During Your Hunt

Your New Zealand hunt is designed to be professionally guided, flexible and comfortable from the moment you arrive at the lodge.

During your stay, you’ll hunt private land across the South Island, with terrain and access matched to your species, ability, weather conditions and hunting goals. Some days may involve glassing open country and stalking through rolling hills. Others — especially Tahr and Chamois hunts — may involve steeper mountain country, longer climbs or optional helicopter access. Between hunts, you’ll return to comfortable lodge accommodation, home-cooked meals and a relaxed base in Fairlie, South Canterbury.

What to expect during your hunt

Most hunts are based from Fairlie in New Zealand’s South Island. The lodge is located around 2.2 hours south of Christchurch and around 3.5 hours north of Queenstown. The hunting areas are close to the lodge, making it easy to access different properties depending on the weather, species and plan for the day.

For most deer species, the terrain is rolling hills, valleys and private ranch-style country. For Tahr and Chamois, the terrain can become more mountainous, with steeper hills, river valleys and alpine areas. Your guide will help set the pace, choose the right hunting areas and get you into position for the best possible shot opportunity.

Terrain and hunting style

The South Island terrain ranges from rolling hills and valleys for deer species through to hill and mountain country for Tahr and Chamois. The East Coast has open country with fewer trees than many North American hunters expect, allowing for long-distance glassing across hillsides, valleys and native vegetation.

For deer species, many hunters find the terrain very manageable — much of the hunting is on private land with good road access. For Tahr and Chamois, expect more climbing, sidling and mountain-style hunting; some climbs may take one to two hours at a steady pace, depending on the animal, terrain and access on the day. The hunt is always adapted as much as possible to the hunter’s ability, comfort level and goals.

Guides, safety and support

You’ll be guided throughout your hunt. Your guide will help with glassing, stalking, judging animals, setting up for the shot and making sure you’re comfortable in the terrain being hunted.

For mountain hunts or more remote outings, your guide will carry key safety equipment — including a phone capable of satellite text, a first aid kit, an emergency EPIRB and extra gear if needed. At the start of the hunt, you’ll also have the opportunity to put a couple of rounds through the rifle, confirming your setup and giving you confidence before heading into the field.

Shot distances

Shot distances vary depending on the species, conditions and what the hunter is comfortable with. As a general guide:

Game	Typical distance
Deer & most game	150–250 yards
Tahr & Chamois	250–400 yards
Bow hunting	40–70 yards

Your guide will help set you up properly and make sure you’re comfortable before taking a shot. Prone shooting is common in New Zealand hill country, so hunters should be comfortable shooting from a lying-down position, including uphill and downhill angles.

Tahr and Chamois hunts

Tahr and Chamois hunts are often more physically demanding than deer hunts. Depending on the property and conditions, these hunts may involve river valleys, road-accessible glassing points, steeper hill country or mountain terrain. Good fitness helps you enjoy the hunt more and gives you more options in the field — though these hunts can be adapted to suit different abilities where possible.

For clients who prefer to reduce climbing or maximise hunting time, helicopter access may be available for Tahr and Chamois. Flying is weather-dependent and can also be used for scenic flights if time allows.

Weather during the hunt

New Zealand weather can change quickly, sometimes within the same day. We carry wet-weather gear throughout most of the year, but hunters should still bring suitable clothing for the season.

Season	Months	Approx. temperature
Summer	February–March	45°F–85°F / 7°C–29°C
Fall	April–May	32°F–70°F / 0°C–21°C
Winter	June–September	20°F–60°F / -6°C–15°C

In winter, good warm clothing is essential. Conditions can feel similar to hunting in parts of the central United States, Alaska or Canada.

Staying at the lodge

Most hunters stay at All Seasons Lodge in Fairlie. The lodge is private, comfortable and located close to the hunting properties. Each room has its own ensuite bathroom, king bed, TV and Wi-Fi. During your stay, you can expect home-cooked New Zealand meals — including wild game, seafood, grass-fed beef and lamb, fresh vegetables, desserts and local beer or wine. After a day in the hills, the lodge gives hunters a comfortable place to relax, eat well, rest and prepare for the next day.

Meals and downtime

Meals are part of the lodge experience. Breakfast is cooked or continental, and evening meals are prepared at the lodge after the day’s hunt. Between hunts, there’s time to relax, enjoy the views, use Wi-Fi, spend time with family or non-hunters, and prepare gear for the next outing. If you bring extra gear and don’t need it in the field, it can be safely stored while you’re hunting.

Non-hunters and family members

New Zealand is a strong destination for non-hunters and family members as well as hunters. Non-hunters can relax at the lodge, join suitable parts of the hunt where appropriate, self-drive locally, or take guided day trips. Options can include glaciers, lakes, hiking, shopping, day spas, hot pools, restaurants and scenic touring around the South Island. Tour guiding can be arranged from the lodge, with day touring available and longer stay-away trips arranged if needed.

4WD, photo safaris and scenic options

For guests who want to see more of the South Island during the hunt, 4WD and photographic safari options can be arranged — scenic backcountry touring, wildlife viewing, mountain landscapes, lakes, glaciers and private touring routes. These are particularly useful for spouses, family members or hunters who want to combine a hunting trip with a broader New Zealand experience.

See 4WD & Photo Safaris →

Electrical, phone and end-of-hunt admin

New Zealand uses 240V power with a 2–3 pin plug. Most modern electronics are compatible with 110–240V, but check your charger before travelling — you’ll usually need a plug converter, and some may be available at the lodge. The whole country is on one time zone; the easiest way to check the time difference is to add Wellington, New Zealand, to the world clock on your phone.

Contact details while in New Zealand

If you have questions during the hunt, please ask your guide or contact Jim or Anna. The goal is to make the experience enjoyable, safe and well organised for hunters and non-hunters alike.