CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“We just returned from my fifth hunting trip to New Zealand and IT WAS THE BEST BY FAR, thanks to the team with Wanganui Safaris. They are absolutely the most professional and personal outfitter I’ve found in New Zealand. Plus, the habitat available to hunt is the best of the best of the best! Big country with lots of elevation change and the perfect amount of cover for animals. From the animlas to property to the lodging and meals, all top notch! But, the most impressive thing is the entire team is comprised of the most incredibly dedicated individuals that work their absolute tails off to make the trip one you will never forget. Literally there is nothing I’d suggest for them to do for improvement. We will be back.”
Keith Warren & Mary Knights
High Road Hunting
"Unforgettable Stag Hunt with Whanganui Safaris – World-Class Experience!
Before booking our New Zealand stag hunt, I thoroughly researched every outfitter on the North Island—and I can confidently say I have zero regrets about choosing Whanganui Safaris.
From start to finish, the experience was exceptional. Owner Paul has built an incredible team of young professionals who work seamlessly together, whether in the field or back at the lodge. Their energy, teamwork, and passion for what they do made a huge impression on us.
The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly loved their work. Whether we were hunting or relaxing at the lodge, they always made us feel like part of the team.
A special shoutout to the hospitality team—the ladies who run the lodge were among the most welcoming and gracious people I’ve ever encountered on a hunt. They made us feel completely at home.
The food and drinks, prepared by the on-site chef, were absolutely phenomenal—easily on par with a five-star restaurant. Every meal was a highlight in itself.
The accommodations were fantastic—comfortable, clean, and thoughtfully stocked with anything we could possibly need.
And the animals… Wow. The setting was not only beautiful, but also home to an impressive number of stunning game animals. It was a hunter’s dream come true.
Thank you, Paul and the entire Whanganui team, for such an unforgettable experience. I’m already looking forward to coming back!"
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Chad Woodard
Texas, USA
"I was honored to take my family to Wanganui for their first trip to New Zealand. We had one of the best hunting trips anywhere with Paul and his crew. The accommodations were first class and the food was second to none to anywhere I have ever hunted. Both of my children shot phenomenal stags and fallow deer. This was my second trip to New Zealand, and I was really only hunting Wapiti as I had already taken the other species previously. We were successful on shooting a giant Wapiti but then I saw a red stag at Wanganui that was amazing. When this stag stepped out, I had no choice but to say "let’s go for him". Angus and the entire guide staff; thank you for a trip and trophy of a lifetime!"
Lance Lester
Texas, USA
"I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The staff turned into friendships that will carry on for many years. By the time we left it was almost like leaving your family. There was no shortage of animals due the to the excellent management of their property and our guides were beyond diligent to make sure our experience was unmatched. If you are searching for an outfitter for this once in a lifetime opportunity and you came across Wanganui Safaris look no further. Each and every member of the staff was amazing but our personal guides Jake, Thomas, Hayden, and Charlie made for an unforgettable experience and I hope they will all come visit us back in the states!"
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Will Weaver
Texas, USA
"We met Paul and his team at the Safari Club International gala in Houston, found what they had to say extremely interesting, and booked a trip with them the following day on the trade show floor.
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This was my first International large game hunting experience. An absolute world class adventure from start to finish. The hospitality was second to none, beginning with Paul personally picking us up from the airport, then traveling to the South Island with us a week later. The lodge experience is one for the books. While I was thinking I’d be the only woman in a hunting world I’m not accustomed to, my experience could not have been better. The lodge becomes home and the staff becomes old friends. The scenery is spectacular and the animals are stunning. My husband and I each shot a red stag, and a fallow. We were immediately immersed in the lodge tradition of taking a green chartreuse shot in the field which, of course, turned into an all day celebration that could not have been more perfect. The guides are youthful and energetic and extremely knowledgeable. The fabulous chef, was spot on and we enjoyed his typical chef bravado. He took our Texas roots to heart which made us happy so far from home. The overall lodge experience is made a bit more magical with visits from puppies, baby farm animals and bee keepers who come to join the fun.
On the South Island, Paul introduced us to lifelong friends, helicoptering over the sounds, Tahr hunting and fly fishing. We spent our anniversary enjoying a fresh lobster, lamb and wine lunch by a private stream in the middle of the sound that we helicoptered in and out of. Prior to that, we watched Toby, our pilot, pull the lobster out of the ocean. It was thrilling and one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had and I’ve done a lot of traveling. The Tahr hunting was extremely exciting and, as Paul advised us, a 'do not miss' experience. None of our friends can believe the videos we show them, their mouth gaping open saying, 'I can’t believe you did that!'
As a newbie hunter, but experienced traveler, our trip to New Zealand in 2019 was by far the most fun adventure I have ever had. Adventure is really the only word for it. The hospitality Paul and his team showed us was the reoccurring thread that made our trip so fantastic. We are from Texas, so friendliness and hospitality is in our blood and we felt right at home in NZ. My husband, who is a lifelong hunter who has travelled the world in search of exotics was over the moon. We recommend this trip to anyone and everyone."
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Katherine & Chris Gillman
Texas, USA
OUR REFERENCES:
Clay Callaway +1 (979) 224-0452
Jim Driggs +1 (512) 496-4623
Bill Lyster +1 (712) 260-7089
John Mullen +1 (316) 371-0325
Neal & Melisa Ramsay +1 (513) 978-8691
Brian & Lynn Reece +1 (850) 293-6742
Kelly Samson +1 (206) 941-4741
Steve Sciania +1 (713) 203-1280
Nikki & Dustin Shoemaker +1 (936) 366-7401
David Sommerfeldt +1 (920) 230-4867
Robert & Sandy Trenschal +1 (713) 876-2881