“If you are looking for a great free range hunting opportunity on private land then look no further than Jim Gibson and New Zealand Safaris. Jim is an excellent guide with access to amazing private properties and he will put you in front of the animals you are looking for. Be ready to do a little hiking and you will be rewarded, as I saw some with the best free range trophies New Zealand has to offer within 30 mins of the hunting lodge including my bull tahr. I added a huge fair chase red stag and arapawa ram to complete the trip. Thanks Jim and family for providing an all round excellent hunting experience.”
Brandon Kubinec, Edmonton, Canada 1 780 984 0450
My hunt with Jim and New Zealand Safaris has been one of the very best, if not the best, hunt I have ever been on. After arriving I sighted my rifle, Browning 300 RUM, to make sure nothing had moved after the long flights from Atlanta to Christchurch. Jim and I drove up to an area in the mountains. We arrived there and began climbing. Within an hour we spotted a very big fallow deer, and I shot him at 180 yards across a stream. Later that day a local farmer told us that hunters had been trying for 8 years to get this fallow, without success. So I felt great. The following day we did some more climbing to look over a cliff in the snow. We got there, looked, and saw a chamois on a hillside 140 yards away. I fired and he rolled down the hill. More field dressing. We were looking for tahr, and spotted a big one at 240 yards, so I took him and that was the end of the hunt for that day. We then returned to Jim’s place and the following day I took a really ancient red stag, which will probably score about 390. I thought this was the end of my hunt, but the following day Jim was out and spotted another ancient stag. Of course I took him with a prone shot in the snow at 150 yards. I was very lucky, but this was really well organised. So 2 stags, fallow, chamois, tahr in 7 days of hunting. In summary, Jim is a great guy, the accommodations and meals are very good, and 300RUM, 180 grain Swift Sciroccos, really work at all distances and temperatures. Thanks Jim and New Zealand Safaris!
Andrew F, Georgia, USA ph 202 213 8436
We met Jim at a show and instantly knew he was the guide for us. Jim exceeded all of our expectations. He worked tirelessly to insure our hunts were successful. His knowledge of the land and trophy animals is second to none. As a female hunter, Jim made me feel confident and comfortable. He never doubted my abilities or made me feel inadequate. His enthusiasm during my hunt was infectious! He helped take photos, cheered us on and celebrated our successes. He truly cares and wants his clients to have a positive experience. Our accommodation at his All Seasons Lodge were fantastic. Jim’s partner is an incredible cook and made sure we were comfortable and well taken care of. Thank you, New Zealand Safaris and staff for a once in a lifetime hunt! We couldn’t be happier with our experience and highly recommending Jim would be an understatement.
Tessa Lundy, Oregon, USA 707-496-4696
World class from pickup to drop off. My wife and I hunted with Jim and New Zealand Safaris in May 2022. Jim is a top notch guide, outfitter and host. This was my second time Hunting with New Zealand Safaris and from the very beginning of the planning process, Jim has been nothing short of great. Jim met us at the airport and accompanied us to the All Seasons Lodge, where we were greeted by Rhonda and Rachel who took great care of us for our weeks stay at the lodge, which was clean, spacious and to top it all off, the food and hospitality was spectacular. We would leave the lodge every morning and travel to one of Jim’s various hunting properties, where it was apparent by the quality of trophy animals across all species offered, the management practices of New Zealand Safaris is second to none, not to forget the views are some of the best in the world. Jim is an experienced and knowledgeable guide, but even better, he creates an enjoyable and memorable experience. My wife and I took two old big red stag, a giant old fallow buck, a Himalayan tahr, a Arapawa ram and two Alpine goats. If traveling to New Zealand to hunt and you want an outfitter that offers it all, I wouldn’t hunt with anyone other than Jim and New Zealand Safaris.
