Chamois in New Zealand are the original alpine ghost — small, sharp-horned, and at home on country that punishes any animal that doesn’t belong. Mature bucks live on broken bluff systems, rock faces, and high tussock benches in the Southern Alps. The May rut is when they show themselves and when the hunting is best.
This is a fully guided 1-on-1 free range chamois hunt out of Otago, South Island. The hunting takes place on privately managed concessions in genuine alpine country. Glass long, climb hard, and shoot well. That’s the hunt.
📝 Trip report: Kurt just got back from New Zealand — read his recap of hunting free range tahr in the Southern Alps with Chase Ryan and Tom McKay.
The Hunt
Five to seven days, 1-on-1 guided. Days start with a long glass from a high vantage, looking for bucks moving across rock and tussock. Stalks often involve significant elevation gain and tricky footwork on broken country. Most shots are 200-400 yards from field positions. Be in solid physical condition and shoot well off your pack.
Terrain & Camp
Steep alpine country — bluffs, scree, tussock benches, and rock faces above the bushline. May-June can bring cold weather and snow at altitude. Hunts are run out of backcountry huts, tent camps, or the lodge depending on the country. Pack for cold weather and bring sturdy mountain boots.
Travel & Logistics
Fly into Queenstown International Airport (ZQN), South Island. The outfitter handles airport transfer to the lodge or staging point.
Pricing (7-day, 1-on-1 ratio)
- Free Range Chamois: $8,000 USD
- Free Range Red Stag: $10,000
- Free Range Bull Tahr: $9,500
- Free Range Fallow Buck: from $8,500
- 2-Species Combo (any two of the above, 10 days): $16,500
- New Zealand Slam (Red Stag, Tahr, Chamois & Fallow): pricing upon request
- Estate Red Stag or Estate Fallow: pricing upon request
- 2-on-1 hunting ratio: pricing upon request
What’s Included
- 5-7 hunting days, 1-on-1 guided
- Airport transfers from Queenstown
- Helicopter drop-off into the hunting area (when required for access)
- All accommodations (lodge, huts, or tents depending on hunt)
- All meals — lodge cuisine in camp, freeze-dried in the backcountry
- Trophy field preparation (caping, skinning, salting)
- Quality firearms provided if needed
- Trophy logistics support
What’s Not Included
- International flights to Queenstown
- Travel and personal insurance
- Personal hunting gear and clothing
- Taxidermy, dipping/packing, and trophy export shipping
- Non-hunter companion fees
- Additional hunting days beyond the package
Pair Chamois With Another Species
Chamois and bull tahr live on the same alpine country and are the classic two-species combo — ideal at $16,500 for 10 days. Also pairs well with free range red stag. For the full New Zealand experience — all four species — see the New Zealand Slam.
WO Trip Protection
For 5% of your trip cost, we guarantee your hunt. If the outfitter cancels, goes out of business, or a wildfire shuts down the area — we rebook you on a comparable hunt at no extra cost.
Ask your consultant about adding trip protection when you book.
Talk to a Consultant
