<<

VENATOR (IPA: [ve'na:tor]) Latin word for hunter. Mid 17th century: Latin, from venari ‘to hunt’.

Since man first walked this earth, we have hunted. It’s who we are and how we see life. It balances our world and renews our senses. It awakens our soul and makes us feel truly alive. It challenges our patience, our skill, our heart. The purest sport known to man.

Without exception.

For as long as I walk this earth, I will pursue the hunt. WELCOME TO THE SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE

When early British settlers brought to , they had a vision for the ultimate sportsman’s paradise – a place where it was possible to hunt and fish in breathtaking terrain.

Venator Cardrona Safaris has fulfilled that dream, offering the best of New Zealand in one unforgettable experience – from world-record stags, to world-class hospitality and countless open-air adventures right on your doorstep. Whatever experience you are dreaming of, and whichever desires you wish to indulge, there is one place that has it all. Venator Cardrona Safaris The South Pacific’s true sportsman’s paradise

Duncan Fraser, Owner of Cardrona Safaris WORLD-RECORD STAGS I NTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED

Venator Cardrona Safaris is renowned for offering the We are proud to have hosted world business leaders, oil most exclusive hunting opportunities for the biggest tycoons, members of royal families and Middle-Eastern red stags in the world. sheikhs, with a high percentage of return clients.

Hunt the New Zealand EXPERIENCED GUIDES REMARKABLE DESTINATION trip of a lifetime We have experienced hunting guides who are experts Located in the most popular tourist area in New Zealand, in New Zealand’s back country, delivering the hunting which offers the best hunting and tourism combination vacation of a lifetime! They are all experts in the terrain, in the country, the small resort town of Wanaka is ideal climate and wildlife of the Venator Cardrona Safaris for non-hunters and only a 10-minute drive from our Game Preserve. hunting area. Being a guest at Venator Cardrona Safaris means experiencing the very best New Zealand has to offer.

Venator was established by the Fraser family in the 1980s with a clear vision to create a premium experience unavailable anywhere else. For over 30 years they have specialised in two of New Zealand’s strongest activities – tourism and agriculture. LUXURY LODGE EXCLUSIVE HUNTING AREAS Venator Cardrona Safaris and luxury lodges spearhead the tourism arm, while agriculture is split between Surrounded by mountain views, the Cardrona Terraces We personally own and lease New Zealand’s best quality dairy and farming, including the production of luxury lodge is the ultimate home of adventure. game estates. premium velvet and world-record trophy deer.

FAMILY OPERATED OVER 30 YEARS CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION

Duncan Fraser and family have been actively hunting We care about ethical hunting and are the only around the world for decades, constantly learning and New Zealand outfitter actively involved in education of refining to make our operation the best in New Zealand. youth hunters and conservation. BREATHTAKING MOMENTS AROUND EVERY CORNER On top of the world... down under

From the unmistakable beauty of our South Island surrounds and the majestic animals roaming the habitat, to the luxury of our lodges serving the finest New Zealand cuisine, we specialise in creating moments that will take your breath away.

The south of New Zealand is widely recognised for its incredibly diverse and unique landscapes. Here, the big red stags are hunted in managed areas, and at Venator Cardrona Safaris we ensure this territory is in their natural habitat. The hunting preserve is in undulating back country, covered in native vegetation. There’s excellent cover and plenty of draws and gullies. This environment delivers all the excitement of hunting in raw, untamed terrain, without compromising on accessibility – you can travel in on foot, drive in via 4WD, or be flown in. ADVENTURES LIKE NO OTHER This is a place where lifelong dreams come true

We provide an unforgettable New Zealand adventure unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Giant, world-record red stags are just the beginning of the perfect hunt. We also offer a wide variety of big and small game hunts to complement any trip. For companions, Cardrona is renowned for its picturesque setting and smorgasbord of activities, from relaxing walks, winery tours, and boutique shopping, to more adventurous activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, and jet boating. There’s a reason why it’s known as the ultimate adventure bucket list destination. SHARED MEMORIES YOU’LL NEVER FORGET Come as visitors, leave as friends

As a family-owned outfitter, we love nothing more than sharing our warm New Zealand hospitality with you.

For over 30 years we’ve hosted guests who have become lifelong friends. Whether we are guiding you around, showcasing the best of our country, or reliving your tales from earlier in the day, we guarantee you’ll feel at home when hunting with our family. THE ULTIMATE TROPHY

YOUR SEARCH IS OVER. THE HUNT IS ABOUT TO BEGIN.

It’s time to hunt the trophies you’ve been tracking all your life.