Jen & Anthony Utt, Michigan USA
Having hunted regularly in New Zealand, and overseas, I found New Zealand Safaris which is owned and operated by Jim Gibson to be one of the more professional and and value for money outfitters I have hunted with! Jim's very comfortable "All Seasons hunting Lodge” is complemented by outstanding meals, and is based in Fairlie, South Island which is ideally situated being in the heart of NZ hunting. Few places can hunt from a lodge each day! His very professional approach to guiding and working with landowners has enabled him to secure exclusive hunting rights to some amazing properties with a high numbers of trophy animals through selective game management! I am very comfortable to recommend New Zealand Safaris to any prospective clients, and happy to be a reference!
Steve Crawford, Tasmania
I hunted with New Zealand Safaris for Red stag and tahr. Going to New Zealand for a genuine wild Stag was my dream hunt so my expectations were very high. After spending a week at Allseasons lodge with not only getting a free range Stag but adding a Tahr to my hunt all on Jim's privately owned wilderness areas I can say it far exceeded my expectations. Jim & Ben are top notch guides, Rhonda's amazing cooking and great lodge accommodations make this a perfect place to go. If you are at all thinking about going to New Zealand for a hunt, do it. You will not be disappointed.
Nick Kreider, Pennsylvania USA
This is exactly the reason I flew halfway around the world. I wanted to hunt Himalayan Tahr in the Southern Alps of New Zealand on private wilderness land, and I finally got my hands on him this afternoon. I can’t even explain how excited I was to take this old mature bull. These animals live in some very extreme conditions and I totally understand why they are called The King of The Mountain. By far the most mentally and physically exhausting hunting I have ever did. We vertical climbed all afternoon to get in position and I shot this bull right off the top ledge at 330 yards right at dark. We had to cape him out and pack pack meat & hide all the way back down the mountain in the dark. Have to thank my guide Jim Gibson for getting me on this animal and he was able to get some excellent video of my Tahr as well. His knowledge and passion for mountain hunting is top notch.
Jason Jenkins, Missouri, USA
This was my first time to travel with a firearm, Jim was quite helpful with the planning (and patient with a worried traveler). I could not have asked for a better guide than Ben Manchester, who was also patient, enthusiastic, and a fantastic host! Everything seemed extremely well thought out and carefully planned. I never had to worry about anything. We were the only ones on the properties where we hunted, which were absolutely spectacular! I couldn't believe how well Ben handled some rather rough "roads" and managed to get us into some great hunting opportunities. I'm still fit enough to go back, and plan to return as soon as work (and the wife!) allow. Thanks again for some of my best memories, I'll treasure them forever!
Andy Garcia, Ohio, USA
Thank you to Jim and his wife Rhonda and their two children for the absolutely fantastic experience in New Zealand. Words or pictures just don't do it justice. Lodging and meals are fantastic. Jim and his family are some of the nicest people I've ever met. New Zealand Safaris is top notch.
Brian Blawat, Minnesota, USA
My daughter Kaitlin and I went for a stag and we ended up hunting a stag, a fallow, two rams and two mountain goats. We were having such a great time that we couldn’t help it. What a wonderful experience it was! It was definitely a five star experience. Can’t wait to go back! We recommend New Zealand Safaris for your next adventure!!! It’s an experience you will never forget.
Mita Ghosh-Lospinoso, North Carolina, USA
This was a hunt that I spent years thinking I could never pull off, especially having never been on an international hunt before. I had no idea what to do, but I didn’t have to know what to do. From the moment I contacted New Zealand Safaris—only four months in advance of when I wanted to hunt—there wasn’t a question I couldn’t have answered within hours. I made the 9,000 mile trip with no issue, and returned home with 100 pounds of premium venison from my harvests just as easily with absolutely no prior experience. I couldn’t have done it without the help and guidance I got from Jim and my guide Ben. Better than this, my mom (a lifetime non-hunter) was welcomed in camp as well. She had so much fun watching my hunt that she decided to pick up a rifle herself. In 30 years, my dad was not able to get my mom to shoot an animal. At New Zealand Safaris, she dropped two in a single day. I can’t explain the feeling of being with her in such an amazing place as she harvested her first animals, and I’m so grateful for how well she was taken care of as an inexperienced hunter. So if you’re concerned that you’re not capable of hunting New Zealand, you can stop now. There is not a person alive who wouldn’t find success and adventure at New Zealand Safaris.
