Really considering NZ next year with the family...looking for guidance

[jpc01101]

Just returned from Africa for the 2nd year in a row and I can't wait for our next international hunting trip. I am really thinking about NZ but most of what I see is high fence stags and I already have a really big stag. I'd rather have a smaller public land stag, tahr, fallow if possible. I don't think I want to DIY my first trip over and I will have my family with me. Anyone know of a guide or outfitter that specializes in public land hunts rather than the high fence estates? Specifically looking for anyone on here who's actually used one. Would like to use their gun as a backup to my bow (which I will take) I don't want to travel with a gun necessarily.
Also open to itinerary suggestions. Family will be with me again (Wife, 9 yo Son and maybe my 23 yo daughter and her husband) like Africa, so want a lot of sightseeing mixed in with the hunting, probably 2-3 weeks total. Never been to NZ so no idea what regions make sense for public land tahr and fallow versus where the family would want to spend time. What worked for you guys? What am I missing?

 

[Kiwi]

There are public land guides here in NZ that provide wilderness hunts, I don't know any personally but here is one that gives you an idea of what is on offer - https://realkiwihunting.com/drop-camps/

If you decided to go DIY I can help out with hunting spots and other info. I know an area that has public land fallow, reds and tahr. Any DIY NZ hunt requires a good level of fitness and mountain ability.

My recommended itinerary is the South Island Christchurch - West Coast, Tekapo, Queenstown areas. Late March, April and May are the best months as a hunter and tourist.

PM me if you have questions.

 

[jpc01101]

I won a stag/turkey hunt near Queenstown for next August! Plan on taking the family and extending it into an adventure. So excited to get some exposure for this first trip and not have to worry about taking my own gun (will take my bow).

"won" = won an auction (an SCI banquet)

 

[kiwi hunter]

i shall be there last part if August if its any help.
I shot a very nice red stag one winter in a well trod valley in the Mckenzie country, left the hut a daybreak, it was bloody freezing and i was not sleeping at all, got upriver to a nice spot and jumped into my sleeping bag and took turns sleeping and glassing, spotted some deer coming downhill and crossed the river, ran into some Canada geese which did me no favours but managed to run like hell downstream to a handy spot and dealt to him with the 223. Very nice even 12. This particular valley has Fallow and Tahr as well.
Pm me if you wish to persue the matter more.