Venator Cardrona Safaris is the home of quality big-game hunts, including world-record red stags, as well as , Himalayan , fallow, , , ram, boar, whitetail, sika, sambar and . Duncan Fraser and his acclaimed team of guides will ensure that your lifelong dream becomes a reality, as you enter the land of the red giants. RED STAG

RED STAG Hunt the king’s

We provide a home for one of the largest privately-owned trophy herds in the South Pacific. Thanks to decades of carefully focused game management, the quality of a Venator Cardrona Safaris red stag is unbeatable. This is how we’ve gained considerable acclaim for producing world-class trophies, with stags scoring in excess of 700 SCI and 20kg of antler. A trophy this big provides our hunters with a genuine ‘larger than life’ experience. It’s an exceptional time that you’ll never forget. RED STAG 700+

We know that the attraction of an individual trophy is based on personal taste. Therefore, we take great pride The pursuit in providing a variety of eye-catching stags, with great mass, exceptional width and long scoring points. of excellence Our team will help guide you to your target with the ‘spot and stalk’ style of hunting. Our approach is to always strive to exceed expectations – from the start of each day, throughout the hunting experience, right up until the final trophy harvest. RED STAG RED STAG 600-700 500-600

“I cannot wait to come back and spend more time in this paradise-like place! You have been more than welcoming hosts, and your generosity and kindness speaks for itself! Thank you 1000 times and see you next year.” Franz-Albrecht Oettingen-Spielberg, Germany RED STAG RED STAG 450-500 400-450

“Duncan Fraser’s Venator Cardrona Safaris is clearly one of, if not the top, outfitters in the South Pacific. Future record books will prove Cardrona’s success with trophy quality.” Mike Rogers, USA Host/Producer SCI’s Expedition Safari on Outdoor Channel ELK

ELK Majestic and powerful

The South Pacific elk originates from the bloodlines of the mighty Rocky Mountain elk. In New Zealand, the species is renowned for containing some of the largest elk found anywhere in the world. Commonly referred to as the wapiti (a native-American word), the elk is a prized trophy. Hunters come to our reserve from every corner of the globe each year to harvest quality trophies that rank alongside the best taken in North America. ELK ELK 450+ UP TO 450

“This has been a hunt of a lifetime. You guys are the best outfit I’ve been with, and I’ll come back anytime you’ll have me. Thank you for the great times and the awesome hospitality. You’re welcome at my house anytime.” InTravis 1909 elk Priefert were introduced to New Zealand courtesy of President Roosevelt. The loud ‘bugling’ vocalisation of the rutting bull rivals that of politics’ greatest orators.

HIMALAYAN TAHR King of the mountains

High up in the picturesque Southern Alps lives one of New Zealand’s premier big-game trophies. Along with the chamois, the bull tahr is considered the ‘King of the Mountains.’ While tahr can be hunted all year round, their rutting period is May, June and early July. During this period A stunning they have impressive long winter coats, which is as important a consideration as horn length when securing animal a trophy. They can be hunted in a variety of ways: by foot, spike camp, or helicopter assisted. The tahr is wide-ranging and can eat a huge range of different vegetation. Such characteristics make it an extremely successful – and a popular hunting target. EUROPEAN CHAMOIS

EUROPEAN CHAMOIS An alpine gem

The mountains also contain the striking European chamois, which can be hunted all year round. Their rutting period is May, June and early July, during which time they have a long, striking black coat. The chamois arrived here in 1907, as a gift from Austrian Emperor, Franz Joseph I. Since then, they’ve An elusive provided many a thrilling pursuit for both local and international hunters. prey They can be hunted either by foot, spike camp, or via helicopter. Mostly active in the morning and evening, chamois have a reputation for being an elusive animal. You’ll enjoy every second of the challenge, however, and the landscape you’ll hunt them in is spectacular. FALLOW DEER

FALLOW DEER The aggressive approach

Venator Cardrona Safaris’ privately-owned hunting areas have herds of impressive palmated fallow bucks ready for pursuit. These beautiful animals are small compared to other deer, but don’t let that fool you. Fallow are very aggressive during their rutting period of April and May, and you’ll need to be on your toes to A claim the best of the best. With their unique antlers and variation in colours (ranging from black and pure white, challenging to menil or spotted) they make a fantastic trophy for any big-game hunter. hunt Keep your eye on the prize when tracking the fallow buck. They’re agile, making leaps up to 1.75 metres high and 5 metres long, and fast – over short distances they can reach up to 30mph. RAM & GOAT

RAM & GOAT The hunt goes on

Arapawa and feral goat hunts are a great addition to your New Zealand big-game adventure. They are also ideal as an affordable big-game trophy for the youth hunter or those on their first time. Whalers, the first European occupants of the island, introduced and Arapawa sheep in the early 1800s. A swift The Arapawa rams are dark brown and black in colour, with grey horns. Feral goats are often a favourite with target bowhunters, due to the goat’s inquisitive nature. BIRDS & SMALL GAME

