The roar in New Zealand is one of hunting’s great experiences. From late March into mid April, mature red stags drop into the valleys of Otago’s South Island and bellow across the alpine basins — vocal, territorial, and at peak vulnerability for a free range hunt. This is when world-class trophies move into glassable country and when a patient hunter, a sharp guide, and good legs can put together a hunt that lives in your head forever.
This is a fully guided 1-on-1 free range red stag hunt in Otago, South Island. You’ll hunt rugged backcountry on privately managed land in the Southern Alps, glassing tussock basins and stalking stags as they roar through the rut. Trophy bulls in this country regularly carry heavy mass, deep crowns, and the kind of antler structure that defines a true free range red stag.
📝 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
You’ll fly into Queenstown, where the outfitter picks you up and transfers you to the lodge or backcountry camp depending on hunt style. From there, days are spent glassing alpine basins at first and last light, then closing the distance on a roaring stag through tussock, scrub, and rock. Most shots happen between 100-300 yards, but the country can dictate the shot — be confident out to 400 if needed. Five to seven hunting days is the standard, with the option to add days on request.
Terrain & Camp
Hunting takes place in the high country of Otago — steep tussock faces, alpine basins, and pockets of beech forest. Free range hunts are run out of comfortable backcountry huts or tent camps to keep you in the country and on game. Lodge stays are also available depending on the hunt setup. 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, New Zealand. The outfitter handles ground transport from the airport to the lodge or staging point. Most hunters allow at least one rest day on either end to adjust to the time change and the country.
Pricing (7-day, 1-on-1 ratio)
- Free Range Red Stag: $10,000 USD
- Free Range Bull Tahr: $9,500
- Free Range Chamois: $8,000
- 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
Add a Second Species
Most hunters who book a free range red stag in New Zealand also chase bull tahr or chamois while in country. Adding a second species at the combo rate ($16,500 for 10 days) saves significantly versus booking back-to-back single hunts. If you want all four — Red Stag, Tahr, Chamois, and Fallow — see the New Zealand Slam. Looking at red stag in the Southern Hemisphere? Compare with our Free Range Red Stag in Patagonia 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.
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