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Pick # 3

Number 3 on our list is a casual, fun meeting spot with epic views of Lake Wanaka. With a lovely patio, bar and table seating; its the perfect spot for a casual meal before or after your hunt. The Lake Bar is one of our favorites, a sports bar combining lots of screens to catch up on your teams, in an authentic country atmosphere.

Suggested Meals: Fish & Chips or Beef Burger

Pick # 2

Our number 2 pick is a local legend. Serving pub food with a twist, this restaurant is steeped in history. Opened in 1863, The Cardrona Hotel was founded during the Gold Rush in the Cardrona Valley. Restored during the 1980s, the Hotel now offers accommodations, food & drink, and hosts functions.

Suggested Meals: Beef Wellingotn or Venison

Pick # 1

Our favorite restaurant in Wanaka is ideal for an upscale meal out with your group. Named after the peak on the west end of Lake Wanaka, Tititea Steakhouse serves mindfully sourced New Zealand grass fed beef, wild venison and Lumina lamb. You can even sear your own dinner on a 400* stonegrill!

Suggested Meals: Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder or Stonegrill your own filet.

Our American guide, Tyler, visited us at the end of August and we flew in for a drop camp Tahr hunt. We found success with the bow on wild goats and a tahr in the chilly high country winter weather.

Reach out today to book your drop camp Alpine hunt for 2027!

Explore Wanaka! -

A beautiful resort town, akin to Aspen or the like, Wanaka serves up dining, shopping, treks and more, all with epic mountain lake views. Whether you're after lake-to-plate salmon, locally sourced lamb shoulder or an exquisite cup of New Zealand coffee; Wanaka delivers. Chose to spend the day meandering through all the shops in town, or chose one of the local tracks to get outside and bask in the Lake Wanaka views.

Treat Yourself -

Find yourself in need of a little R&R after the long plane ride or hiking for your dream Red Stag and Fallow Deer? Try out the Secret Sauna or the Sanctuary Day Spa.

Take a Sip -

The Cardrona Valley is home to numerous wineries, breweries and distilleries. With a prime location in the Central Otago winemaking region, there are several options for wine tastings and tours. Try our regional specialty Pinot Noirs at Aitkens Folly Vineyard or the Nanny Goat Vineyard. Drink your way through town in Wanaka with a multitude of local taprooms within walking distance, like Ground Up Brewing or Rhyme x Reason Brewery. If something a little stronger suits your fancy go for a tasting at the Cardrona Distillery.

Adrenaline Junkies Need Apply -

New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world, so if you are an adrenaline junkie the list of things to do is nearly endless! You can experience Wanaka from a totally different perspective with Skydive Wanaka or touch the water at the birthplace of the bungy jump, Kawarau Bridge with the AJ Hackett Bungy crew. Take a thrilling journey via jet boat underneath pristine glaciers with Wanaka River Journeys.

Queenstown -

Take advantage of our close proximity with a day trip to Queenstown. With over 150 bars and restaurants enjoy al fresco dining at lakefront bistros or a superb meal with a birds-eye view atop the Stratosfare. The Queenstown Mall is a pedestrian only area, lined with cute boutiques, souvenir shops, homewares ateliers and sports stores; there is something for everyone. If you'd rather hit the links than the shops, Millbrook Resort has you covered. The home of the New Zealand Open, Millbrook offers two championship 18-hole courses.

Fiordland National Park -

A few hours to the South of Cardrona, is Fiordland National Park. With many of New Zealand's "Great Walks" you can do some tramping (hiking) or choose another way to explore. Many of the lakes and fiords can be navigated using a sea kayak. If that's a little more adventurous than you're ready for, there are scenic helicopter or seaplane flights and cruises that let you experience the majestic landscape of Milford Sound, or the deeper, lesser traveled Doubtful Sound. Keep an eye out for penguins, fur seals and bottlenose dolphins!

Congrats to our winners of the Tahr and Chamois hunt giveaways at the TAC events -

Rudi Miller and Sean Long!

We look forward to hunting with you.

Thanks for visiting us at the TAC events at Boyne Mountain & Crystal Mountain. Lily enjoyed all the pets and we had a blast sharing stories with fellow bowhunters and talking about all the hunting opportunities New Zealand has to offer. Whether it be Red Stag, Fallow Deer, Tahr or Chamois we look forward to making your New Zealand dream hunt a reality.

Check out our TAC Shooter Special:

1 - Red Stag up to 350 SCI

1- Bull Tahr

1- Buck Chamois

All transfers to and from Queenstown airport included
All lodging and meals included
$8,500

(NOT INCLUDED - Helicopter flight time for Tahr and Chamois)

Contact us today to learn more and book your 2026 or 2027 New Zealand hunt!

Ben was our first bowhunter of 2025. He had success bowhunting a red stag and connected with a fallow deer using one of our rifles.

Book your own New Zealand archery hunt with Cardrona Outfitters!

Watch the archery red stag come together here.

Watch our stalk on the fallow deer here.

John and Sam took the first animals of 2025. We had some extra warm weather, both men went home with great stags and even enjoyed fishing on beautiful local lakes. Book your New Zealand adventure with us today!

Follow along on an epic New Zealand Red Stag hunt with Cardrona Outfitters.

Watch the adventure on YouTube here.

As we head into the show and fundraiser season of 2025, let me update you on where you can see our team and learn more about hunting in New Zealand with Cardrona Outfitters.

15 Feb 2025 - SCI Southeast Michigan Bowhunters Fundraiser Get Tickets!

8 March 2025 - SCI Flint Fundraiser Get Tickets!

22 March 2025 - SCI Novi Fundraiser Get Tickets!

Learn about the hunts I've donated here.

Wondering what you can expect when you book a hunt in New Zealand with Cardrona Outfitters?

Check out a two-minute highlight reel of our accommodations, animals and adventures here.