BIRDS, SMALL GAME & FISHING The great outdoors

Complement your big-game hunt with a variety of small-game species such as , wallabies, rabbits, and possums. Or spend a relaxing day trying to reel in the big one at one of our renowned fishing spots. The duck-hunting season opens on the first Saturday in May and concludes on the last Saturday in July. Between Seasonal these dates, you’ll be able to enjoy the hunt for mallard, grey, shoveler and paradise ducks, black swans and challenges Canada geese. We provide a range of different locations for bird hunting, with hunters enjoying the variety of birds and behaviours. The limit is a mixed bag of 50 ducks and 5 black swans. There is no limit on the Canada geese. The south of New Zealand is regarded as a fishing mecca. From large, clean, clear lakes and rivers to snow-fed The reel deal mountain streams and spring creeks, there is a uniquely New Zealand fishing experience waiting for you. Peak months for fly fishing around the Wanaka and Central Otago region are from November to April. December sees the appearance of cicadas on our rivers and high country lakes, something not to be missed by anglers wanting the ultimate dry fly fishing experience! Hunting seasons

While our country is not restricted by a big-game hunting season, we operate from late February to mid-August. It’s important to remember that the seasons here are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere.

Red Stag

Fallow Deer

Elk (Wapiti)

European Chamois

Himalayan Tahr

Ram / Goat / Boar

Fishing Fishing

Game birds

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 60.4ºF 60.ºF 55.4ºF 49.4º F 44.6ºF 39.3ºF 37.4ºF 41ºF 45.8ºF 49.6ºF 52.8ºF 57.2ºF 15.8ºC 15.6ºC 13ºC 9.7ºC 7 ºC 4.1 ºC 3 ºC 5 ºC 7.7 ºC 9.8 ºC 11.6 ºC 14 ºC Craft a hunting Prime Hunting Time experience that’s SUMMER AUTUMN unique to you Summer brings the unique opportunity to hunt chamois Autumn is when the big hunt begins – with the red stag and tahr in their summer coats. It’s also a chance to look rut reaching its peak in late March and early April. Sika over plenty of red stags and sika in the open country and stags are also out in the open, joined by fallow bucks pick a monumental trophy before the rut takes its toll. mid-season.

WINTER SPRING

There is a lot of great hunting to be enjoyed during the The start of spring sees the last good chance for hunting New Zealand winter! It’s the last time red stags and sika chamois and tahr, with rusa and sambar still available trophies will be widely available, while chamois and tahr through November. The fishing season gets underway on coats are still in their prime. 1 October, so this is the perfect time for the avid angler. Hunting Design your packages custom package All prices shown are in $USD. All prices shown are in $USD.

R E D S T A G RED STAG UP TO 400, DAILY RATES PACKAGE - 5 DAYS TAHR & CHAMOIS - 6 DAYS 1x1 $750 per person Includes luxury lodge accommodation, airport transfers, Includes luxury lodge accommodation, airport transfers, hunt transportation, daily guide rates, meals, alcoholic hunt transportation, daily guide rates, meals, alcoholic 2x1 $500 per person and non alcoholic beverages, field preparation of and non alcoholic beverages, field preparation of Non-Hunter $250 per person trophies, trophy fee for red stag. trophies, trophy fees for red stag, tahr and chamois.

1x1 2x1 $19, 500 RED STAG ELK

360-400 $9,750 $8,500 360-400 $6,000 360-400 $10,000 ALPINE HUNT - SPIKE CAMP 5 DAYS 400-450 $13,750 $12,500 400-450 $10,000 400-420 $15,000 450-500 $18,750 $17,500 Includes spike camp accommodation, airport transfers, 450-500 $15,000 420-440 $20,000 500-550 $28,750 $27,500 hunt transportation, daily guide rates, meals, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, field preparation of 500-550 $25,000 440-460 $25,000 550-600 $38,750 $37,500 trophies, trophy fees for tahr and chamois. 550-600 $35,000 460-480 $30,000 600+ starting from $45,000 480-500 $40,000 $10,000 700+ $POA 500+ starting from $50,000

ALPINE HUNT - LODGE BASE 5 DAYS HIMALAYAN TAHR EUROPEAN CHAMOIS Includes luxury lodge accommodation, airport transfers, hunt transportation, daily guide rates, meals, alcoholic Unassisted $5,000 Unassisted $4,000 and non alcoholic beverages, field preparation of *On tahr and chamois hunts, depending on your physical ability we suggest the use of a helicopter to access our higher hunting areas in the Alps. trophies, trophy fees for tahr and chamois. If you choose this option, budget for approximately $2,500-3,500. Keep in mind that the helicopter is optional, you do not have to use it.

$12,750 FALLOW OTHER GAME

Silver $2,500 Sika $6,000 Gold $5,000 Rusa $8,000 Sambar $12,000

RAM & GOAT Fly Fishing/Lake Fishing $700 per day Waterfowl $700 per day Ram $1,000 Deep Sea Fishing $POA Goat $1,000 NOTES