Hunting New Zealand as part of a Private Guided Tour
Hunting in New Zealand backcountry
Hunting New Zealand offers visitors the opportunity to experience some of the country’s most rugged landscapes, from native forest and mountain ranges to large private stations and remote backcountry. Great North Tours can coordinate private transport and itinerary planning around a specialist local hunting experience, creating a customised trip for individuals or private groups.
New Zealand is known for its varied hunting opportunities, with guided experiences available for species including red deer, sika deer, fallow deer, wild pigs, goats, chamois and tahr. The type of hunting experience available depends on the destination, land access, season and specialist guide or outfitter you choose.
The North Island offers a particularly diverse range of landscapes for hunting trips. Areas around the Central Plateau, Kaimanawa ranges and other remote parts of the island provide access to backcountry environments where hunting can be combined with an authentic New Zealand outdoor experience.
A New Zealand hunting trip can also be planned around accommodation, transfers, sightseeing and other activities. Great North Tours can arrange the road transport and wider itinerary while your specialist hunting operator manages the hunting component of the experience.
For visitors travelling from overseas, it is important to understand New Zealand's hunting regulations before planning a trip. Hunting on public conservation land requires the appropriate DOC hunting permit, while hunting on private land requires permission from the landowner. Additional requirements can apply depending on the type of hunting and equipment involved.
Visitors using firearms also need to meet New Zealand's firearms licensing requirements, and overseas visitors should check the current rules well in advance of their trip. DOC provides specific information covering hunting permits, firearms, access and other requirements.
Whether you are interested in New Zealand hunting trips, deer hunting, a guided backcountry experience or simply want to build a hunting adventure into a wider North Island itinerary, Great North Tours can coordinate the transport and travel arrangements around your specialist local hunting experience.
Hunting New Zealand: FAQs
Can you hunt in New Zealand?
Yes. Hunting is available in New Zealand on private land with the landowner's permission and on public conservation land under the applicable Department of Conservation rules and permits.
What can you hunt in New Zealand?
Hunting opportunities can include introduced species such as red deer, fallow deer, sika deer, wild pigs, goats, chamois and tahr, depending on the region, land access and applicable regulations.
What is hunting in New Zealand like?
New Zealand hunting can range from private-land experiences to remote backcountry trips in forests, mountains and high-country landscapes. The environment and style of trip vary considerably between regions and specialist hunting operators.
Do I need a permit to hunt in New Zealand?
If you are hunting on public conservation land, you need a Department of Conservation hunting permit. Hunting on private land requires permission from the landowner. Additional permits or licences can apply to particular types of hunting.
What is the best time to go hunting in New Zealand?
The best time depends on the species, location and type of hunting experience. Some species can generally be hunted throughout the year, while particular areas may have seasonal restrictions, ballots or other conditions. Your specialist hunting operator can advise on the appropriate timing.
Can overseas visitors go hunting in New Zealand?
Yes. Overseas visitors can take part in guided hunting experiences in New Zealand, but they need to understand the relevant hunting, firearms, land-access and border requirements before travelling. It is important to arrange the necessary permissions well in advance.
Do I need a firearms licence to hunt in New Zealand?
Firearms use in New Zealand is subject to licensing and other legal requirements. Overseas visitors intending to use firearms should check the current New Zealand Police requirements before travelling and discuss the arrangements with their specialist hunting operator.
Can I take a hunting trophy home from New Zealand?
Some hunting trophies can be taken overseas, but export requirements depend on the species and destination country. CITES, biosecurity, customs and other documentation may apply, so visitors should check the requirements well before departure.
Does Great North Tours provide the hunting guide?
Great North Tours can arrange private transport and coordinate the wider travel itinerary around your hunting experience. The specialist hunting component can be provided by a suitably qualified local hunting guide or outfitter.
Can a hunting trip include accommodation and transport?
Yes. A private hunting itinerary can be planned around transport, accommodation and other travel arrangements. Great North Tours can coordinate the road transport and wider itinerary around the specialist hunting experience.
Can hunting be combined with other New Zealand activities?
Yes. Depending on the location and length of your trip, a hunting experience can be incorporated into a wider New Zealand itinerary that includes sightseeing, accommodation, scenic destinations and other activities.
Can Great North Tours arrange a private hunting trip in New Zealand?
Yes. Great North Tours can help coordinate private transport and itinerary planning around a specialist New Zealand hunting experience, with the hunting component arranged with an appropriate local operator.