Freshwater
Rainbow and Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout are a major draw card for anglers from around the world. Both species were introduced into NZ well over 100 years ago, and have thrived in both number and size. They are spread throughout both islands. Both fly fishing, lure fishing, and a variety of other methods from boat are the most popular way to secure these wonderful fish. Fish over 14kg have been recorded. With an abundance of crystal clear lakes and rivers, you have many options and opportunities to catch one.
Saltwater
Snapper
Probably NZ’s most popular sport fish and table fish. Snapper are found in strongest numbers in the top half of the North Island, but are also found down around norther areas if the South Island in summer. They are hard fighters and are known for solid fights with many finding freedom by taking anglers lines into the rocks. Snapper have extremely powerful jaws for crushing many species of shellfish that they live on. We regularly catch fish over 10kgs. They are fantastic eating can certainly be expected as a catch for those on fishing packages. Available year round.
Kahawai
Often called sea trout, kahawai are widespread throughout NZ, although predominantly in North Island waters. They are found in a variety of habitats, often in large schools. They are a great sport fish, and provide fantastic sport on light gear. They are regularly caught up to 4kgs, with many larger species caught often as well. Available year round.
Kingfish
One of our premier sportfish. Underwater locomotive trains and one of the strongest fighting fish in the world. Be prepared, these fish aren’t landed without a scrap. Kingfish are caught on a variety of baits and methods, with livebaiting and jigging being two of the more popular methods. These fish test gear and angler to the maximum. Specimens up to 30kg are common, and the world record is from NZ waters. Kingfish are predominantly a north Island fish and can be caught year round.
Trevally
Another boxer of the ocean, providing great sport and food. These fish really do have some grunt, and for their size out perform many other species. We us ea variety of methods and baits for these fish. Regularly up to 5kg, many larger specimens have also been landed. We fish for trevally year round.
John Dory
One our tastiest fish. Although not renowned as a fighting fish, John Dory or ‘Johnnies’ are widespread throughout the north Island. They are regularly caught up to 3kgs. The most effective way of fishing for them is using small live baits – irresistible! They are exceptional eating.
Marlin
NZ is renowned as being one of the worlds great gamefishing destinations. Striped marlin ocurr here in larger sizes and numbers than anywhere else in the world and the world record came from NZ in addition to many, many other world records for line class. Blue and Black marlin are also regularly caught ( some over 450kgs). All species of marlin are predominantly found in the top half of the north Island. Season January – May. Fishing is done by trolling lures, or by trolling or drifting with live baits. Fight times can last from 1 hour to 12 hours Dependant on gear used and fish size. There are numerous choices of location to fish for these magnificent fish in NZ.
Tuna
From 1kg Skipjack tuna, to 400kg+ Bluefin monsters, NZ has it all. Tuna are generally found in the same type of waters and times of year as the Marlin ( see above ) with the exception of our winter fishery ( August ) off the west coast of the South Island of NZ. Yellowfin are well spread throughout the top half of the North Island in warmer months. From the lightest of saltwater flyfishing gear, to the most brutal 60kg chair rods, we have a tuna to bend and test them all. Due to the often inclement weather in winter months it is difficult to guarantee fishing for monster Bluefin, however if the chance arrives whilst you are here, be sure to know that we will give you the option!!!!! All fishing methods work on the right day. The stubborn fight that all species of tuna deliver has to be experienced to be believed.
Hapuku/Bass
Our deep water bulldozers. Hapuku/Bass and Bluenose are deepwater species available year round, but better in colder months. Depths fished range from 100m to 600m and as you can imagine, after pulling in a few of these monsters you are ready for a well earned beer! Their taste is delicious and fetches large prices on the international market. Fishing involves large weights and heavy gear to get the variety of baits we use to the bottom. Fish caught range from 5kg to 60kg+.
Crayfish
Widespread throughout NZ we are lucky enough to have packhorse and red spiny crayfish in good numbers. The usual method of taking this delicacy is by diving, or baited pots. Simon is a qualified PADI Instructor. Diving in NZ is varied and of world class quality. Water temperature in the North ranges from 14degrees in winter to 23 degrees in Summer, and in the South Island its 7degrees to 18 degrees. Available year round.
Hunting
Deer
NZ has large numbers of a variety of species of deer, to the point that in the 60’s and 70’s fulltime government cullers were employed to reduce numbers to the manageable level they are now at. Species include red, fallow, sika, wapiti, rusa, sambar. Deer are spead throughout both islands in a wide range of habitats. The deer we primarily hunt are Red deer and fallow deer. Dependant on the species and terrain we are hunting we use a range of calibers from .243 to .300 winchester magnums. All guns are top quality units. We ensure that our guests get to experience a variety of terrains when hunting. Our hunting is done on hand picked areas that Simon has extensive previous experience on. We hunt for fair chase animals, which means that the animals are completely wild, as opposed to contained animals in safari parks. Specific trophy hunts however on estates can be arranged without issue if this is what you are after. We are passionate about deer hunting and hunting in general, and work tirelessly to ensure your satisfaction – the customer is king! Available year round with the roar occurring in march/april. We have hunts and terrains to suit all abilities.
Pigs
An adrenalin experience! Our pig hunting is done with dogs specially trained to sniff out, find, and hold the boars until we finish the job with rifle or knife. Habitats vary as do the size of the pigs we catch, although 100kg plus animals are not uncommon. The Captain Cook Pig was introduced by guess who……as a food source, and soon flourished to the present good numbers. Delicious eating and lots of fun we highly recommend this experience. A medium level of fitness is required due to the varied terrain we must often chase the dogs through. Available year round.
Chamois and Thar
For those of you on our South Island packages both Chamois and Thar are available. These wily high altitude animals test the best of us. You’ll need to be ready for a good walk to catch these animals. Chamois and Thar are found in their natural habitat in the South Islands rugged Southern Alps. Large parts of the day are spent climbing and glassing likely looking areas, before commencing testing stalks to within shooting range. Available year round.
Goats
Wide spread goats are considered a nuisance and pest in many areas in both Islands. Goats are usually not specifically targeted, but are often found whislt looking for other species.
Pheasant
Pheasant shooting is in one of our hunting packages and is also an option for any other package. These birds are excellent fun to shoot, and are usually flushed with purpose bred and trained dogs in a variety of terrains. The hunt is exciting and the culinary result superb. We use 12guage shotguns of varying styles.
Canadian Goose
Available to our South Island travelers only. Canadian geese exist in large numbers in the South Island, and are hunted primarily in open areas from hides with decoys. This involves making ‘grave’ like indentations in the ground and then camoflauyging oneself amongst decoys. The geese often come in to the decoys in mobs, and with 2 or 3 hunters exploding from their hides, the action is electric.
Mallard Duck
Our most common and popular waterfowl. The mallard is widespread throughout both islands and is primarily hunted around may and june. Hunting is done from ‘mai mai’s’ or hides built on the edge of waterways and lakes. Decoys and duck callers are used to bring the ducks within range before they get a wake up call. Dogs do the hard work retrieving. Hunting is done with 12guage shotguns in a variety of styles to suit.
Quail
The Californian quail is often hunted at the same time as pheasant and provides a similar challenge and hunting style.
Rabbits/Hares
From long range rifle shooting to jump shooting with shotguns the rabbits provide a break and a bit of variety. Available in most places.
Possum
Widespread and in pest proportions the possum is a nocturnal creature found throughout NZ. Hunting is done at night by spotlight in wooded areas. Great fun after dinner, and helps to keep NZ green!