New Zealand’s South Island is one of the great free range hunting destinations on earth. Four species of high country game — red stag, Himalayan tahr, chamois, and fallow buck — live wild on the rugged backcountry of the Southern Alps. Real animals on real terrain, hunted on foot the way they should be hunted.
This is the flagship New Zealand free range hunting program — covering single-species hunts, two-species combos, and the full New Zealand Slam. Whether you’re after one trophy stag during the roar or all four species on a single trip, the operation is run by a guide with 15+ years on this country and a roster of privately managed concessions across Otago that hold mature, free range trophies.
📝 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 Four Species
Red Stag — Hunted during the roar (late March to mid April) when mature bulls bellow across the high country. Free range. The classic New Zealand hunt.
Bull Tahr — Himalayan tahr in winter coat, hunted May through July. Mature bulls with full manes on steep alpine bluffs. A true mountain hunt.
Chamois — Hunted during the May rut. Sharp-horned alpine bucks on rock faces and high tussock. A demanding stalk in big country.
Fallow Buck — Distinctive palmated antlers, hunted April through May during the rut. Available as an add-on or part of a combo or slam.
Hunt Options
Single species hunts run 5-7 days, 1-on-1 guided. Two-species combos run 10 days at a discounted rate that saves up to $3,000 versus single hunts. The New Zealand Slam combines all four species in one extended hunt — pricing on request. Estate Red Stag and Estate Fallow hunts are also available upon request for hunters who prefer that style.
Terrain & Camp
Hunting takes place across privately managed land in the high country of Otago, South Island. Terrain ranges from tussock alpine basins to steep bluff systems and pockets of beech forest. Hunts are run out of a very comfortable lodge, backcountry huts, or tent camps depending on the species and the country being hunted. Estate hunts are based out of the lodge. Free range hunts often base out of huts or tents to stay in the game. Helicopter drop-off is included in the package price for hunts that access remote backcountry terrain.
Travel & Logistics
Fly into Queenstown International Airport (ZQN), South Island. The outfitter picks you up at the airport and transfers you to the lodge or staging point. Most hunters allow at least one rest day on either end to adjust to the time change.
Pricing (7-day single, 10-day combo, 1-on-1 ratio)
- Free Range Red Stag: $10,000 USD
- Free Range Bull Tahr: $9,500 USD
- Free Range Chamois: $8,000 USD
- Free Range Fallow Buck: from $8,500 USD
- 2-Species Combo (any two of the above, 10 days): $16,500 USD — saves up to $3,000 vs single hunts
- New Zealand Slam (all four species — 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
- Hunting days as per package, 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
Pick Your Hunt
If you’re targeting a single species, jump to the dedicated listing: Free Range Red Stag, Bull Tahr, or Chamois. Want red stag in another part of the world? See our Patagonia Free Range Red Stag hunt.
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
