New Zealand Trophy Red Stag Hunt – Kaikoura
Whether your first or next New Zealand trophy Red Stag hunt, you will find your home away from home here. You are sure to fall in love with this lovely family owned and operated remote lodge. This lodge is home to numerous trophy Red Stag world records. If you are looking for a trophy Red Stag, Elk, Chamois or Tahr, this is the hunting destination you have been dreaming of.
This lodge is the place to go if you are after world records! Some of their records include the 2017 # 1 in the world for Muzzle Loader at a whopping 740, 2014 World record Rifle, 2014 World record with a Crossbow as well as numerous other records.
This New Zealand trophy Red Stag hunting lodge has been in the family for about two decades. 3,000 acres of rugged remote hunting land filled with free range and preserve trophy game. The property hunts like it is 6,000 acres. An excellent road system criss crossed the mountainsides creating excellent access for all physical levels.
Because of numerous client referrals and repeat clientele you will want to plan this hunt in advance. You will arrive as a guest and leave as family. Precisely why they enjoy a reputation for excellence with a feel of home.
New Zealand boasts one of the most amazing places in the world for scenic beauty and adventure touring. Since we have traveled to New Zealand on numerous occasions and we work with the finest locals on the ground, we will build the perfect custom itinerary for your family.
Kaikoura is also ideally located for sightseeing, activities and adventure.
For the discerning traveler looking for a private lodge, your dreams will come true here. Exclusive use is available to those that wish or a shared lodge may be arranged.
Accommodations & Meals
Lovely homey 3,000 square feet accommodations await you during your hunting experience in the breathtaking wilderness of Kaikoura, New Zealand.
Unwind by the warmth of the fire pit before sitting down to a home cooked meal prepared. Whether you’re in the mood for lobster, rib-eye or venison, they prepare it all, complete with the New Zealand wine and beverages specially selected to compliment your feast.
Ready to turn in for the night? Your private suite awaits, complete with your own bathroom stocked with plush towels and comfy robes. Settle in to pleasant dreams in your king-sized bed, dressed in luxurious sheets and a deluxe down comforter. We guarantee you´ll feel refreshed and ready for a successful day of hunting after a lavish night´s rest.
Hydro power is the power source for electricity.
Hunting
The land is rugged and absolutely everything you could want in a hunting experience. Excellent road systems allow access for every physical level. Enclosed ATV vehicles carry guests through the mountains.
3,000 privately owned acres of free range and preserve land combined with access to another 4,000 acres of adjoining property. As you can imagine since it is rugged mountain it hunts as if it was well over 9,000 ares or more.
Red Stag: February to June
Clients from this hunting lodge hold numerous wold records.
Red deer were first introduced to New Zealand in 1851 from Europe. On your hunt here you will see numerous giant stags that will cause your heart to pound out of your chest.
The best time of the year to hunt Red deer is New Zealand’s autumn (Late February to April) during mating season (known as the ´Roar´). It is possible to hunt mid February through June, however.
Himalayan Tahr: March – June
The Himalayan Tahr is a rugged relation to the goat and has a dense, woolly winter coat that is reddish to dark brown and has a thick undercoat. Himalayan Tahr are most active during the early morning and later afternoon. They spend the middle of the day resting among rocks and vegetation. Very shy and wary, they are difficult to approach, especially from downhill.
Hunts are conducted via helicopter access to remote areas where the hunt on the ground will be conducted. If you are looking for a magnificent coat on your Tahr, you will want to hunt in May or later.
Chamois: March – June
Chamois is French for wild goat. Yes, the ´shammy´ that we use to polish our cars comes from the hide of the Chamois. The short, smooth summer coat is overall tawny or reddish-brown, while in winter it becomes a chocolate brown, with guard hairs measuring 10-20 cm/4-8 inches long covering a wooly under layer. The slender, black horns are found in both sexes, the top third of which are sharply curved backwards like hooks, and can reach a length of 32 cm/12.8 inches.
Hunts are conducted via helicopter access to remote areas where the hunt on the ground will be conducted.
