Guided hunts for experienced hunters in the South Island

What's different for experienced hunters

You know the hunt, your fitness and what you're after.

We'll take care of the country.

Our hunts for experienced hunters go further into the backcountry, take on more demanding terrain and focus on mature, trophy-quality animals.

Tougher terrain and longer days on the hill
A focus on mature, trophy-class animals
Hunts shaped around your goals, pace and experience
Small groups, with [1:1 / 2:1] hunter-to-guide options
Fly camps / backcountry huts / helicopter access.

Hunts

Hunt free-range animals across the Central Otago high country with guides who know this land inside out.

Whether it’s your first hunt or you’re after a trophy of a lifetime, we’ll match you with the right hunt for your experience, goals and the time of year.

Hunts

Hunt free-range animals across the Central Otago high country with guides who know this land inside out.

Whether it’s your first hunt or you’re after a trophy of a lifetime, we’ll match you with the right hunt for your experience, goals and the time of year.

NZ Trophy Season

March – July

This is when the South Island’s mature animals are at their best. Starting with the red stag roar, the trophy season is the time to chase a true New Zealand trophy through rugged backcountry. Join us for a guided hunt for red stag, fallow deer, tahr, chamois, pigs and goats, and ideal for experienced hunters after an animal of a lifetime.

Species

Red stag

Fallow

Tahr

Chamois

Pigs

Goats

Summer Season

August – February

Long days, high country and great hunting. The summer season is the time for tahr, chamois, pig and deer, with hunts tailored to every level, from first-timers to seasoned hunters. It’s also the perfect time for staff parties and team days out in the Central Otago high country.

Species

Tahr

Chamois

Pig

Deer

Testimonial

“Incredible time hunting with Riley for two days on the meat hunt package.

After 20+ years of DIY public land big game hunting in the US, this was my first guided hunt. I honestly had no idea what to expect from NZ hunting but couldn't resist trying it after flying across the Pacific.

This was not a high fence, "canned" hunt. Completely free range, fair chase on a gorgeous sheep station near Cromwell. Riley will tailor your hunt to whatever your experience, interest or preference is. I like glassing, stalking and watching good pig dogs work.

For two days we were able to take red and fallow deer, goats and work some nice boars with the dogs. We also got great footage of big fallow bucks, red stags and chamois.

I showed up with basic hiking gear and had everything else provided at no extra cost. A great rifle (270 wsm Tikka), great buggy, and outstanding hut accommodations are all included.

If you have any time to spare while you're in the Queenstown area, I would highly recommend going out on a hunt with South Island Hunting.”