Hunting with the Kiwis

HUNTING WITH THEKIWIS First-time hunting experiences are always filled with INVITED GUEST excitement and anticipation. However, when international travel is involved, these hunts can also be intimidating. CYNDY BOYCE HF STAFF We’ve asked the team at Link’s Wild Safaris to provide REMARKS our members some insight into the hunting opportunities LINK’S WILD SAFARIS and logistics of traveling to destinations around the world, and Link’s General Manager, Cyndy Boyce, is starting off GENERAL MANAGER with New Zealand. HUNTING IN NEW ZEALAND Strong populations of chamois, fallow to match every hunter’s budget. New The South Pacific is its own special place deer, red deer, rusa deer, sambar Zealand is the perfect destination for and a sweet spot for many hunters. deer, sika deer, wapiti, whitetail deer, a couple, family, or group of hunters New Zealand is divided into two main pigs, and Himalayan tahr are dispersed where hunts can be accomplished islands, each with a diverse climate, throughout the islands. Additionally, in as few as five days. However, to topography, and scenery. The South there are multiple species of ducks successfully harvest multiple species, Island is home to the infamous Southern and some of the best fly-fishing in the 10-14 days is highly recommended. Alps mountain range and contains 18 world. There is speculation that there March, April, and May provide the peaks over 9,800 feet, with the highest may even be Canadian moose that best months to hunt, and rifle and being Mount Cook at 12,316 feet. The have survived since their introduction archery opportunities are readily less mountainous North Island is the in Fiordland in 1910. While most available. Packages can be as little fourteenth largest island in the world experts agree that they have since as $3,500 for a five-day red stag (SCI and features many scenic, dormant died off, there have been rumored 300-330") all the way up to $20,000 volcanoes. Average temperatures are sightings and ongoing debate over for a five-animal safari. For red stag, 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the south their existence today, making them hunters should expect to pay more as and 61 degrees in the north. All of New Zealand’s version of Scotland’s trophy size increases. New Zealand’s big game species were infamous sea creature. introduced to the landscape, primarily FREE-RANGE VS. HIGH-FENCE as gifts from past leaders long ago. As Link’s Wild Safaris works with four of HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES such, there are no natural predators the top outfitters in New Zealand, each New Zealand offers a multitude of and game uniquely different, but all consistently hunting opportunities. While many populations providing opportunities to harvest outfitters offer high-fence opportunities, thrive. species with different pricing models there are also free-range areas where hunters can seek their desired trophy. It is a matter of personal preference. When a hunter is seeking a specific size of red stag, these opportunities infrequently present themselves in free-range areas, but they are abundant in high- fence areas. While tahr, whitetail, and chamois can be found in both opportunities, it is most common to hunt these trophies in free- range wilderness regions of 26 the country. NEW ZEALAND TAHR The biggest consideration a hunter will GETTING TO NEW ZEALAND ARRIVING IN NEW ZEALAND need to make when deciding on whether • Los Angeles and San Francisco have • When you arrive in New Zealand, to hunt free-range or high-fenced in New daily flights to New Zealand. you will proceed to the passport Zealand is time. If a dedicated hunter control point to present your wants to spend days hiking and climbing • From these West Coast airports, it is documents. to get the perfect trophy, it is likely that approximately a 12-hour flight. additional days will be needed. When • You must obtain a “Visitor Firearms hunting a high-fence area, the desired • Over 30 airlines provide service to License and Permit to Import trophy is likely to be found in fewer days. New Zealand. Firearms.” This form can be However, many high-fence areas are quite completed online and should be large and nothing is ever guaranteed. • Travelers will cross the International done at least 14 days prior to your Date Line both directions of travel. hunt. WHAT TO PACK New Zealand’s weather is very • Most flights terminate and originate • When you arrive, declare your unpredictable, changing by the hour. in Auckland on the North Island. firearms to the New Zealand When hunting March-May, it can be Police and provide them with your cool, so be sure to pack warm hunting • Auckland is the major financial and passport and the completed Visitor gear and a good set of lightweight commercial city on the