Take a journey with Chris Jolly Outdoors deep into the New Zealand bush to find the ultimate hunting trophy in our wild Fallow, Sika and Red deer breeds. Take in stunning vistas while you line up your shot.
An expert hunting guide will help you track down dinner and a trophy. From novice to seasoned, our clients have sought our expertise from every corner of the globe. Step behind the velvet rope into an exclusive playground. Whether your hunting aim is to secure a trophy to take home, or just enjoy the thrill of the chase in stunning natural surroundings, our expert guides have you covered. Have a chance at nature’s bounty, get in contact with us today.
Trip Highlights
Incredible views of the Central Plateau, access to 10,000 acres of pristine hunting ground.
What’s Provided
One guide per two people. Wet weather gear and firearms. Fishing waders if necessary should we stop for a fish along the way. Accommodation can be provided for an overnight or multi-night trips. If you would like your trip catered, please let us know. Whether you’re hunting for meat or trophies, we can help with what to do with your quarry, whether it be off to the butchers, or taxidermy.
Transport and Timing
The Chris Jolly team can provide transport to and from your accommodation and the length of the hunting tour is really up to you. Give us a bell to start planning your adventure!
Notes
We recommend the following clothing:
Camouflage
warm hunting clothes of woollen material for warmth and body protection
At least one pair of light but sturdy boots with a good grip.
A rain jacket, rain trousers, woollen hat and gloves are recommended for the cooler months.
The Importance of an Experience Guide while Hunting
Deer hunting in New Zealand’s North Island is an extremely popular tourist activity, and for good reason. New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most beautiful deer, and the country’s herds are managed carefully to ensure a sustainable population.
A good guide will not only ensure that you have a safe and successful hunt, but will also be able to teach you about deer behaviour and track down the best deer for you to hunt.
With a good guide by your side, deer hunting in NZ can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all experience levels.
Types of Deer in New Zealand
New Zealand is home to a variety of deer species that make for popular game animals. In the North Island, you can find red, sika, fallow, sambar and, rusa deer while the South Island is home to red, white-tail, wapiti and fallow deer.
Each species has its own unique characteristics, making them a challenge and rewarding to hunt. With its varied landscapes and abundance of deer populations, New Zealand is a paradise for deer hunters from all over the world. So come and experience the thrill of the hunt in one of the most beautiful countries on earth.
The deer are waiting for you to come and take your shot – don’t miss your chance!
Our Exclusive Hunting Locations
We have exclusive access to thousands of acres of stunning native bush hunting. Your idyllic hunting grounds are set across 2-3 locations at the southern end of Lake Taupō. These various hunting grounds have good representative free range stags roaming the property and trophy stags upward of 300+ SCI within our fair chase environment.
The terrain and hunting conditions are varied with large native podocarp forests, scrub lands (reverted pasture) and open grass pastures which make for a perfect landscape for both the deer and the hunter. Access around the property is on well-formed 4 x 4 tracks but a reasonable amount of fitness will certainly improve your chances. The sheer isolation brings an added edge to this wilderness escape.
Base Camp
Our base camp has accommodation with full catering options available. You can book in for a single or multi day adventure with the experienced team. We provide all bedding and accommodation amenities for a multi-night stay with us.
On a clear evening here, the sky is a brilliant array of stars, with calls of New Zealand’s native owls and wildlife providing a soothing night time serenade. You’d best pack for a while, as you may not want to leave!
The terrain and hunting conditions are varied, making for a perfect landscape for both the deer and the hunter.
When to Visit for Deer Hunting in NZ
The best time of year for deer hunting in NZ is early spring, when the deer shed their winter coats and the days are starting to get longer.
There are also a few other factors that can make deer hunting in NZ even more enjoyable, such as the fact that the deer are more active during this time of year and they are also easier to spot as they move around in search of food.
So if you’re looking for a great opportunity to deer hunt, make sure to book your guided hunt in early spring.
Take in the scenic vistas of the central North Island while stalking your prey. Finish the day off at basecamp, beer in hand!
Hunting Licences
If a visiting hunter decides to use our firearms, no permit is required as long as the guide accompanying you is licenced.
If you’d like to bring your own firearm and/or ammunition into New Zealand, you must hold:
No matter what your level of experience, there is a Chris jolly Guided Hunting trip that is perfect for you.
If you are new to deer hunting, consider signing up for a single-day hunt. This will give you the opportunity to learn the basics of deer hunting without having to commit to a longer trip.
For those with more deer hunting experience, multi-day deer hunting trips are available that will take you deep into the backcountry in pursuit of trophy deer. No matter what your deer hunting goals are, Chris Jolly Outdoors has a trip that is right for you.