Kaitlin Lospinoso, North Carolina, USA
Thank you for an amazing hunting vacation. Everything about it exceeded my expectations. From the amazing terrain, abundance of game we saw each day, knowledge of the guides and the meals prepared for me. All exceptional.
Nick Kreider, Pennsylvania, USA
When planning our hunt, Jim was always quick to communicate and answer any questions we had. The accommodations at the lodge were very nice; we felt right at home. We had incredible encounters with multiple trophy red stag, many of which were much larger than what I was looking for. Our guide Ben had an amazing ability to get close and identify where the red stag were. Ben was very professional, personable and easy to work with. He has an amazing ability to hear, spot, and put you on the stags. It has been a bucket list item for my wife and I to visit New Zealand, and this trip was everything we hoped for and more.
John & Melanie Kirk, Louisiana, USA
Water Buffalo Hunting in Australia is one of the most underrated, wild hunts left in the world today. The wild trip around the world from Alaska to Gove Australia and on to a charter flight to Walker River was a grand adventure. Tent camping to the extreme. Followed by some of the most wild and beautiful country, and the quality of animals were fantastic. Jim is a very knowledgeable guide about the animals and 2 million acres he guides. One of the best wild experiences. Very rustic.
Patricia Burroughs, Alaska, USA
We hunted with Jim in the remote outback of Australia and what an incredible adventure we had- hundreds of huge Water Buffalo and several Oxen to look at. Over the 6 day hunt we took three massive Water Buffalo and a huge pure Oxen. This is very remote and uninhabited country with all the private hunting you could ever dream of. Every Day we went a different direction and we found Buffalo everywhere. The hard part is to actually put a stalk on one of the monsters. We had many failed attempts. Great camp and helpers. Lots of Crocodiles and a few fish. If you are looking for a wild unexplored place to hunt with few other people, this hunt is for you. Don't think this is going to be easy- I guess it is- but if you want a monster you will put on the miles either by foot, Jeep or boat. Lots of time and effort invested to kill the big ones. Great hunt when it was over. The we enjoyed the beach, diving and snorkelling.- It was way less $$$ than the US Beaches. Great time was had by all. I would rate this hunt a 4.75 out of 5 and I would do it again.
Kurt Burroughs, Alaska, USA
Thanks again for a great week! 5 star guiding and lodging, incredible food! It was the biggest hunt I’ve been on and couldn’t be more pleased.
Chris Lyons, Texas, USA
As a U.S. Army Soldier stationed in Alaska, my funds are limited but our passion for hunting is very high. I’ve been hunting for around 40 years and the most important aspect of hunting is in the relationships and combined experiences between all. We coordinated our Red Stag hunts through email and upon arrival Jim made all actions happen seamlessly. Between Rhonda’s EXCEPTIONAL HOSPITALITY and Jim’s DEDICATED and COMPASSIONATE APPROACH to helping my autistic son have the best hunt of his life – they jointly EXCEEDED ALL INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND OUR EXPECTATIONS. Jim fully understood that we didn’t want a canned hunt and wanted to truly work for our results. He clearly understands the species of all animals he hunts. Ultimately, Jim provided three GREAT OPPORTUNITIES on animals that my son and I capitalised on with high admiration for the species and the event as a whole. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that potential clients that have been wanting a Red Stag or other species for many years – pull the trigger and DO IT – with New Zealand Safaris. You won't be disappointed.
Preston and Cody Aaron, Alaska, USA PH 360-951-8300
Jim and his guide were professional and know their area and animals very well. His lodge accommodations and food were both exceptional & Jim's wife Rhonda is a great cook and you will not lose weight! This was truly the hunt of a lifetime for me . If you get in shape and do your part you will not be disappointed. I hope I am lucky enough to get to return and hunt with Jim or Ben again someday. The only negative thing about my trip was having to leave.
