New Zealand Hunting Calendar

New Zealand hunting and fishing options are diverse and available year-round.  Timed and budgeted just right, guests may enjoy several aspects of New Zealand hunting and fishing during a single trip.

A popular option is a 10-12 day New Zealand hunting trip to include 4-days each at North Island and South Island lodges: 3 days for ducks, upland game birds and turkeys at each lodge, 1 day of big game hunting or fishing at each lodge, and 1-2 days in Christchurch, Wellinton or several other cities or town for tours, sight-seeing and other non-hunting activity.  We strongly suggest arriving at least one day prior to scheduled hunts dates to reset you body clock following the long flight.

New Zealand Hunting and Fishing Calendar at a Glance: Use the table below to decide how best to customize your perfect New Zealand hunting trip with peak dates for desired activities.

SPECIES	HUNTING DATES	NOTES
Waterfowl	May – June (North) May – July (South)	Mallard, Canada Geese, Australian Shoveler, Paradise Shelduck, Pacific Black Duck, Black Swan.
Turkey	All Year	August through December spring turkey hunting with no competition, pairs well with trout fishing.  North Island.
Upland Gamebirds	May – July	Pheasant, Quail, Pukeko, Peacock.  North Island
Red Stag	February – August (Rut March – April)	Combines easily with waterfowl, fallow deer and other big game hunts.  North Island & South Island.
Fallow Deer	March – September (Rut in April)	Commonly taken during Red Deer hunts.  North Island.
Himalayan Tahr	April – September (Rut in April and May)	May be hunted all year, but designated dates are when capes are prime.  Commonly paird with Chamois hunting.  North Island & South Island.
European Chamois	April – August (Rut in April and May)	Dates indicate prime capes.  Commonly hunted in conjunction with Tahr.  North Island & South Island.
Sika Stag	Late-February through May (Rut in April)	Winter hunting through September can be rewarding, but snow is likely.  North Island.
Sambar Stag	Mid-August through October	Sambar hunting runs April through December and the ‘Rut’ can fluctuate from May/August. North Island
Rusa Stag	Rut July and August	Popularly hunted in conjunction with winter hunt for Tahr, Sambar or Sika.  North Island.
Bull Elk/Wapiti	“Bugle” March and April	Hunting is unrestricted from June until the end of February. During the “bugle” March and special permits are required. South Island – Fiordland Only
Whitetail Deer	March – July (Rut in May)	Hunted only on Stewart Island – The bottom of the South Island.
Wild Bull/Cattle	All Year (Rut November & December	Hunted in Isolated pockets of the North and South Island
Wild Boar/Pig	June to September	There are opportunities to hunt all year round but the winter months are often the most fruitful. North and South Island
South Pacific Goat	All Year	Hunted in the North and South Island
Trout Fishing	All Year	October through April peak trophy fishing.

New Zealand Web Design by Avatar