NZ hunting and fishing.

Yukon Mike

Yukon Mike

Well-known member
Hi guys, we made it out of SE Asia and are now in NZ for 6 or 7 weeks. Fall colors are starting and Mac and I are wondering what we can get into by way of hunting while we are here. Of course we are scouring the net for info, but any advice from you guys would speed up the search. Right now we are on the N island at Lake Taupo for this week, then picking up a motorhome and wandering for the rest of the time.

Guided trout fishing right here is ridiculously expensive, so I'm expecting hunting to be the same, but I have to find out.

Mike
 
Mike,

I have been interested in NZ for some time so have paid attention to the things I have read. My impression is that most hunting is guided/outfitted due to the ruggedness of the country. That said, I have read stories of DIY bowhunts for some of the species like fallow deer, Stag, etc. I think if you find the right person to talk to you should be able to DIY. I also understand that there is no closed season for some of the waterfowl and extended seasons for the rest. I envy you on this adventure to NZ- keep us informed and take lots of pics.
 
Many years ago ..1997 I worked at Ohau Ski Area for Mike Nielson. He and his wife own and operate the resort. Attached is a link with a fair number of outdoor activities. My advice would be to contact Mike and see what he could put together for you. Trout fishing is awesome. Don't know a damn thing about hunting but the guys from twizel used to load up with beers and guns on a utility trk and be gone for days.

Anyhow give mike a call... http://www.ohau.co.nz

There's contact ph numbers and such at the site. Have fun and rip a lip for me. Oh Twizel is 4 hrs south from Christchurch.

ChrisR
 
I have a friend who hunts and fishes way down in Invercargill. He might be able to get you going in the right direction if you are planning on going down to the South Island.
 
I would appreciate the contact info Brad if you don't mind. I've been reading the Dept of Conservation website today and while it is a great site, I need some clarification on a few things. I can't think of another interest that is as regulated and strictly enforced than hunting and fishing. Its very intimidating to start from scratch learning all you need to know, before you even get a hook wet or put your boots on.

What I have been able to learn so far is that the "hunts" I can afford for big stuff are done inside high fences - not interested. The other options are public land, or paid access on private.

For a couple hundred bucks I could try to get a pig, shoot some turkeys, and chase bunnies. An honest hunt for say a Red Stag runs about $2000 - $3000. Not outrageous compared to other big game species in NA, but too much for our budget.

I snuck up to within 10' of a pair of paradise shelducks at a park yesterday. What an interesting looking bird. At the local hunting shop they actually have factory plastic decoys of them which surprised me. There are scaup on the lake here which look just like our lessers in size, just all black. The most common duck is mallards, apparently brought from NA via some eggs collected in San Francisco. There are also Canada geese to hunt, Black Swans, teal, and spoonies. Duck season doesn't start until May 1 and we're leaving May 3, but maybe I can find someone to tag along with as their dog just for the experience.

Mike
 
I lived in Kaikoura on the South Island for 2 years, 2005-2007. Unless things have changed you can hunt stag and pigs without a license or a guide. You do need a gun license as a non-resident though. Try to talk to locals, they are incredibly friendly and helpful. A visit to a sporting goods store should set you right. A guide might be helpful for getting into the backcountry though! Don't overlook the saltwater fishing down there, it's incredible! Also in the central south island, when I lived there there was no season or limit on Canada geese as they are a huge nuisance to farmers there. The Shelducks are indeed a neat looking bird, and huge too, almost the size of a snow goose. Good luck, PM me for more info if you need it! I really miss NZ and would move back in a heartbeat.
 
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