Buddy, Texas, USA PH 903-439-5532
My dream hunt of a lifetime. Ever since I started to hunt I’ve always wanted to hunt Big Red Stags and Bull Thar in New Zealand, Jim Gibson of New Zealand Safaris works hard and makes your dreams come true, for me a Red Stag that went 434 inch typical and 7 yr old wild Bull Tahr on private land without a helicopter. You see lots of beautiful animals that New Zealand has to offer along with the beautiful scenery. Jim has many properties privately owned throughout the central South Island close to his lodge to get you the trophy of your dreams. Jim and his guide Ben are very knowledgeable of the animals and areas they hunt. When you arrive at All Seasons Lodge Jim and Rhonda bring you into their home and treat you like family, Rhonda prepares some of the most amazing meals, and superb accommodations. A huge Thank You to Jim and Rhonda for the amazing hunt and hospitality.
Dwayne Passingham/Kellie Lines, Alberta, Canada PH 403-302-1051
We met Jim at a show and instantly knew he was the guide for us. Jim exceeded all of our expectations. He worked tirelessly to insure our hunts were successful. His knowledge of the land and trophy animals is second to none. As a female hunter, Jim made me feel confident and comfortable. He never doubted my abilities or made me feel inadequate. His enthusiasm during my hunt was infectious! He helped take photos, cheered us on and celebrated our successes. He truly cares and wants his clients to have a positive experience. Our accommodation at The All Seasons Lodge were fantastic. Jim’s wife Rhonda is an incredible cook and made sure we were comfortable and well taken care of. Thank you, New Zealand Safaris and staff for a once in a lifetime hunt! We couldn’t be happier with our experience and highly recommending Jim would be an understatement.
Tessa Marcelli, USA
Being a young woman in a world full of hunters is one of the best things I could have ever chosen to do. One goal that I have had since I was five years old watching hunting with my dad was to hunt a Red Stag. This year I got to complete that goal but I would not have been able to do it without my guide Jim Gibson at New Zealand Safaris. Jim asked me what I wanted and delivered it on a silver platter! This hunt was my first ever guided hunt and I couldn’t have asked for better. Jim and his family were so welcoming and helpful. Jim was confident in my abilities the whole time we were hunting together. He kept me calm cool and collected and ensured me that I could trust him. I wouldn’t change a single thing about this hunt! It was so much fun! Thank you Jim, family and staff for an amazing hunting adventure and checking off a lifetime goal! It was one for the memory book!
Krista Marcelli, USA
Jim, I wanted to drop a quick note to tell you again how much I enjoyed my recent hunt with you. Your dedication to making sure each of us had an exciting opportunity to harvest a magnificent stag is second to none. You certainly made our experience much more memorable. The warm welcome that you and your family gave us as well as the wonderful meals prepared by Rhonda added that extra special touch. I felt comfortable and welcomed as if I were family. That's something the "big guys" can't provide. I hope you continue to grow and eventually become the largest outfitter in New Zealand, but never lose the personal touch you currently have. It's your cherry on top. Thank you again for such a wonderful experience. I'm looking forward to future hunts!
Steven Farquhar, USA ph 337 462 2262
Jim Gibson of New Zealand Safaris is an excellent choice for a guide to hunt red deer stag. Jim is an expert and works tirelessly to achieve a successful hunt. Lodging is very comfortable, and the food is exceptional.
Charles, USA ph 409 658 7382
A long 2 year wait. But I finally had the trip of a life time with Jim at New Zealand Safaris. Jim and his entire crew are true professionals. His All season lodge and the food was fantastic. By the end of the trip I was able to get two magnificent animals( stag, fallow). I would also recommend hiring Anna to take you on tours around the south island. We went to the Hooker Valley track and did a hike to a glacier lake. Also we went to Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, also seen some Māori cave drawings. Every expectation I had was exceeded!!!
Robert, Texas, USA 832 545 8491
"I really wanted to experience all the beauty New Zealand had to offer combined with the ultimate combination of a free range and fair chase, private land hunting adventure. Jim Gibson was extremely knowledgeable of the wildlife, the land and flora providing us with a complete education and understanding of everything we encountered.
