Yes. Everyone including children require a current passport and a visitor visa to enter New Zealand.
From October 2019 non-residents traveling to New Zealand require an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for entry and transit. An online application for an NZeTA is a simple 10-minute process. Please visit New Zealand Immigration to apply for an NZeTA visa.
No. You do not need a licence or tag to hunt when hunting as a client with Real Kiwi Hunting. Waterfowl, upland game bird hunting and fishing licences are required. This can be done online in New Zealand.
Yes, binoculars are essential for glassing game. You do not need to bring a spotting scope, as your guide will have one.
We fill in the remaining days hunting additional big game animals if requested and/or sightseeing, fishing or hunting small game.
We have hunts available for all fitness levels. You will need to be clear with us about your capabilities and we will tailor the hunt to suit you. However, we highly recommend training in preparation for your hunt. Especially if you’re hunting alpine animals.
Your cell phone will work in New Zealand if you choose an international roaming plan with your cell phone provider prior to travel. Buying a prepaid SIM card with Spark Mobile from the airport on arrival is another option. Your guide can also take you to a store to buy a prepaid SIM card if preferred.
You can drive in New Zealand if you have a drivers licence in your resident country. Please remember we drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to our right. Hiring/renting a vehicle is recommended if you would like to tour around before or after your hunt.
Please see our Non-Hunters page for more information on rental vehicles.
Bringing a rifle and ammunition to New Zealand is easy with some early planning. You will require a visitor firearms licence. The online application is to be completed at least one month in advance of travel – please allow plenty of time for the application to be processed.
Please contact your airline or view their website to confirm firearms travel regulations. Each airline will have specific requirements.
Please see our Firearms and Licencing page for more information.
You are required to procure comprehensive travel insurance prior to your trip. Including but not limited to; trip cancellation and interruption, accidental death, emergency evacuation and repatriation, medical and hospital expenses, baggage protection and emergency assistance services.
Insurance will aid in recovering any expenses that may be incurred if a trip is cancelled or in the event of an accident, sickness or death. We advise using a reputable travel insurance company that covers hunting and outdoor recreational activities.
Please see our Terms and Conditions page and refer to clause 3. Travel Arrangements.
We are on 240v with a 2 or 3 pin plug. Most modern electronics will now handle both 110v – 240v. Please take a look at the plug, as it should state voltage. All you require for them to work in New Zealand is a plug converter, which you can purchase from most airports or local stores.
We offer a hassle-free trophy transfer to taxidermist service. Our professional guides will field dress your trophy and/or trophies and deliver them to the team at NZ Taxidermy Limited. From there you can decide if you would like them mounted in New Zealand or shipped to your preferred taxidermist in your resident country.
Please see our Taxidermy and Expediting page for more information.
Shot distances vary on targeted game species and hunters capabilities. Rifle distances typically range from 100 to 350 yards. Some shots can range out to 400 + yards depending on the hunter. Archery hunters can expect shot distances to range from 15 to 50 yards. We strongly recommend practicing shooting out to these distances in diverse terrain and weather conditions to build confidence for in the field.
Please see our Firearms and Licencing page and/or Bowhunting page for more information on shot distances.
New Zealand is a small mountainous country and our climate is heavily influenced by two main geographical features: the mountains and the sea. As a result, weather conditions can fluctuate significantly at any time of the year. It is important to have the right clothing and equipment for the climate and terrain. Weather can change suddenly, especially in high elevations.
Please see our Hunting Seasons and Weather page for more information.
15% of the hunt total is the usual gratuities amount. This is an indication only and gratuities are totally at the discretion of the hunter and/or non-hunter. Guiding is a seasonal employment, so tipping keeps many guides and staff in the industry.
Please see our Terms and Conditions page for more information.
Yes. Most countries will allow you to bring meat home due to our wild game animals not being listed on the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITIES). New Zealand wild game does not carry any foreign pests or diseases. You can take the meat home with you but we cannot ship the meat.
Please see out Taxidermy and Expediting page for more information.
You will fly to either Christchurch Intl. Airport or Queenstown Intl. Airport depending on which species you’re hunting and region you’re hunting in. You may arrive and depart from different airports if you’re hunting more than one species. This will be stated on your contract at the time of booking.
Please note: airport pick-up must be no earlier than 5:00pm on the evening before your hunt and drop-off must be no later than 10:00am on the morning after your hunt or a pick-up and drop-off fee of $250 each way will be charged. Alternatively, you can hire a 2WD/4WD vehicle and leave it securely parked on our property if you plan to travel before or after your hunt.
Please visit Christchurch Airport Travellers for all car rental, airport transfers and airport parking information.
Please visit Queenstown Airport Parking & Transport for all car rental, airport transfers and airport parking information.
