Himalayan tahr in New Zealand is as close to a true mountain sheep hunt as you’ll find. Mature bulls live on the steepest country in the Southern Alps — tussock benches, broken bluffs, and rock faces above the bushline — and the only way to get to them is with your legs and a good pair of boots. From May through July, bulls are in full winter coat with manes that drop past their bellies, and that’s when you want to be in this country.
This is a fully guided 1-on-1 free range bull tahr hunt out of Otago, South Island. The hunting concession sits in genuine alpine country. You’ll glass big basins from ridges, pick a mature bull, and stalk in for the shot. Trophy quality is excellent thanks to limited annual hunt numbers and prime concession access.
📝 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
Hunts run 5-7 days, 1-on-1 guided. After flying into Queenstown and transferring to the lodge or staging point, days are spent glassing alpine basins for mature bulls, then committing to a stalk that often involves significant elevation gain. Most shots are 200-400 yards in steep country — be in good physical condition and confident shooting from field positions. Helicopter drop-off is included in the package price where the country requires it.
Terrain & Camp
Otago alpine country — steep tussock, broken rock, and bluff systems above the bushline. Conditions in May-July can include snow, wind, and fast-changing weather. Hunts are run out of backcountry huts, tent camps, or the lodge depending on the country being hunted. Plan for cold-weather gear, sturdy mountain boots, and good optics.
Travel & Logistics
Fly into Queenstown International Airport (ZQN), South Island, New Zealand. The outfitter handles airport pickup and transport. May-July is winter in New Zealand — pack accordingly.
Pricing (7-day, 1-on-1 ratio)
- Free Range Bull Tahr: $9,500 USD
- Free Range Red Stag: $10,000
- 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
Pair Tahr With Another Species
Tahr and chamois live in the same alpine country and are commonly hunted together — ideal for a 10-day combo at $16,500. Also a strong pairing with free range red stag if your trip falls in the late season overlap. For all four species in one trip, 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.
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