HUNTING INFORMATION
HUNTING SEASON & NEW ZEALAND TEMPERATURES
Our trophy hunting season begins each year in late February and runs until early July.
When it’s Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s Summer down in the
New Zealand Southern Hemisphere!
MARCH-APRIL
Autumn in the Whanganui region typically brings mild temperatures, crisp mornings, and comfortable daytime hunting conditions. Days can still get quite warm, however weather can change quickly, with occasional rain and cooler evenings.
● Average temperatures: 10–24°C (50–75°F)
● Conditions: Mild mornings, warmer afternoons, occasional rain
● Terrain: Rolling hill country, native bush, long valleys, and old logging roads
● Footing: Generally dry, although some muddy areas can develop after rain
MAY-JUNE
Late autumn and early winter bring cooler temperatures, regular rainfall, and classic New Zealand hunting conditions. Expect cold mornings, damp weather at times, and muddy tracks/terrain.
● Average temperatures: 4–16°C (39–61°F)
● Conditions: Cool, damp, and variable with possible wind and rain
● Terrain: Steep ridgelines, native bush, open hill country, long valleys and old logging roads
● Footing: Wet grass, thick mud, slippery tracks, and uneven ground are common
The weather in the Whanganui River region can change quickly throughout the day, so layering and quality waterproof gear are highly recommended during all seasons.
TRAVELLING TO NEW ZEALAND
Cell Service & Wi-Fi
Starlink Wi-Fi is available at our lodge. Cell phone service can be limited in some areas of the property and surrounding hunting country due to the remote location.
Power Outlets & Adaptors
New Zealand uses Type I power plugs. We have a small number of adaptors available to borrow at the ranch during your hunt, along with direct USB and USB-C charging outlets throughout the lodge.
Currency & Payment
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), however for final payment of your hunt, we accept:
● USD cash
● Wire transfers
● Credit card (3.5% surcharge applies)
● Small American checks (up to $5,000 USD)
Flights
Travelling from the United States offers many direct flight options. There are also many different Domestic flight options while travelling to Wanganui Safaris.
Additional Travel information can be found HERE
TROPHY CARE & SHIPMENT
Caping/skinning process - our guides will headskin & cape out your trophies on-site and label and freeze the capes. We provide the labels for this.
Export/shipping process - Your trophies and skins will be sent to NZ Expediters. They will salt, turn the lips and ears, and ‘skull cap’ your heads, then build a custom crate to size.
Approximate timelines - you can expect an email from NZ expediters in 1-3 months from you leaving camp, you can check everything is correct, pay the expediting bill (approximitely $2,000- $4,000USD depending on how many animals) and then they will ship it to the USA to your chosen taxidermist.
Antler/skull export info - We use Johnny Mitchell from NZ expediters. A broker is not necessarily needed, but if you do wish to use one and would like a recommendation, we recommend Trophy Shippers
Taxidermy partnerships - if you are unsure of a taxidermist to use, we recommend Conroe Taxidermy in Houston,TX, they do an amazing job as they have hunted around the world so they really know what the animals are supposed to look like.
Please bring the following information for your expediting form:
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Your taxidermists name, address, phone number and email
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Your Brokers name, address, phone number and email (if using one)
RIFLE & BOW INFORMATION
It is becoming increasingly more difficult for overseas hunters to travel internationally with firearms, so we highly recommend taking the easy option and using one of our rifles during your stay.
We offer a selection of quality rifles available for hire at $200 USD per hunter for the duration of the hunt.
Our rifle lineup includes a range of .300 WINMAG rifles, all fitted with:
● Bipods
● Suppressors
● Premium optics including Swarovski and Vortex scopes
These setups are well suited to the terrain, hunting conditions, and game species commonly hunted on our ranch.
All hunters will have the opportunity to test and familiarise themselves with their setup at the range on the first afternoon before heading out on their initial hunt.
