Q. What does a hunting package cost with Hunters Paradise New Zealand?

A. You can enjoy New Zealand hunting including accommodation, meals, transport and guiding for as little as $US400. Red deer stag hunts start at $US1500 up to $US5500. Prices of packages vary depending on the species hunted and number in party. For more details on prices email us at info@huntersparadise.co.nz

Q. What does Hunters Paradise packages include?

A. Our packages includes transfers from Gisborne / Napier airports, accommodation, meals, guiding, supply of some equipment, field preparation of animal and animal fee.

Q. What big game animals are there to hunt in New Zealand?

A. We have many breeds of deer including, red deer, wapiti (elk) deer, white tail deer, rusa, sambar, sika deer and fallow deer. We also have Chamois and tahr. There is also wild boar (hog), feral goats and small game including possums, rabbits and hares.

Q. What are the hunting seasons in New Zealand?

A. For most New Zealand animals there are no hunting seasons. That is, we can hunt anytime of the year, day or night. Yes that’s right, we can legally spotlight and shoot animals.

Q. When is the best time to hunt in New Zealand?

A. Remembering that New Zealand seasons are opposite to the northern hemisphere and our autumn (fall) is March / April. The red deer roar (or rut) is from mid March and runs to the end of April. I have heard stags roaring in mid-May but this is uncommon. The roar is the best time to hunt as stags can be called into the hunter. Failing this, anytime from mid-February to early August is best if after a stag with it’s antlers still on. Like the Elk, the red stag casts its’ hard antler in early spring (August) and grows a new set. The velvet is not usually hard until around mid-February.

Sika roar goes into late May and they also cast their antlers. These animals are located in the central North Island area.

Wild boar hunting is all year round but the winter months are most fruitful with the east coast of the North Island renowned for its’ excellent quality and number of pigs.

Chamois and tahr hunting is best when the animals have their winter coats. These animals are only located in the South Island where hunting conditions are often a lot cooler than the North Island.

Q. What is the cost for animal tags for hunting in New Zealand?

A. There is no tag system in New Zealand. That is, shoot as many as you can see or afford.

Q. What does it cost a New Zealander to hunt?

A. Apart from the usual costs of getting set up, it is free to hunt in New Zealand. If you’re visiting New Zealand and want to hunt, I strongly recommend engaging a guide. If you’re after a trophy the chances of securing one on public land are very unlikely.

Q. Is there a limit to the number of animals one hunter can take?

A. For some game like ducks, pheasants etc, there is a daily “bag limit” but for red deer, pigs, turkeys, and goats there is no limit.

Q. Can I bring any meat out of New Zealand after our hunting trip?

A. The logistics of this make it difficult and there are regulations restricting the exporting of meat out of New Zealand. These hunts are more set up for the trophy hunter rather than the meat hunter.

Q. Does Hunters Paradise New Zealand offer any fishing?

A. On the East Coast we offer some excellent trout fishing opportunities whether lake, river, fly or spin fishing. There are good numbers of brown and rainbow trout. Trout fishing is offered at no extra charge to hunting clients.

Q. Does Hunters Paradise New Zealand provide a hunting lodge?

A. Lodging during your time with us will be motel, farm stay, backcountry hut or tent fly depending on the package chosen and hunter’s preference.

Q. Any bird shooting in New Zealand?

A. We have some excellent waterfowl and upland game bird shooting in New Zealand. Duck shooting season starts in May and usually runs for two months. The main breeds of ducks are mallard duck, paradise duck and the grey duck. We also have swans, geese and some other breeds unique to New Zealand. Pheasants are also plentiful on the East Coast of the North Island.

Q. Is it true that New Zealand people don’t hunt turkeys?

A. Most New Zealand hunters do not hunt turkeys. Combine this with the fact that there are no natural predators (cats, snakes etc) our countryside is literally full of docile turkeys just waiting for you.

Q. What breed of turkey do we have in New Zealand?

A. Merriam Turkey.

Q. Is hunting with Hunters Paradise New Zealand free-range fair chase or safari park?

A. We are able to offer visiting hunters to New Zealand the opportunity to hunt both free range and safari park animals.

Q. Is hunting with Hunters Paradise New Zealand on private or public land?

A. Most of the hunting done with Hunters Paradise is on privately owned land where access is restricted to clients and guides.

