Two exclusive preserves totaling 15,000+ acres of varied habitat; tahr and chamois are available on private and public land nearby. We are located in prime country with no lodge changes, long transfers or overnights required.
Possible but complicated and expensive. Nothing goes to waste, and you’ll enjoy game cuisine during your stay.
Our private chef will prepare the game during your stay. The remaining venison is then utilized locally.
Game is typically skinned and quartered in the field. The meat, capes, and antlers or horns are then transported to our off-site cooler. Of course, all game is skinned according to your specific instructions for taxidermy.
Every effort is made to recover the game. However, in the unlikely event an animal is wounded and unrecovered, the full trophy fee applies. You may continue hunting on a trophy-fee basis.
Yes this is very common, videography/photography services are available for an extra fee, with edits delivered post-hunt. You will need to book in advance.
Check out some of the videos on our YouTube channel: Venator Cardrona Safaris.
Relax at the lodge, enjoy unlimited local activities in New Zealand’s top tourism region, or add species, since New Zealand is not on a tag or permit system.
No, our guides carry Swarovski optics and rangefinders. However, you can bring your own if you prefer.
We recommend bringing 10× binoculars if you have them.
Choose well-broken-in mountain boots (e.g. Crispi, Meindl, Scarpa, Lowa, Lathrop & Sons). Clean boots speed New Zealand customs to protect our environment from possible threats.
This varies by your home country and hunting traditions. We recommend you wear what you feel most comfortable in; quiet technical camo helps for archery. Popular patterns include Pnuma, Kuiu, and Forloh.
Yes, quality rain gear is essential year-round. We will supply our recommended gear list upon booking.
A tailored gear list is provided after booking. If you plan on even the possibility of hunting Tahr and/or Chamois additional warm weather gear will be needed. Daily laundry is included in daily rates.
Utvs to vantage points, followed by spot-and-stalk for deer and elk; helicopters are commonly used for alpine tahr/chamois access.
We highly recommend being in the best shape possible for your age and physical abilities to ensure the best hunting experience. Don’t be concerned if you have any physical or health limitations, our guides are well-trained, experienced, and considerate. They will tailor your hunt to suit your abilities.
We’ve worked with guests of all fitness levels, including wheelchair hunters, and our luxury lodge is fully handicap accessible. That said, if you can spare the time, adding some extra activities like walking, biking, or gym workouts beforehand will certainly pay off.
Late February through August for the main season; peak red stag roar occurs late March through late April. Velvet stag is November through January. Tahr/chamois winter coats are available late April through September; waterfowl May through July.
Click to view our New Zealand hunting season chart.
International flights, taxidermy, crating/shipping, trophy upgrades or extra species, gratuities, visas/nzeTA, spa or personal items, firearm import fees, and any pre/post-hunt touring.