Southern Hunting Adventures New Zealand

South Island New Zealand Elk (Wapiti) hunting

Chase monster bulls in central otago’s golden hills

Keep Your Cool When the Bugling Begins...

NZ elk take a backseat to our famed red stag – but nothing gets the heart humming like a screaming monster bull elk stomping out of wallow to meet his challengers. We access New Zealand’s finest herd in a massive swath of Central Otago; we guarantee shot opportunities and an exquisite hunting experience. Join us!

New Zealand Red Stag Hunting

The most-widely spread deer species in New Zealand, red deer (Cervus elaphus) were introduced to the South Island in the late 1800’s. Today, hunters can track the adaptable red stag in New Zealand’s hills, valleys, forests, mānuka scrub, tussock, river bottoms, and more! An average New Zealand red stag can weigh 400 pounds, carry the largest antlers of any deer in the world relative to their body size, and their mating call “roar” is a sound you’re not likely to forget.

Why Choose Southern Hunting Adventures?

Southern Hunting Adventures offers high-quality hunting options for our beloved red stag. We access a staggering number of hunting blocks, private ranches, & estates (more than any other outfitter in New Zealand). From record book trophy heads to meat animals (and everything in between), quick hunts to longer adventures – join us in pursuit of New Zealand’s famed red deer for a hunt you’ll remember for the rest of your days! Our certified guides guarantee shot opportunities on every red stag hunt.

South Island Red Stag Hunting Seasons

NZ red stag hunting is best from February, when the hunting days are still warm and stags are in hard antler, through mid-August when stags begin to drop their antlers. Peak ‘Roar’ (or rut) stag hunting occurs mid-March through the end of April. Red stags will split off from the hinds and may join bachelor groups in May and June to prepare for winter.

Do you have questions about hunting in New Zealand in general? Check out our frequently asked questions page.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Red Stag Hunting Packages & Pricing

Wild Red Stag or Management Red Stag Hunt

Hunt a wild red stag (12 points or fewer) or management red stag. Includes hut or station accommodation, meals, and use of firearms/ammo.

 

Approximate hunt price: $2500 per red stag. Additional guide fees apply for field days beyond the first day.

Bronze Medal Red Stag Hunt

Includes airport transfers, lodge accommodation, trophy preparation for expediting, meals, and use of firearms. Red stag scoring up to 329 SCI.

Approximate hunt price: $3000.

Silver Medal Red Stag Hunt

Includes airport transfers, lodge accommodation, trophy preparation for expediting, meals, and use of firearms. Red stag scoring 330 to 369 SCI.

Approximate hunt price: $6000.

Gold Medal Red Stag Hunt

Includes lodge accommodation, airport transfers, trophy preparation and transfer for expediting, meals and firearms provided. A Gold Medal stag measures 370 to 400 SCI. A Super Gold Medal red stag measures 401 to 450 SCI. An Elite Gold Medal stag scores above 450 SCI and is guaranteed to measure for the World Record Book.

Approximate hunt price: Gold: $9000. Super Gold: $12,000. Elite Gold: $20,000 to $350,000.

Gold Package: Tahr, Chamois, Red Stag, Fallow Buck, Wallaby, Turkey, Boar, & Goat Hunt

All-inclusive hunting package (‘Gold Level’ hunting & accommodations, transfers, transport, meals, drinks, guided hunting) for one hunter and one non-hunter. Helicopter access for alpine animals is included. Relax with included scenic lake cruise, jetboat ride, horse trek, glacier landing, and other activity options to fill free time. Include use of optics, firearms, and ammunition.

Approximate Package Price: $26,000.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Red Stag Hunts & Pricing

Meat or Cull Red Deer Hunt

beginner deer hunting meat hunt cull hunt red deer nz

Approximate hunt price: For a meat hind hunt, you can anticipate $600.

For a yearling or cull red stag hunt, it might be $1200-$1300 per animal.

Wild Stag Hunt - <12 Points

Queenstown Dunedin Wanaka Otago red deer hunting guides

Hunt a wild red stag (12 points or fewer) or management red stag. Includes hut or station accommodation, meals, and use of firearms/ammo.

Approximate hunt price: $2500 per red stag. Additional guide fees apply for field days beyond the first day.

Bronze Medal Red Stag Hunt

new zealand red stag Guided Red Stag Hunting South Island New Zealand Southern Hunting Adventures e1590230886619

Hunting Package includes airport transfers, lodge accommodation, trophy preparation for expediting, meals, and use of firearms. Red stag scoring up to 329 SCI.

Approximate hunt price: $3000.

Silver Medal Red Stag Hunt

South Island New Zealand Red Stag hunting

Hunting package includes airport transfers, lodge accommodation, trophy preparation for expediting, meals, and use of firearms. Red stag scoring 330 to 369 SCI.

Approximate hunt price: $6000.

Gold Medal Red Stag Hunt

red stag new zealand hunting outfitters Otago

Includes lodge accommodation, airport transfers, trophy preparation and transfer for expediting, meals and firearms provided.