Q. Am I able to shoot a Trophy Gold Class (Safari International Club – SCI) red stag with Hunters Paradise New Zealand?

A. Yes we do have some Gold Class Trophy Red Stags running on our hunting areas.

Q. How big is the area that Hunters Paradise New Zealand uses?

A. Hunters Paradise New Zealand has access to several farms (ranches) totalling thousands of acres and offering some very good hunting opportunities.

Q. What level of fitness is required to hunt in New Zealand?

A. At Hunters Paradise New Zealand we cater for all levels of fitness. The wilderness hunting hiking packages require a medium to high level of fitness.

Q. Is it safe to hunt in New Zealand?

A. There are no wild bears, cats, snakes and very few poisonous spiders in New Zealand. You can hunt without the fear of being attacked by wild animals, as there are none.

Q. How long does it take to travel to New Zealand?

A. Visit Air New Zealand website at www.airnewzealand.com for flight departure locations, frequency of flights and travel time. For American visitors the flight takes between 12 to 13 hrs direct from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Auckland. Internal flights from Auckland to Gisborne take another hour.

Q. How much does it cost to fly to New Zealand?

A. The cost of return flights from Los Angeles or San Francisco vary from $US600 to $US1200, depending on peak and off peak rates. For up to date flight specials look up the Air New Zealand website at www.airnewzealand.com. Alternatively contact us to make travel arrangements for you.

Q. Can I bring my own firearms to New Zealand?

A. If you hold the equivalent to the NZ firearms licence in your country of origin you can apply for a firearms permit upon arrival in NZ. Simply declare your firearm at customs and they will deliver you to the NZ Police Office in the Airport where you will fill out the details for the permit and pay a $NZ 25 fee. To save time visit www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms/#resources, print off the permit to import form, fill it out and have it with you when passing through the Auckland or Christchurch International Airports.

A. Yes if you intend to hunt by yourself. No if you are being guided or under the supervision of a person holding a current firearms licence. For further inquires look up the police webpage at www.police.govt.nz

Q. What calibre rifle should I hunt with?

A. For the red stag we recommend the following. (.243, .270, .308, 7mm, 7mm Mag, 7mm-08, 30-06 - we do not recommend anything smaller than the .243)

Q. What is the climate like in New Zealand?

A. In the summer months (December to February) temperatures on the east coast of the North Island range from 77 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. From March to the end of April temperatures range from 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit. On the east coast we don't experience the snow or cold frosts that other parts of the country do.

Q. Where is New Zealand?

A. In the South Pacific Ocean southeast of Australia, 6500 nautical miles from Los Angeles.

Q. What is the common language spoken in New Zealand?

A. English.

Q. What is the population of NZ?

A. Just over 4 million people. Our major centres are Auckland, Wellington (capital) and Christchurch.

Q. How do I get to Hunters Paradise New Zealand?

A. There are 3 flights a day between Auckland, New Zealand and Los Angeles and San Francisco USA. The main carriers are United Airlines and Air New Zealand. Bookings can be made with both companies on line at www.airnewzealand.com or www.unitedairlines.com. Connecting flights from Auckland to Gisborne where you will be met and delivered to your hunting destination.

Q. How much luggage can I bring?

A. On international flights you're allowed 2 bags containing no more than 70 pounds. On domestic flights you can only carry one bag weighing 44 pounds or less before incurring an extra charge of $NZ5 / 2.2 pounds.

Q. What currency is accepted in New Zealand?

A. The New Zealand dollar and most credit cards. Convert your national currency by visiting this site Personal Currency Assistant (tm) from xe.net. The New Zealand currency is generally weaker that most other 1st world countries. Remember this when visiting New Zealand sites quoting in $NZ. This makes New Zealand a very affordable place to visit. Major credit cards VISA, MasterCard & American Express and Eft-pos are available in all New Zealand and most towns.

Q. What other activities are there for non-hunters in New Zealand?

A. Entertainment for non-hunters can be arranged. New Zealand has lots to offer with so much coastline, awe-inspiring mountains ranges, pristine rivers and lakes and all within a days drive. Visit the links page check out the tourist information sites.

For your New Zealand guided hunting, fishing & hiking experience

Contact us: info@huntersparadise.co.nz