We had two great hunts, one for red stag and the other for a bull tahr. The lodging conditions were excellent and his wife Rhonda went out of her way to make us feel at home, including all of her amazing home cooked meals. This will be one of the most memorable hunts I have ever been on."John Dipietro, Pennsylvania, USA ph 1 610 496 2248
We just want to thank you for the awesome hunt and your kind hospitality. The accommodations were very comfortable and Rhonda's meals were wonderful, with desserts to die for! We have hunted in several countries around the world and have never found a better hunter-outfitter than Jim.We shot a great 6 year old Bull Tahr free range on foot and a 389 inch Red Stag. As a 75 year old man I was well cared for and surprised both Jim and myself where I could go in that rugged country. We strongly recommend Jim and New Zealand Safaris for a great hunt and a wonderful experience.
Steve & Nia Patton, Washington, USA ph 1 509 671 1156
"New Zealand Safaris provided excellent experiences - unbelievable results in time we were there. Jim Gibson knows his stuff and does not disappoint. He knows where the big trophy animals can be found, is as tough as they come and works very hard at providing great opportunities for success in hunting in New Zealand. Their All Seasons Lodge provides the relaxing comfortable atmosphere to regroup and unwind after the hunt, the food is wonderful and showcases New Zealand cuisine thanks to Rhonda.
If you are ready physically and mentally for the time of your life, do not hesitate to get with Jim at New Zealand Safari and plan your New Zealand hunting expedition. We took tahr on foot, stag, fallow and ram, and took 30 pounds of meat back to Alaska which was great to be able to do. Thanks Jim!"John & Patti Hofmann, Alaska, USA ph 1 907 231 9054
"Outstanding hunt the accommodations and food were first class, Jim worked his butt off for me.. New Zealand Safaris is top-notch Jim will get it done for you. The hunt was definitely a hunt of a lifetime with amazing scenery."
Bryan Gernaat, Michigan, USA ph 1 616 698 8645
“Well after years of years of shying away from NZ because of being told that the only way to successfully hunt tahr and stag was either in a "free range" fenced estate or with a chopper, I found a true fair chase "wild" option. I learned a bunch about how things really go down over here! To my sheep hunting friends around the world, it can be done wild fair chase without buzzing around with a chopper. In fact the animals on private land are for the most part more plentiful and better quality with age.
Thanks Jim and Rhonda Gibson of New Zealand Safaris for showing me the real NZ that is comparable to anything in Alaska or Canada. Good Family Times with my wife taking her first animal and one of my sons taking his first wild free range tahr, we will be back!"
Carol & Jeff Burwell, Alaska High Peak Adventures, Alaska, USA ph 1 907 715 1175
“If we were to pick one word to describe Jim Gibson it would be Professional. Jim is extremely knowledgeable about the game he hunts and the wide range of properties he has access too, along with sharing his knowledge about the animals and the land called New Zealand. Magnificent!
Our hunting experiences were exceptional, the food and accommodations were top notch, and getting to meet his family while there made us feel like we were staying with new but old friends. Besides the great hunting experience, our journey included traveling around the South Island, and we would have to say New Zealand is the most beautiful land with some of the nicest folks we have ever experienced.
Great hunts, wonderful people and a fabulous vacation! Definitely a "Bucket List" adventure and one we would recommend unequivocally.”Patty & Phil Mackey, Northern California, USA ph 1 530 949 6639
“We met Jim from New Zealand Safaris at a show and in a day and half we planned my hunt going through the pictures sizing up animals and ultimately decided on a really big red stag and bull elk. Jim picked us up at the airport and we went to his All Seasons Lodge where we met Rhonda and family. The whole family works with Jim, making you feel at home. When we saw our room we just looked at each other ... so nice ... with a big private bathroom and TV. By the way, dinners (all meals) were incredible! We had everything from lamb chops to fish , venison, beef and homemade pizza, and fresh vegetables out of their garden with dessert every night.
