Clothing & Equipment
What to Wear when Hunting in New Zealand
Four seasons in one day is a phrase that could have been made to describe New Zealand. While the four main seasons are the calendar opposite of the northern hemisphere, New Zealand is a small mountainous country whose climate is heavily influenced by maritime conditions. As a result, weather conditions can fluctuate significantly at any time of the year and it pays to be prepared.
A good windproof, water proof shell layer is essential at any time of the year. Layering for the conditions is preferable to wearing a heavily insulated coat as even in the middle of winter a warm day would make this unbearable on the hill. This allows you to be comfortable during the chill of an early morning frost and then strip a layer or two off later as temperatures rise. Camouflage patterned clothing is an advantage but not essential, though colours need to be dull greens, browns or olive if camouflage is not worn.
Solid footwear is important. Boots with good ankle support and a firm sole with good grip are very important particularly in the steeper conditions found in the South Island.
Other Useful Equipment
Most New Zealand hunting is spot and stalk. Good binoculars are essential for spotting animals with 10*40’s ideal. Expect to spend plenty of time looking through your binoculars while in New Zealand, so the better the optics the better! A spotting scope is ideal for judging trophies from a distance. It is not essential to bring your own as each guide will have a spotting scope with them.
Firearms
We recommend flat shooting calibres such as .300 Winchester magnum which will cope with the range of species and terrain found in New Zealand. While it is very easy to bring firearms into New Zealand we do provide a range of good quality firearms if you would rather travel light.
A firearms licence and import permit can be obtained at your port of entry to New Zealand. Please note that only sporting rifles may be brought into New Zealand for hunting. We can supply you with the application form before you leave for New Zealand. The permit costs NZ$25. Military style firearms and pistols are not permitted. If you intend touring after your hunt taking firearms along with you can be a real pain. If you can plan your travels so that you come past us on your way out you are very welcome to leave your firearms in our secure storage.
