Guided hunting and Fishing Taupo | Chris Jolly Outdoors

Here at Chris Jolly Outdoors, we are proud to be able to offer some of the best free range guided hunting for genuinely wild deer to be found anywhere.

Our private and exclusive property ranges over 20,000 acres of Southern Wairarapa coastal hill country, which is located on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Here we encounter a wide variety of terrain and hunting conditions, large native Podocarp forests, scrub lands (reverted pasture) and open grass pastures make for a perfect environment for both the deer and the hunter. During the Roar (rut), the master stags tend to herd the hinds (does) into the native forest. This provides thrilling close encounter type hunting (if a little energetic!) as we are often able to call the stags into close proximity. After the Roar, the stags tend to drift out of the forest and feed on the grass adjacent, recouping after the rigours of the mating season. This type of hunting is more about the use of binoculars and longer range shooting and often produces the biggest stags. We are targeting 10-14 point animals that may be up to 40″. We do NOT charge trophy fees for each animal shot so there is always a chance to take a second bigger stag during your stay.

The Terrain

The terrain is moderately steep, access around the property is on well formed 4 x 4 tracks but a reasonable amount of fitness will certainly improve your chances. All hunting is on a guided basis with a maximum of two hunters per guide.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in a comfortable, purpose built lodge/camp. On most occasions, you will have the camp to yourself. Fully carpeted floors, comfortable beds, warm fires and great cuisine make for a welcome retreat from the vigours of a day’s hunting. With seven miles of private coastline, crayfish and abalone (paua) often supplement venison, wild port and wild mutton on the menu.

The Hunting Season

Our season starts in mid to late March. The Roar takes place approximately from late March til late April. We continue to trophy hunt until August at which point the large stags are near to casting their antlers. Non trophy hunts can be done (by arrangement) year round.

Red Deer Hunts

We have exclusive access to 16,000 acres of some of New Zealand’s best Red Deer hunting. (Strictly free range/ fair chase hunts). Hunting packages available from March to July at our Wairarapa property. Included: accommodation in a very comfortable lodge, all meals (crayfish and abalone regularly on the menu), pre-dinner drinks, guiding and firearms (if required). Access to this unique property is by 4WD vehicles or helicopter. Transfers from Wellington Airport can be arranged.

Prices based on 2 people

Turkey Hunts

These hunts are based in the Taupo area. Included – 1 guide for 1-2 people, transport, firearms, ammunition and lunch on full day only.

OPTIONAL EXTRA: Claybird shooting available on request.

Local Hunts (Central North Island)

Hunts for red deer, Arapawa ram, goat and pigs are available on request.

Hunting Seasons

The New Zealand Government does not at this stage apply set hunting seasons or license fees for the hunting of big game animals in New Zealand. The only seasonal factor for trophy hunters is the period of the year when the stags cast their antlers to grow new ones. Wild boar and Trophy Goat are available all year round. Generally those seeking trophy heads should avoid the spring and first part of summer i.e. late September until March. In order for us to organise the best hunting experience, please phone at least 48 hours ahead.

Premium Hunting Time

The Roar or the Rut is the best time to hunt Deer, being the mating season when species such as Red, Sika and Fallow Deer become quite vocal and therefore are easier to locate. The Red Deer begins to rut during late March and through April with the Sika Stags beginning in April and continuing through May as does the Fallow Stag. Although the rut is the most popular time to hunt, very often the period after is just as productive. With regard to Wild Boar and Goat, the time of the year is not critical, with good trophies being taken all year round. You may hunt “Turkey Down Under” in New Zealand with us at any time from mid July through to mid November.

Arms Permits

Under New Zealand law, visiting hunters bringing their own firearms into New Zealand must obtain a firearms Tourist Licence from New Zealand Police at the international airport on their arrival. It is a simple formality which costs $25 N.Z. – the licence being valid for 12 months. The form can be downloaded by your travel agent and completed 2 weeks in advance and you can fax the application through to the Auckland airport department so when you arrive the permit has already been filled out and is ready for verification of the serial numbers on the firearm, this just speeds things up quite a bit, but is not a requirement. Please note pistols and side arms are not permitted in New Zealand. If a visiting hunter chooses to use our firearms no permit is required, the guides licence is deemed sufficient – we recommend this option.

Accommodation

Depending on location for hunting accommodation varies from our own hunting lodge in the Wairarapa, to bush cabins or farm hosting.

Clothing and Footwear

Hunting clothes should be of polar fleece material for warmth and body protection. Also this clothing creates little noise when brushed against the undergrowth. Footwear should consist of two pairs of light but sturdy boots with good grip.

Trophies and Taxidermy

Your guide will cape and salt your trophies. Mounting can be arranged here in New Zealand and you may have your trophies dispatched freight forward by air freight to your specified destination. The Taxidermist will complete all necessary documentation and bill you directly.

Multiple Species Hunt

A multiple species hunt is entirely practical in the Taupo region due to the close proximity of the various species. In a 12-14 day hunting trip you may hunt all the species listed and probably have time to fit in a spot of trout fishing also!

'Fair Chase' Hunts

The options listed are all ‘fair chase’ hunts and we cannot guarantee that the necessary trophy will be taken; so much depends on the individual hunter’s skill. We do guarantee a high standard of service and the presence of trophy animals and are proud of our success rate.

Trophy Fees

Trophy fees are payable to the landowners for the animals taken. The fee is also payable should the animal be wounded or lost, however this rarely happens. No trophy fees are payable when hunting with Chris Jolly Outdoors at our Wairarapa (Te Awaiti) location.

Thar and Chamois

We can arrange such hunts for you with highly recommended guides in the South Island.

Equipment

We supply all ground transport, guns and ammo upon request. Turkey hunters will need their own camouflage gear and by all means bring your own favorite ‘Shootin Iron’.

Our hunting/guide ratio is 2:1.