Private charter boats with catering/bar/fishing equipment and crew
Access to private land, water and know-how of local’s secret spaces
Functions, corporate events & team building
Reliable & Experienced
Over forty years in the central North Island tourism industry
We’re a family business, with local Taupō knowledge
Our staff are experienced adventure experts
Adventure Qualified
5 Star Rated Gold Qualmark
Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides
Trip Advisor’s Travellers Choice 2023
Partnered with Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Your Taupō Activity Partner
From beautiful lake views, to fishing crystal pools, to scenic hikes in the central North Island wilderness; Chris Jolly Outdoors are the go-to guides to tick off that bucket list.
In Taupō, the adventure possibilities are truly endless. We guarantee one thing – we’ll create a memorable experience for you that you’ll treasure forever.
You can book a trip with Chris Jolly Outdoors by either calling us on +64 7 378 0623, emailing us at bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz or filling out the form to make an enquiry. If you want to book a cruise to the Māori Rock carvings, head over to the experience page to book direct.
Is it possible to take home venison on the hunting trip?
Yes! Subject to you or your guide hitting the target on your hind or stag. Venison is a lovely lean meat, perfect for a BBQ lunch, or steak dinner with the fam. Pair with a fresh green salad and roasted Kumara for the ultimate kai.
Do you have transport available?
Yes. Some of our trips include transfers but we can arrange helicopter or road transfers from anywhere in the country. Our guided fishing adventures have heli transfer options, with our grounds being either a 90 minute drive or a 25 minute flight from Taupo CBD.
What should I bring hunting?
There’s a list! Although we provide all firearms, food and transport to and from the hunting ground (on our one day tours). We do not provide a firearms licence. By NZ law, visiting hunters bringing their own firearms must obtain a firearms tourist licence from the NZ police at the International airport on their arrival. Visiting hunters, however, using our firearms does not require a licence as our guides are fully licenced.
If you choose a multi-day drip we will also provide bedding, food and beverages. We can accommodate all dietary requests so long as we are made aware of them ahead of time.
All that aside, please bring:
Camouflage clothing
Woollen based clothing
Additional layers
Woollen hat and gloves
A rain jacket
Waterproof trousers
Boots, sturdy with good grip – trainers/runners are not boots.
What if I want to take a hunting trophy home?
If you were lucky enough to bag your shot, your guide will be happy to cape and salt your trophy/trophies for you. If you would like your trophy mounted, that can be arranged here in NZ and we can arrange to have it dispatched freight forward by air to your specified destination. We will complete all necessary documentation for you so that it is all taken care of!
Are there any native birds around Taupō?
Tuī, pīwakawaka and korimako are amongst the beautiful birds that serenade lake Taupō’s verdant native bush. If you’re looking for a bird watching trip, let us know when you book!
Does it get cold in Taupō?
Taupō’s temperature can vary between lows of 0°C to highs of 15°C in winter, with icy winds coming straight off the Central Plateau mountains. It is best to pack woolly layers and definitely a wind/waterproof jacket. In summer, temps vary from lows of 10°C to highs of 30°C, so you’ll definitely need to bring water and sunscreen!
Does anything dangerous live in or around Lake Taupō?
No, Taupō, and New Zealand, in general does not have any native or imported predators. There are very small poisonous spiders called the whitetail and katipo, but a quick GP visit and some antibiotics after a bite and you’ll be right as rain.
What should I bring when hiking in Taupō?
The Essentials
Day pack with a waterproof liner
Drink bottle – 2 litres of water per day you will be out.
Packed lunch and snacks – if you are coming on a guided hike with us, we can cater your hike
Fully charged mobile phone
Personal medication, eg antihistamines, asthma inhalers
Extra base layer and socks
Rubbish bag
Map of the area you’ll be walking – if you are being guided you will not need this, we will direct you
Emergency equipment:
Our guides carry the following items
Basic first aid kit including hand sanitiser, sunscreen and insect repellent
Head torch/torch and spare batteries in case you take longer than intended
Survival blanket to keep you warm in an emergency
Whistle in case your split up or need help
Extra high energy snack food
What risks are involved in your activities?
All our activities include some level of risk. Your guides takes all practicable steps to ensure your safety, and with any activity in the outdoors you acknowledge an element of risk involved.
Scenic Cruise / Private Charters are operated on Lake Taupō, which is a deep and exposed body of water, with its inherent risks.
Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport.
Hiking in the outdoors is an inherently dangerous activity.
Fly Fishing is a water based activity, and that with water, risks are increased.
bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz
07 378 0623
Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, 
