary and have a specialist that will ensure this is tailored just for you.

Taking your meat home is really difficult and can be really expensive. We do serve game meat in the lodge so you can eat as much as you can during your stay with us. Any excess meat we give to those in need in our community. Nothing is wasted.

We suggest that you get travel insurance to cover you while you are traveling. It is also important to get covered in the event you have to cancel your hunting trip to New Zealand.

No snakes, predators, or other poisonous creatures.

With the weather notoriously unpredictable, it’s said that New Zealand can have four seasons in one day. As it can snow and rain any time of year, it’s important you bring quality waterproof clothing so we can continue to hunt. It’s also important to have warm layers, even in early season hunts, as we never know what the weather can throw at us in the mountains.

February and March: Summer with temperatures between 40-80°F (5-25°C)

April and May: Autumn/Fall with temperatures between 32-65°F (0-20°C).

June and July: Winter with temperatures between 20-60°F (-5-15°C)

It is important to be in the best shape possible for you personally. Our hunting does allow us to cater to hunters who physically can’t walk like they used to or are physically unable. Our properties have great tracks for our side-by-sides, so we can utilise these vehicles to access higher ground and to get to good shooting positions if needed. For tahr and chamois, we suggest the use of a helicopter which can help access the high mountain animals. For those that like the physical challenge, we can hunt tahr and chamois on foot which is similar to hunting mountain goats in North America. If you come in shape, we can do it, and if not, we can come up with a plan to maximise your experienced and success.

Most hunting days start an hour before daylight with coffee and light continental breakfast at the Lodge. 15 minutes before daylight we will drive 10 minutes to our side-by-side rangers and begin the hunt from there. We will hunt until lunchtime, then head back to the Lodge for lunch. We typically have a break during this time before heading back out for the evening hunt.

Feb-April Approx. Daylight 6:30 AM / Dark 9 PM

May-August Approx. Daylight 8 AM / Dark 6 PM

At the conclusion of the hunt you will pay for the remaining balance and any additional animals or items added during your stay. You can pay your final bill with the following:

• Cash (US dollars)

• Credit card (please note 3% service charge for this will be added)

• Wire transfer (need to set this up prior to arrival and have proof of payment before leaving)

Please note we do not accept checks as New Zealand is no longer able to process them.

Often people ask about the possibility of bow hunting in New Zealand and you absolutely can. The bow hunting is spot and stalk in mountainous terrain. The better shape you are in will present more opportunities and the longer you can shoot will also increase you opportunities. Typical shots are 40-60 yards and sometimes closer. Often times with bow hunting we are less focused on the biggest or best looking animal and more so on what will provide the best chance of success. Red stags are most commonly hunted, fallow deer being second. I would advise that tahr and chamois with a bow is extremely difficult, as the challenge with the rifle is more than enough. In all circumstances I advise that the guide carries a rifle, so that if a shot is not executed as hoped, the client can have the opportunity with the rifle to do the ethical thing. Traveling with a bow internationally is easy and you do not require the paperwork, unlike with rifles.

Shipping your trophies home is a very straight forward process. Prior to coming to New Zealand it’s helpful to have a Customs Clearing Agent that will help clear your trophies through a Fish and Wildlife clearance port. Your taxidermist might have a suggestion here, alternatively we have found that Coppersmith does a great job and have offices throughout the USA. Their website is https://www.huntingtrophy.com.

At the conclusion of you hunt you will sit down to go over these details and pay for both the expediting and shipment. Please make sure you have sent us your completed “Trophy Shipment and Expediting Instructions” form which is included in the  information packet you will be sent before your arrival.

Qantas, American Airlines, Delta, United and Air New Zealand are the major airlines that fly to New Zealand. American Airlines is partners with Qantas, and United partners with Air New Zealand. We recommend flying with Air New Zealand and connecting through Auckland, as they offer some really good airfares throughout the year and quality service.

Bring all your usual hunting/fishing gear - boots, binoculars, ammo, backpack, flashlight, camera, rain gear, etc. We will send a suggested packing list in the Information Packet you will receive after booking and prior to your arrival to New Zealand.

Yes, we do offer exclusive hire of the Lodge. Enjoy the luxury of the entire space with our private staff and only your group hunting our properties. Additionally, we have options for private jet transfer, helicopter touring, food & wine experiences, custom itineraries and more. Please inquire by email shaun@exclusiveadventuresnz.com