North Island, Firearms License & Permit to Import raingear. A well broken-in pair and Christchurch serves those Firearms application. You will be of lace-up hunting boots is a must. functions on the South Island. charged a fee of $25 NZD. Additionally, warm socks, gloves, and a warm jacket are necessities on these • Depending on the hunting location, • The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is hunts. Due to the cool temps, proper it may be necessary to take a the national unit of currency in layering systems are highly advised. domestic charter from one city to New Zealand. Foreign exchange Additional items to pack include a small another. rates vary, but in the spring day pack, headlamp, camera, flashlight, of 2018, one NZD is worth binoculars, and personal items. Most • A visa is not required for trips that about $0.70 in U.S. currency. lodges offer laundry service regularly, are less than 90 days. so it is not necessary to pack for your entire stay. A good book and a journal can help to pass the time on the long flights. Bring your sense of adventure and hold nothing back! 27 FOOD menus all over the world. New Zealand offers some of the However, none will be as finest cuisine in the Pacific. From fresh as those found in fresh lamb to unbelievable shellfish, New Zealand. even the pickiest palate will find something to enjoy. Many outfitters • Tuatua: This is a New offer clients the opportunity Zealand delicacy and to sample game that has been an indigenous shellfish harvested, prepared in a variety of that you won’t find ways. Some of the most popular anywhere else in and highly recommended dishes and the world. Similar sides are: in shape and size to pipis, tuatuas have a milder Outfitters frequently inquire about • Fish and Chips: It is no surprise that flavor than most shellfish and a food allergies or food preferences. New Zealand often takes influence softer, creamier texture. Don’t be afraid to express your likes from British roots. This is a frequent and dislikes. Remember, this is your takeaway treat. Every Kiwi will • Lamingtons: This is a sponge vacation and they will do everything surely have romantic memories of cake coated in raspberry or they can to make it enjoyable. ripping open a steaming hot bundle chocolate and sprinkled with However, try a few things you may not of goodness, perhaps a shaved coconut. otherwise have an opportunity to try. crispy, battered filet of Hoki or • Steamed HELICOPTERS Tarakihi. Pudding: It is While not used to hunt from today, similar to a helicopters are used to transport • Lamb: You will Christmas cake hunters to high elevations or remote not find lamb but without the locations that are often difficult to anywhere in the FISH & CHIPS fruit, and it is typically reach by stalking, providing hunters world as inexpensive or as drenched in custard, milk, with many more opportunities and fresh as that which you will find in ice cream, or all three at once. more time to hunt. Some outfitters New Zealand. price the cost of a helicopter into • Chocolate Fish: This is a strawberry the cost of the hunt, while others • Green-Lipped Mussels: These marshmallow candy bar that is offer it a la carte. It is important to are native to New Zealand and one of New Zealand’s most iconic know whether or not the helicopter is can be found on restaurant pieces of confectionery. included when you are booking a hunt. NON-HUNTING ACTIVITIES: New Zealand offers a plethora of sightseeing activities. Some of the most popular non-hunting activities include: Brown Trout Fishing: It is no secret rivers in the world. Sea-run browns can reach Horseback Riding: This is a great bonus for that New Zealand has outstanding fishing. 10-15 pounds. the non-hunter to capture breathtaking views New Zealand is world famous and photo opportunities along the pristine for brown trout fishing, Shantytown: This is where New Zealand native bush and river flats. fly-fishing, and rod retells the inspirational stories of the BROWN and reel with lures. TROUT hardy, treasure-seeking immigrants Skiing: Running from mid-June to early Most of the New who battled harsh conditions October, New Zealand’s ski season might Zealand rivers are during the 19th century’s great be a little shorter than that of the Northern open October 1 gold rushes. This was a new Hemisphere resorts, but if you time your to April 30, with breed of New Zealander who trip right, the skiing here can be just as others open year- brought an invigorated pulse to good as anywhere in Europe or North round. Here, you the heart of nature, a pulse that America. More than 25 ski resorts spread 28 can fish some of the beats loudly in the character of out over both islands offer quality alpine clearest and cleanest today’s New Zealander.

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