The world’s largest red deer are the sought-after attraction for international hunters visiting New … [+]
Long before Peter Jackson Lord of the rings Trilogy put New Zealand on everyone’s travel list; hunters and anglers had long been depending on the island nation’s wealth of fish and game. It’s a Jurassic Park for sportsmen, where animals reach almost mythical dimensions and the breathtaking landscape inspired the fictional land of Middle-earth.
New Zealand’s temperate climate, fertile volcanic soils, lack of apex predators and luxurious pastures proved to be an ideal habitat for the settlement of all species of the famous Old World game – especially red deer.
New Zealand’s many lakes surrounded by mountains provide breathtaking backdrops for a lot of adventures.
At the start of the twentieth century, red deer, chamois from the Alps, fallow deer, the large-bodied sambar deer, reclusive Rusa deer, Himalayan tahr (a mountain goat-like animal), moose from North America and wild boar were dropped at New Zealand, a rustic wherein originally only had one species of mammal – a bat.
Essentially, gamekeepers and biologists saw New Zealand as a blank canvas on which to create a masterpiece of wildlife, and so that they did. Without natural predators and without harsh winters to slow population growth of the country’s recent horned and antlered species, the populations of many introduced species exploded. For example, red deer were so quite a few that just a few a long time ago gamekeepers were forced to perform extensive killing operations in an effort to bring the deer population back to a level that the habitat could support.
John Scurr poses with a pair of pukeko, or moorhens, considered one of several native wild birds found here … [+]
Today, these red deer are a preferred attraction for hunters from world wide – especially Americans. Thousands of U.S. hunters travel to New Zealand annually to take part in big game hunting.
“Most hunters know New Zealand as home to the largest deer in the world,” he says John Scurr, a Kiwi-born and experienced hunt operator who focuses on organizing bespoke hunting and fishing experiences for all kinds of fish and game within the country. “But we have many wild species that thrive here in both the North and South Islands.”
Wine tours are only considered one of many variety options for guest athletes.
But for Scurr, it’s about customizing diverse New Zealand travel packages that allow hunters and anglers to immerse themselves in a wide selection of attractions and activities that complement the rod and gun adventures.
“New Zealand is a travel destination for yourself and your family. “So if a hunter wants to bring a non-hunting spouse or friend here,” says Scurr, “we can organize a wide range of activities, from helicopter excursions to volcanoes and glaciers,” lake excursions, wine tours, glacier climbing, jet boating, mountain climbing and biking , bungy jumping, parasailing or scenic drives to explore a wide range of our welcoming communities.”
New Zealand’s wealth of breathtaking landscapes is reason enough to go to.
The money from athletes helps support your complete tourism economy, the country’s second largest industry after agriculture. Additionally, hunting provides a financial incentive to maintain the land wild and supports countless non-game species that depend on the identical cover as deer and other game.
“Rather than sit in a lodge for a week and then return home,” says Scurr, “many of our sporting clients want to experience more of New Zealand before they leave.” And most of our hunting areas are conveniently positioned near other great attractions.”
The bustling and exquisite town of Wanaka, with a population of around 12,000, sits on the shores of the stunning Lake Wanaka, a 74-square-mile body of water, and is the start line for Scurr’s South Island adventures.
Scurr poses with experienced Oklahoma hunter Suzie Brewster and her giant deer.
“We house some of our hunters in well-appointed lakefront condos,” he says, “and we dine at restaurants, all inside easy walking distance. And our hunting areas are only a ten minute drive from town. This is a extremely popular package for us because it allows non-hunting spouses to benefit from the wide selection of amenities on offer in Wanaka (spas, shops, restaurants, tours, arts and culture offerings) and to hitch their husbands after hunting to share a night in town.”
Almost as famous as its deer hunting, New Zealand is a preferred fly fishing destination for oversized rainbow and brown trout. The country’s abundance of clear rivers and lakes, in addition to a handful of famous lodges, put it high on most trout anglers’ must-do list.
The welcoming and bustling community of Wanaka is the start line for Scurr’s South Island offerings.
Putting bird hunting on the menu can be a simple suggestion, as New Zealand is home to a mixture of endemic and introduced wild bird species, including the highly prized (and attention-grabbing) paradise duck.
For hunters who don’t desire to fly with their very own firearms, Scurr offers a big choice of rifles and shotguns for rental. “We find that most hunters choose to use our guns because they save them a lot of headaches with gun licensing and customs. However, if a hunter would prefer to bring their favorite rifle, we will also assist them with the permitting process.”
For Scurr, sharing the very best of New Zealand is his life’s passion.
For Scurr, it’s about sharing the wealth of sports and leisure opportunities his native New Zealand has to supply. “We have a unique landscape and therefore special opportunities for visiting athletes and others,” he says. “And when someone books with us, we want them to go home and share the experience with their friends as they plan their next New Zealand adventure.”