A Gold Medal stag measures 370 to 400 SCI. A Super Gold Medal red stag measures 401 to 450 SCI. An Elite Gold Medal stag scores above 450 SCI and is guaranteed to measure for the World Record Book.

Approximate hunt price: Gold: $9000. Super Gold: $12,000. Elite Gold: $20,000 to $350,000.

Gold Package: Tahr, Chamois, Red Stag, Fallow Buck, Wallaby, Turkey, Boar, & Goat Hunt

nz tahr hunt central otago new zealand

All-inclusive hunting package (‘Gold Level’ hunting & accommodations, transfers, transport, meals, drinks, guided hunting) for one hunter and one non-hunter. Helicopter access for alpine animals is included. Relax with included scenic lake cruise, jetboat ride, horse trek, glacier landing, and other activity options to fill free time. Includes use of optics, firearms, and ammunition.

Approximate hunt price: $26,000.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Our Recent Red Stag Hunting Photos

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Recent Red Stag Hunting Testimonials

As an American visiting New Zealand and looking to rifle hunt for red stag – I couldn’t be any happier with Southern Hunting Adventures than I am. Sheldon communicated well, was extremely helpful in sorting trip details, and set me up on a great hunt for free-ranging stags on a spot-and-stalk trip.

Angus, my guide for the week, was top-notch (I work as a hunting guide in the States and believe I have some idea of what a good guide looks like); he was hardworking, patient, and helpful in sorting all of the game we were seeing. New Zealand red stag hunting is amazing! We studied plenty of deer throughout a major system of ridges and valleys before putting a stalk on a stag! Camp was a great little hut on the valley floor of one of the drainage systems we were hunting. Angus brought plenty of food, drove some gorgeous but rugged roads, and packed out more than his share of meat and antler.

Having spent plenty of time in New Zealand – it’s a great place to hunt gorgeous game animals. The logistics, access, timing, and gear it takes to successfully hunt in New Zealand makes it pretty difficult. Don’t stress too much – Southern Hunting Adventures is the perfect option for that once-in-a-lifetime New Zealand red stag hunt. They chase other game too – but I’ve only hunted red deer with them (so far!). I’m looking forward to returning to hunt with them sometime down the road, maybe for tahr or fallow deer. Leave the logistics and land access challenges to Southern Hunting Adventures – they set me up on a New Zealand red stag hunt that I’ll never forget. Just pure deer hunting NZ! Thanks, gents!

man hunting red deer south island new zealand

- Danny S.

Google Review

New Zealand Red Stag Review

Sheldon was fantastic to deal with. Very easy! I organised the hunt as a surprise gift. Sheldon communicated well in the lead-up and worked with our dates. I was confident my husband was in for a great hunt and a nice challenge.

I had just one request – he wanted a red deer! Sheldon delivered. Needless to say, my husband came back grinning ear-to-ear with his first deer and fresh venison for the BBQ. Big thank you to Sheldon and Angus. He’ll be back!

red stag hunt new zealand Queenstown

- Julia A.

TripAdvisor Review

Red Stag Hunts Review

Just finished my third hunt with Sheldon – deer hunting NZ. As always he produced a fantastic hunt with great adventure! Deer, goat, ram, and turkeys. A wonderful host – I’m already looking forward to hunt #4 with Southern Hunting Adventures New Zealand!

hunt red stag in new zealand Queenstown Dunedin

- Tom W.

Google Review

Deer Hunting NZ Review

Join us for...

a roaring good time! New Zealand Red Stag Hunting

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Red Stag Hunting Prices

Wild Red Stag

$ 2500

Wild Stag – Fewer than 12 Pts.

Free-range red stag hunt on private land.

Bronze Red Stag

$ 3000

Below 329 SCI.

Free-range red stag hunt on private land.

Silver Red Stag

$ 6000

330 to 369 SCI.

Estate red stag hunt on private land.

Gold Red Stag

$ 9000

370 to 400 SCI.

Estate red stag hunt on private land.

*All listed red stag hunt prices are approximate, subject to change, and listed in $USD. Send us an enquiry to learn more about hunting red stag in New Zealand & deer hunting NZ!

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Contact Our Team for Red Stag Hunting

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trophy red stag hunts new zealand
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Here’s a bit of footage from various sightings during recent red stag hunts & fallow buck hunts this year. Send us a note to hunt with us!

Other New Zealand Hunts You Might Like:

Available Big Game Add-On Hunts:

New Zealand Big Game Species Hunt Location
Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
Nationwide
Elk/Wapiti (Cervus elaphus nelsonii)
Nationwide
Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
Nationwide
Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)
Central North Island
Whitetail Deer (Odocoileous virginianus)
Lower South Island – Stewart Island
Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis)
Eastern North Island
Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolour)
Southern North Island
Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus)
Central South Island
Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra)
South Island
Pacific Goat
Nationwide
Captain Cook Boar (Sus scrofa)
Nationwide
Arapawa Ram (Ovis arapawa)
Nationwide
Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019
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