What to Expect during your New Zealand Hunting Safari.

When you book a New Zealand Hunting Safari with Rivers South Safaris, from the moment you clear customs at Christchurch International Airport (CHC) you will be met by a friendly and professional member of our Rivers South Safaris team. Your guide will collect your luggage and then you will travel two and a half hours south to the Beautiful 5-Star Serenity Park Lodge. This beautiful drive will have you passing through some of the most picturesque and country side in New Zealand. You will arrive at Serenity Park Lodge around lunch time. The majority of the properties that Rivers South Safaris hunt on can be viewed from Serenity Park Lodge. Clients then unpack and freshen up and then sit down for a nice lunch. 

Following lunch we will go to the range to shoot in your rifles and site in your bows. Most New Zealand rifle hunting shots average 150-300 yards. Depending on what species of game animal you are hunting and also the terrain we are hunting in, shots are often across canyons, up or down hill and wind can also be a factor. We recommend calibers which shoot a minimum of a 150 grain bullets ideal for New Zealand hunting conditions. These includes 7mm magnum through to 300win magnum and are perfect for all New Zealand big game animals.  If you decide not to bring your own rifle, we have modern scoped rifles you can use at no extra cost.  This is a great option for the hunter who doesn’t want the hassle of moving a firearm thru the airport systems.

Bow shots during the rut of the targeted species can be as close as 20-40 yards. In all cases, we like to get bow hunting clients fewer than 50 yards from their target. Each bow hunter has their preferred distance that they are confident at taking animals at and every effort will be made to get them to within their comfort range.

One thing to remember, New Zealand seasons are the opposite of those in the U.S.A. For example, New Zealand winter is the northern hemisphere's summer. Rivers South Safaris starts its hunting season in late February when the Stags have stripped their velvet and are in hard antler. This occurs during our late summer and the temperatures can usually be around 80-90 degrees. Hunting at this time of the year will start with a 6:30am to 7:00am breakfast and hunt in the mornings and evenings like most countries where the animals rest in the heat of the day. We take a packed lunch and on some occasions return to the lodge for lunch.

During the roar for Red Stag, mid-March through to mid-April (our fall) temperatures can fall to 50-60 degrees and this is when Jack turns up. No not Jack Daniels, Jack Frost and we will get to the hunting estates early. There is nothing more beautiful than hearing a Red Stag's roar echoing around the mountains on a cool, crisp, clear morning. This is truly breath taking.

Hunting Himalayan Bull Tahr and Chamois in the rut runs from mid-May through to early July.  These are our coldest months for hunting and temperatures can often come down to 0 degrees at night and up to 40 degrees during the day. Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Elk and other antlered or horned game is also available to hunt during the winter.

Clients should always insure that they bring a warm hunting jacket with them no matter what time of the year they come on Safari. Good ankle support hunting boots should also be brought with you.  All clients will receive an equipment list well before they arrive.

During your hunting Safari with Rivers South, if time and the opportunity allows, we offer night shooting for New Zealand varmints such as hares, rabbits and opossums.  This is great is fun, AND totally legal in New Zealand. We use shot guns or .22 rifles which have silencers fitted to them, these are also legal in New Zealand. This is an experience not to be missed.

After a successful and enjoyable hunt with Rivers South Safaris you will be driven back to Christchurch along with your trophies and there we will stop in at the taxidermist where expediting or mounting of your trophies can easily  be arranged. Following this we will return to the Christchurch airport and assist you with your checking in. From the time you arrive at Christchurch airport until the time of your departure a professional and friendly member of our Rivers South Safaris team will be with you.

As the U.S. Booking Agency for Rivers South Safaris and Serenity Park Lodge, Global Sporting Safaris will assist you in acquiring all rifle permits, discounted airfare, exportation of trophies and taxidermy if required.  Contact Rick Kennerknecht 888-850-HUNT (4868), Ext. 3 or Clay Schreder at 888-850-HUNT, Ext. 7 for questions or assistance in booking for the 2010 Season.