Bow Hunters
Bow hunters generally have no trouble travelling into New Zealand with their equipment. Bows are typically checked through the oversized baggage section at the airport and should be packed in a hard case with two locks for secure travel. We also have a foam bow target available for use, allowing bow hunters to test and fine tune their equipment to ensure everything travelled well before heading out.
OUR DAILY HUNTING SCHEDULE
Day 1 – Arrival & Settling In
After arriving into the Auckland International Airport (AKL), you will then board a short domestic flight to the Whanganui Airport (WAG) (approximately a 1 hour flight), where a member of our team will be waiting to welcome you.
From there, you will enjoy a scenic drive to the ranch, meet the team, and settle into your accommodation before taking in your first taste of the property and surrounding landscape.
That afternoon, you will meet your guide and head to the range to check rifles and ensure you are comfortable and confident with your setup before the hunt begins. Guests bringing their own bow will also have the opportunity to sight in and familiarize themselves with conditions.
Once ready, you will head out for a relaxed afternoon drive around the ranch, giving you the chance to unwind, take in the scenery, and start spotting game without the pressure of a full hunting session on your first day.
Days 2–4 – Hunting Days
Your guide will arrive at the lodge before daybreak each morning, with a continental breakfast and fresh drip coffee available whenever you wake. Once ready, you will head out either by foot or Honda side-by-side to your hunting area planned for the day.
The hunts are typically spent covering country, glassing, and stalking game throughout the ranch and surrounding terrain.
Around late morning, you will return to the lodge where our on-site chef will have a full cooked lunch prepared. This is your time to relax, put your feet up, enjoy the lodge, and recharge before the afternoon hunt. Many guests take the opportunity for a short nap, enjoy the views with a coffee or drink, or simply unwind by the fire.
In the early afternoon, your guide will return and you will head back out for the evening hunt, often staying out until last light.
After returning to the lodge, enjoy a hot shower followed by appetisers, dinner, and a few well-earned drinks while sharing stories from the day’s hunt with the team and other guests.
Day 5 – Departure Day
After your final day of hunting, your last morning at the lodge is a relaxed one. Enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast while taking in the final views of the ranch before packing up and preparing for departure.
Our team will assist with trophy export and expediting paperwork, final accounts, and any remaining travel arrangements. There will also be time for final photos, a last coffee with the team, and one more chance to soak up the atmosphere of the lodge before heading off.
Depending on your flight schedule and onward travel plans, a member of our team will transport you back to Whanganui Airport (WAG) later in the morning for your domestic flight to Auckland, whether you are returning home or continuing your travels throughout New Zealand.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
Every hunt at Wanganui Safaris can be tailored to suit each hunter’s physical ability, mobility, and preferred hunting style. Whether you are looking for more of a relaxed, slower paced hunt, or a more physically demanding experience, our guides will work with you to create a hunt that is enjoyable and achievable.
HUNT STYLE & DIFFICULTY
Hunts can range from:
● Relaxed/slower vehicle-assisted hunts with short walks and glassing opportunities
● Moderate hunts across hills, old logging tracks, and higher country
● More challenging hikes through steep terrain and native bush covering lots of country
TYPICAL WALKING DISTANCES
Walking distances vary depending on the hunt and terrain, but hunters commonly cover around 10,000 steps during a morning or afternoon hunt.
Terrain around the Ranch
Our terrain is varied and uniquely New Zealand, with rolling hill country, steep ridgelines, river valleys, native bush, muddy tracks, and uneven ground in some areas.
Conditions can be physically demanding at times, particularly after rain, however hunts can be adjusted daily depending on weather conditions and guest ability.
HUNT PAYMENT
Post-hunt final payment: We kindly ask that for the remaining balance of your hunt, that you please setup a wire transfer using the attached details with your preferred bank prior to your arrival in New Zealand, so you are ready initiate the transaction upon departure.
We can additionally accept most American personal checks, but we cannot accept money orders. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are additionally accepted, but please note there is a 3.5% credit card surcharge fee.