New Zealand weather is typically mild, but its best to come prepared for cold, wet weather and warm, dry weather.
WEATHER:
Summer Season (Feb/March) - Expect temperatures between 45° to 75° F (7° to 24° C).
Autumn Season (April/May ) - Expect temperatures between 35° to 60° F (1° to 10° C).
Winter Season (July/August) - Expect temperatures between 30 to 50 F (-1° to 10° C).
FIREARMS: Recent policy changes have made it more difficult to bring your own firearm into New Zealand. We recommend utilizing one of our high quality, tested firearms instead on your hunt.
ARCHERY: Archery equipment can typically be brought into New Zealand with minimal issues.
RECOMMENDED GEAR:
- Thermal underwear
- Gloves - 1 thin pair and 1 insulated pair
- Wool socks
- Stocking cap
- 2 pairs of light to midweight hunting pants
- 2 medium weight shirts (Wool recommended)
- Lightweight jacket
- Warm hunting jacket
- Waterproof shell or Rain Gear outfit (Gortex recommended)
- Gaiters
- Mid-weight hiking boot, broken in but thoroughly cleaned
- Good quality optics (8-10 power binos)
- Small day pack, with a hydration system
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Personal Items such as prescriptions, medication, glasses, contacts etc. We recommend bringing at least twice the amount of your required "essentials". Ensure you have this packed in your carry-on, in the unfortunate case any luggage is lost or delayed.
TRAVEL AGENT: We recommend booking through Alana Clifford. Reach her via email at alana.clifford@worldtravellerswanaka.co.nz
Gear List
Trophy Fees
I've been waiting for 30 years for a trophy like this... what an amazing week hunting! We flew in to Queenstown and the scenery was to die for! To be greeted at the airport with open arms by Simon and his team David and Richard from Cardrona Outfitters was an amazing start. We then climbed in the truck and headed off, heading over the Crown Range to the Cardrona Valley was like flying in the mountains all over again! After settling in at the lodge it felt like a home away from home. That evening we started to hunt fallow deer in the hills of the Cardrona Valley, this included a lot of glassing but it was all worth it to harvest this beautiful buck just before dark. It was then back to Simon's lodge to be fed like a king!
Day two... I hunted my number one trophy - a bull elk! We found an amazing bull just on dark but it was too risky to take the shot.
Day three… Our plan came together and I took this amazing bull elk! 410 inches of antler - it was worth waiting for! Not only do I have some amazing trophies but I had the hunt and holiday of a life time! I also have some new friends - I'll be returning next season to hunt with Simon and Richard and the team at Cardrona Outfitters!