Rhonda listened to what I telling her I had for breakfast on the North Island before coming down and guess what, I had exactly what I wanted for breakfast the next morning with poached eggs grilled tomatoes bacon toast and tea. I took a huge stag over 600 inches and a typical bull elk that went just short of 450 inches, and had to work for it on his big properties.
They say this is a trip of a life time. Well, I am going to try living two life times, because I am going back. A big thank you to the entire Gibson family and especially to Jim.”Russ & Judy, Wisconsin, USA ph 1 715 476 2966
“Jim and Rhonda, thank you for making our second hunt with New Zealand Safaris outstanding. You met every expectation we had hoped for and Rhonda’s cooking and hospitality at All Seasons lodge was exceptional. I commend you for all the relationships you have built within your community for all the private land hunting access. Looking forward to coming back and hunting with you again.”
Greg & Vickie Jaegers, Missouri, USA ph 1 573 579 4756
“Jim and Rhonda, Your traditional style of hunting, spot and stalking the game was the way we like to hunt. Your outstanding properties were fantastic, the amount of mature animals was unbelievable especially the huge stags. Jim you are very hard working guide and outfitter and it was great my wife could come on the hunts with us. You have have great knowledge of the land and game that you hunt , that made it a lot of fun. Rhonda, your hospitality and meals back at the lodge were second to none. We would like to thank you both for the great time we had with New Zealand Safaris.”
Kevin & Mary Beth Pollock, Utah, USA ph 1 435 458 3501
“At almost 74 years old and I hunted with Jim Gibson of New Zealand Safaris. Jim made the comment that 'not many guys your age take red stag, tahr, and chamois on one trip to New Zealand.' What he didn't say is that relatively few hunters are as privileged as I was - I had Jim Gibson as my guide. Jim laughingly referred to me as 'the mountain goat.' What I think he meant was 'old goat.' My knees are a serious handicap to mountain hunting. Even with a walking stick, travel downhill was difficult and slow and probably painful for Jim to watch. His amazing skills placed me within 200 yards or less of all three animals. Jim has an intimate knowledge of the animals and their habits. Importantly, he knows where they are. He frequently predicted what the animals were going to do before they did it. In addition, he has a complete knowledge of the tens of thousands of acres he hunts. Jim is completely focused on your hunt being successful, in fact he is driven by that desire. I was lucky to find my tahr on the first day and took my stag on the third. The remaining 5 days were spent trying for chamois. Jim would not relent. He would not quit. He would not give up. On the last day of my hunt, after persistent glassing and pursuit for 5 days, Jim found my chamois and I made the shot. Jim is the best outfitter-guide I have ever had. That cannot have much meaning for you. What I totally believe is that regardless of your hunting experience, he will be the best guide you have ever had should you be fortunate to hunt with him.”
John LaRue, Montana, USA ph 1 406 459 4542
“We had an amazing time with Jim and New Zealand Safaris. The entire experience was fantastic from the guide, scenery, hunts, touring, to the hospitality. Jim is extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. He truly wants you to experience a fantastic hunt and a great all around time. He goes above and beyond to make sure everyone has a good time from amazing properties to hunt on, fabulous accommodations. We can't say enough about Jim! With New Zealand Safaris you get more than a knowledgeable and fantastic guide, you get a great, genuine and personable guy who works extremely hard. We hunted red stag, bull tahr, arapawa ram and night shooting on wallabies. All three hunts were better than we could have ever imagined! We experienced three great hunts with breathtaking views and amazing animals all around us. The quality of the hunt allows you to enjoy and appreciate your magnificent animals that much more. Thank you again for making this a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget. Your operation is second to none because of the passion you have for what you do and the interest and care you take in your clients, truly amazing!”
