Hunt
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 Hunt New Zealand?
Hunt New Zealand 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.
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.
Approximate hunt price: $4000 per red stag. Additional guide fees apply for field days beyond the first day.
Bronze Medal Red Stag Hunt
Includes airport transfers, trophy preparation for expediting, meals, and use of firearms. Red stag scoring up to 329 SCI.
Approximate hunt price: $5000.
Silver Medal Red Stag Hunt
Includes airport transfers, trophy preparation for expediting, meals, and use of firearms. Red stag scoring 330 to 369 SCI.
Approximate hunt price: $6500.
Gold Medal Red Stag Hunt
A Gold Medal stag measures 370 to 400 SCI. A Super Gold Medal red stag measures 401 to 450 SCI with Premium Gold scoring 450 to 500 inches. An Elite Gold Medal stag scores above 500 SCI and is guaranteed to measure for the World Record Book.
Approximate hunt price: Gold: $9000. Super Gold: $12,000. Premium Gold $16,000 Elite Gold: $20,000 to $350,000.
Gold Package: Tahr, Chamois, Red Stag
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 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.
Due to the variety of requests we receive from hunters and the number of New Zealand red stag hunting combinations you can dream up, we generally sketch a quick quote for you that depends on the number of hunters in your group, the species and quality of animals you’re after, and the length of your vacation or desired hunt. You can get an approximate sense of our red stag hunt pricing and a few of the packages we offer in the section above – but please feel encouraged to send us a quick note with a little bit of information about you and your dream red stag hunt. Don’t worry – one of our favorite parts of this line of work is working with hunters to build the hunt you’re after at a budget that works for you – just contact us to red stag hunt New Zealand!
*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!
Red Stag Hunts & Pricing
Due to the variety of requests we receive from hunters and the number of New Zealand red stag hunting combinations you can dream up, we generally sketch a quick quote for you that depends on the number of hunters in your group, the species and quality of animals you’re after, and the length of your vacation or desired hunt. You can get an approximate sense of our red stag hunt pricing and a few of the packages we offer in the section above – but please feel encouraged to send us a quick note with a little bit of information about you and your dream red stag hunt. Don’t worry – one of our favorite parts of this line of work is working with hunters to build the hunt you’re after at a budget that works for you – just contact us to red stag hunt New Zealand!
*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!
Meat or Cull Red Deer Hunt
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
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
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
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
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. Includes use of optics, firearms, and ammunition.
Approximate hunt price: $26,000.
Our Recent Red Stag Hunting Photos
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 Hunt New Zealand 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 – Hunt New Zealand 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 Hunt New Zealand – they set me up on a New Zealand red stag hunt that I’ll never forget. Just pure deer hunting NZ! Thanks, gents!
– 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!
– 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 Hunt New Zealand!
– Tom W.
Google Review
Deer Hunting NZ Review
Join us for…
a roaring good time! New Zealand Red Stag Hunting
Red Stag Hunting Prices
Wild Red Stag
$
4000
Wild Stag – Fewer than 12 Pts.
Free-range red stag hunt on private land.
Bronze Red Stag
$
5000
300 to 329 SCI.
Free-range or estate red stag hunt on private land.
Silver Red Stag
$
6500
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!
Contact Our Team for Red Stag Hunting
Still scrolling? Join us!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3LGsWxpDVA
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:
Chamois Hunting
Tahr Hunting
Fallow Buck Hunting
Merriam’s Turkey Hunting
Elk, Ram, Pig, Goat or Wallaby
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 |