deer hunting
New Zealand has seven established deer species stretching over both mainland islands and even to some of New Zealands smaller islands. Deer species as follows: Red (Cervus elaphus scoticus), Wapati (C.elaphus nelsoni), Sika (C. nippon), Sambar (C. unicolor), Rusa (C. timorensis), Fallow (Dama dama), White-tailed (Odocoileus virginianus). The main deer species we offer to hunt as part of your adventure here with us is Red and Fallow deer. These species are local to the area we operate within, but this does not mean you have to limit your hunting adventure to these two species, (we can tailor the adventure to hunt other species, this comes with added cost and possibility of a third party guide company etc. Some species in particular areas are ballot hunting only).
We offer a purely wild hunt as this is part of the adventure, none of the species we hunt are farmed or enclosed within deer fencing no matter how large the fenced areas. Here at Southern Cross Adventures we believe in a life time experience for all. To hunt as part of that, must mean fair game to all parties, including our quarry.
By hunting only wild deer you are getting the raw product, the most elegant animals in their own habitat, without human manipulation. This means you can keep your whole hunting adventure within a realistic budget without paying big bucks to 'hunt' a large deer which may have been farmed and released into the 'wild'.
Hunting deer in New Zealand is a pleasure and can be enjoyed from the keen young hunter up to the experienced hunter. With all deer species in New Zealand, they have all been introduced at some point in the countries history. Because of this they are officially classed as pests, but are tolerated in manageable numbers. Your hunting adventure helps keep the deer numbers in check and preserves the population for others to come and enjoy. Without your contribution to the population control, large culls would be inevitable to save the pristine natural habitats found all across New Zealand, most of which deer can have huge impact on if populations are left unchecked.
Start your adventure deer hunting in New Zealand with us at Southern Cross Adventure, click for pricing and availability.
TAHR AND CHAMOIS HUNTING
Tahr and Chamois are high alpine game species that offer the hunter an extreme thrill through the scenery and dramatic landscapes that live within. They are often found above snow lines and at high altitudes in mountainous terrain, this offers you a chance to have an adventure that will enchant you to return for more.
Due to the high altitude and remote locations of these animals longer tours are recommended to gain the most out of the experience. We can arrange day trips if a long stay is not possible or up to four nights out in the mountains (longer if fitness will allow). Some areas are equipped with basic huts which we would take full advantage of, but to gain that unique adventure camping is also a common option as we can travel to the more secluded areas of the mountains.
Most areas we hunt do not allow vehicles so we will 4X4 as far as we can before continuing on foot. For this type of hunting a very good level of fitness is required as we will carry all supplies with us in to the mountains. If you cannot carry it. you don't take it. As drastic as this may seem the idea of an adventure is being out of your comfort zone and bracing the raw elements, Tahr and Chamois hunting offers just this.
Not keen on such and extreme adventure, then there is still the option of using a helicopter to get to our base camp. This has obviously an added cost to your adventure but can enable you to get that hunt of a life time if your on a tight schedule. (Helicopter usage is charged on top of our fees, cost will depend on flight time, inquire for more details). Click for pricing and availability.
SMALL GAME HUNTING
Hunting small game in New Zealand will add the spice of life to your next adventure. Here at Southern Cross Adventures we offer a whole range of target species. The most popular small game hunting is Wallaby, Possum and Hare/Rabbit spot lighting. This is a night shooting adventure that is over local farm land. Day time hunting of these species can also be rewarding for the hunter as it is a great way to get your eye in if you plan to hunt larger game later in your adventure. Click for pricing and availability.
DUCK HUNTING
Duck hunting is marked on every hunters calendar in New Zealand. Throughout the vast amount of lakes, rivers, estuaries and ponds, hunters from all over the country set up their hides for the opening day of the season. The season runs from the first Saturday in May until the end of July. In certain areas exemptions throughout the year do apply, please inquire as exemption dates vary from year to year if your visit to New Zealand does not fall within the open season.
Hunters will have the choice of mainly Mallard and Paradise Shell Ducks to hunt as well as Black Swans if current exemptions allow. The options are endless, you may find your self stalking Mallard on one of the south islands iconic rivers or calling a flock of Paradise Shell Ducks coming into a cropped field. Click for pricing and availability.
Fishing
Fishing options are endless here in the south island, we can cater for all ages and competence of any angler. Through the summer months river fishing can produce some challenging but rewarding fishing. Rivers large or small can cater for your needs with a quiet fly fishing experience or thrill seeking lure fishing adventure. As well as river fishing here in the south island we have a vast network of hydro canals that are man made water ways for the production of hydro electricity. Subsequently these flowing water ways make ideal habitats for salmon farms. These salmon farms from time to time have escapees, as well as additional fish stocking schemes which makes for a thrilling fishing experience. As well as salmon in both the rivers and hydro canals, brown trout are common along with rainbow trout in some rivers. If your an experienced angler or just starting out, add fishing to your Southern Cross Adventure. Click here for pricing and availability.