Brendon & Jenna Ehrhardt, Alberta, Canada ph 1 306 734 7494
"Thanks for the great hunting and touring of the North Island in New Zealand with Tom and me. The elk, sika and rusa and alpine goat were all great. My favourite hunt was the sika stag in the Rotorua area. The two days there stalking, glassing and calling ending with the big stag rushing in towards the call to within 40 yards. The neatest mount however will be the rusa deer. To me the mount of this stage in full hard velvet will be neater than anything I have shot in New Zealand or South Africa. Thanks again for the great hunt, the tour and all the nice people we met along the way. This was my second time back down and I would highly recommend New Zealand Safaris to anyone."
Dave Monke, Nebraska, USA ph 1 402 720 0815
"A truly unbelievable hunting experience. The hunting adventure has exceeded my highest expectations. Jim and Rhonda have a first class operation, the hospitality and meals provided by Rhonda were spectacular. Jim provided a one of a kind hunting opportunity only to be found with New Zealand Safaris, My hunt was for huge fair chase red stag, an amazingly wide fallow buck and a foot hunt for a mature trophy bull tahr.
I harvested spectacular animals on all 3 species. Jim's outstanding guiding knowledge and access to exclusive properties that he only he has permission to enter allows him to provide hunting opportunities that cannot be compared to within New Zealand. My wife Tracy as well accompanied us on 2 out of the 3 harvests. She stated 'I never knew I could see so much beauty from the huge amount of varied species, to the spectacular landscapes and scenery' Jim offers the entire hunting experience. He truly knows how to 'do it right.' We are already in the planning to come back with friends!"Glenn & Tracy Heather, Alberta, Canada ph 1 403 529 5467
"My wife and I have talked about visiting New Zealand for years. After talking with many booking agents, outfitters, and references via phone calls, emails, and sport shows, I decided to book with Jim Gibson and New Zealand Safaris. I am so glad that I did! Jim and his wife Rhonda treated us like we were part of their family from the time we arrived until the time we left. The daily home cooked meals and fresh desserts, local wine and beer, and overall hospitality were bar none!
In my initial conversations with Jim, I expressed my desire for a total free range hunt for a wild red stag and a tahr without the use of a helicopter. Jim was more than accommodating to my request and we agreed upon a custom hunting package and dates. From our conversation in the truck between the airport and the lodge, I knew we were going to be in good hands for the type of hunting I was looking for. Jim's knowledge of the land and animals were evident during our conversations, and he backed up that knowledge while on the mountains. Never in our wildest dreams did my wife or I imagine that she would be able to accompany me on a successful tahr hunt, but due to the private land access Jim has, he was able to provide us with a hunting memory we'll both cherish forever when I took my tahr with my wife by my side. A couple of days later, I was successful at taking a mature royal red stag that we had been chasing up and down the mountains as well."
"With both of my trophies down and a day left in our trip, Jim asked us what we wanted to do or see. After discussing the options, we opted for a day of sightseeing. Not only did we visit the usual spots that all visitors need to see while in the area, he also recommended some of the sights off of the beaten path that only a local would know about or have access to. This gave use priceless moments that added to the overall experience of the entire trip for us both.
Whether it's on your short list or your bucket list, if you want to experience a truly fair chase hunt for wild animals as well as take in the local culture, you need to contact New Zealand Safaris. Our time with New Zealand Safaris, Jim and his family exceeded our expectations. I know it sounds cliché when I say you'll arrive as clients but leave as friends, but it's true. So much so we're already discussing going back again and can't wait until we do!"Jared & Kristin Mertes, Minnesota, USA ph 1 612 875 0258
"I wanted to send you a note to thank you and let you know that Travis and I had an awesome trip! We were drawn to your booth at the SCI show because of the free range hunting and that is exactly what we got. Eight days of rough country and scenic adventures filled with an abundance of red stag, tahr and fallow deer. It is absolutely amazing that we were able to hunt and each get a beautiful stag, tahr and fallow deer in the week we were there. The meals that Rhonda made were absolutely terrific and made the trip even more enjoyable. I will enjoy the memories of this hunt for a lifetime and consider both you and Bernard good friends for life! I look forward to the opportunity to return to New Zealand for another great adventure with New Zealand Safaris!"
Mike Benedict, Minnesota, USA ph 1 612 965 9801