Elk, Fallow, Arapawa Ram and Goat hunting is also available
Activities
Helicopter Tours – Simply AMAZING!
Kaikoura Whale Watching
Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world for watching whales, due to their close proximity to the shore and the fact that they can be seen all year round. Whale watching can be done by boat, helicopter or plane.
Dolphin Swimming in Kaikoura
Dolphin swimming trips allow you to see and interact with the playful wild Dusky Dolphins. These dolphins will amaze you as you observe them in the natural state of their own environment around the Kaikoura peninsula.
Fishing in Kaikoura
Kaikoura offers a host of Fishing Charters. Most of the skippers have lived in Kaikoura for most of their lives and would love to share years of fishing knowledge with you. You will enjoy excellent deep sea fishing where blue cod, sea perch, grouper and many other species are caught.
- Kaikoura Lookout
- Hamner Springs shopping
- Seal Colony
- Lavender Farm
- Crayfish –Kaikoura’s crayfish is still a local delicacy and is always available from one of the many restaurants or beach-side caravans located in the Kaikoura District.
- Fyffe House – Fyffe House was built in 1860 and was one of the first European buildings built in Kaikoura. Fyffe House still stands on its whale bone piles!
- Kaikoura Museum
- Bird Watching
- Seal Swimming Kaikoura
- 4 Wheel drive Tours
- Kaikoura Artists
- Quaint town of Kaikoura shopping
- Bungee Jumping
- Jet Boating
- Miniature Golf
- Golf
- and more!
We will build a custom itinerary to meet your desires. The Queenstown area and Milford Sound are lovely additions to this trip.
Length of Stay / Itinerary
A typical itinerary is as follows:
Saturday: Arrive Christchurch, New Zealand where you will be greeted and spend the night at a convenient airport nearby.
Sunday: Lodge staff will transfer you to the remote property by road about 2 1/2 hours or helicopter as arranged.
Monday – Friday: Enjoy hunting and touring the area
Saturday: Transfer back to Christchurch for your travel home or continue touring New Zealand
Custom itineraries available.
Travel Details & Location
Air New Zealand is the way most clients fly to Christchurch via Auckland. Christchurch is about a 2 1/2 hour drive to the lodge or we can arrange a helicopter or fixed wing transfer to the property
Air New Zealand is the way most clients fly to Christchurch via Auckland. Christchurch is about a 2 1/2 hour drive to the lodge or we can arrange a helicopter or fixed wing transfer to the property
How to get there:
Auckland, NZ is the entry port for flights to New Zealand. Once you pass through customs there, you will take a short domestic flight to Christchurch on the South Island where you will spend the night at the hotel that the lodge will book on your behalf on your own account.
Despite their relative seclusion and privacy, the estate is just over one and half hour’s relaxed drive from Christchurch International Airport.
Airport Transfer to the Lodge:
Upon your arrival at Christchurch Airport, a member of their team will meet your plane and take care of all your requirements until your time with them draws to a close. For those wishing to make their own way to the estate, the roads are good and directions are straightforward. Alternatively, they can arrange your pick up and transfer from other destinations in the South Island, depending on location. A 4×4 vehicle is a must.
Runway access for private planes:
Christchurch International Airport can handle all private jets.
Internet & Communications
Excellent wifi is available on sight. Cell service is not available but there are a few spots in the mountains where limited service may be available.
Trip Insurance & Cancellation Info
Trip insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment on this trip. We will assist you with trip insurance upon booking. See links at the bottom of this page for the two providers we suggest for our clients.
Family Expeditions, LLC confirmation and refund policy:
If your trip is more than 90 days out from date of departure, a 50% non-refundable deposit confirms your reservation and must be received within 10 days of booking to confirm your dates. All trips must be paid in full at least 90 days prior to the departure date. If your trip date is within 90 days, FULL payment for the trip is required. All payments to Family Expeditions are non-refundable. Should you need to reschedule or cancel your trip, we will do everything in our power to assist you in finding a suitable substitute or transferring your dates per the lodge/providers/government requirements. Trip insurance protects your investment!