Hunting logistics - making your trip a smooth one

Deer stalking season in New Zealand starts with the Roar (also known as the Rut), which runs from March to the end of May. Trophy heads can still be taken until the end of August. For turkeys, the best time to hunt is July through to December.

New Zealand has a very changeable, island climate. So please pack warm clothing and waterproof gear. Deer roar best in cold conditions. Tahr and chamois are hunted above the snow line.

All food and drink is provided in the Lodge and is included in the price of your hunting. You'll need to bring clothing, your rifle or bow and ammunition (we can supply a rifle). Binoculars, range finder and spotting scope provided.

For deer stalking you can hunt on foot or on a 4x4 quad bike (ATV). When Tahr and Chamois hunting, you can choose either to go by foot or helicopter. Extra fitness is required for hunting by foot.

What to bring hunting in NZ

Please bring suitable quiet clothing to stalk deer in. We recommend sturdy boots with ankle support and a good tread

For 5 days deer & game hunting you'll need:

  • » 5 pair socks
  • » 2 sets thermal underwear
  • » 2 pairs of hunting pants
  • » 2 warm shirts
  • » 1 hunting jacket
  • » Rain proof coat
  • » Hat
  • » Gloves
  • » Gaiters
  • » Sunglasses
  • » Personal items
  • » Day pack which could include camera and torch.

Include a warm, comfortable set of clothes for relaxing in the Lodge after hunting. We will provide bed linen and towels in the Lodge and a hot shower is available.

If you are planning a Tahr or Chamois hunt you'll need clothing suitable for snow ­ like gloves, warm hat, water and wind proof jacket and sunglasses.

Tahr hunting

Hunting Firearms

You can use Ranginui's rifles or bring your own. Please let us know before you come if you'd like to use our firearms. We'll provide you with the space to sight your rifle in.

You can bring your own rifle into New Zealand providing it meets New Zealand criteria and you follow the correct process with the airlines and New Zealand Police. There are some conditions which you need to be mindful of:

Firstly, handguns are not permitted in New Zealand, so please leave them at home.
Secondly, semi-automatic rifles are difficult to bring into New Zealand so we recommend that you also leave them at home. Further information is available on the NZ Police web-site.
Also, please check with the airlines before making your travel bookings on their regulations for carrying firearms.

You also need to submit a firearms import license to New Zealand Police at Auckland International Airport. You can download the application for a Tourist Firearms License. We will discuss the process for bringing rifles into New Zealand when you make your booking.

Ranginui Lodge