Why the Southern Alps Offer a Once-in-a-Lifetime Hunting Experience
New Zealand’s Southern Alps create an exceptional hunting environment. The rugged terrain, high-altitude challenges, and rich biodiversity make it a premier destination. Stretching over 500 kilometers across the South Island, the range offers some of the most demanding and rewarding hunting opportunities in the world.
Whether you pursue Himalayan tahr, chamois, or red stag, the Southern Alps provide a rare blend of free-range wilderness and fair-chase hunting.
The Terrain: A Test of Skill and Endurance
The landscape of the Southern Alps requires a high level of fitness, patience, and marksmanship.
- Elevations range from 1,000 to 3,700 meters, providing a true alpine hunting experience.
- Steep inclines and rocky ridges challenge endurance and footwork.
- Dense valleys and open plateaus create opportunities for stalking.
How to Prepare for High-Altitude Hunting
✔ Cardiovascular fitness is essential—train with hiking and weight workouts.
✔ Use high-quality optics for long-range spotting.
✔ Pack lightweight, durable gear suited for steep terrain.
Find out what you need to prepare for your hunt.
The Southern Alps’ Most Sought-After Species
Himalayan Tahr: The King of the Cliffs
Introduced to New Zealand in the early 1900s, Himalayan tahr thrive in high-altitude environments. Their thick coats and curved horns make them a prized trophy.
✔ Habitat: Steep cliffs and alpine meadows above 1,500 meters.
✔ Best Season: May to July, when their winter coats reach full length.
✔ Hunting Style: Spot-and-stalk, often requiring a helicopter drop-off.
Learn more about tahr hunting.
Chamois: The Elusive Mountain Antelope
This high-altitude species is known for its black-and-white facial markings and incredible agility.
✔ Habitat: Subalpine regions, from 1,000 to 2,500 meters.
✔ Best Season: April to June, when coats are thickest.
✔ Hunting Style: Spot-and-stalk in open mountain meadows and rock faces.
Check out our chamois hunting packages.
Free-Range Red Stag: A True Test of Skill
Unlike fenced hunting operations, the Southern Alps provide one of the last true free-range red stag experiences.
✔ Habitat: Bush-covered mountainsides and high-country farmland.
✔ Best Season: March to April, during the “roar” or rut.
✔ Hunting Style: Calling and stalking, requiring close encounters.
Find out more about red stag hunting.
The Challenge of Spot-and-Stalk Hunting in the Alps
Spot-and-stalk hunting in the Southern Alps requires:
- Using binoculars and spotting scopes to locate game from a distance.
- Navigating the terrain carefully to remain undetected.
- Making precise long-range shots due to limited cover.
Recommended Gear for Alpine Hunting:
✔ Quality Binoculars – Essential for spotting game over vast landscapes.
✔ Layered Clothing – Weather changes rapidly at high altitudes.
✔ Lightweight, Durable Boots – Proper support and grip ensure stability.
Why Helicopter Access Changes the Game
Many hunters use a helicopter to access remote alpine locations.
- Reduces multi-day hikes into high-altitude hunting zones.
- Provides access to untouched game populations.
- Allows for gear transport, making movement easier.
Find out about our helicopter hunting experiences.
Plan Your Hunt in the Southern Alps
If you’re ready to hunt in one of the world’s most scenic and demanding terrains, the Southern Alps offer the ultimate challenge.
Contact us to book your next high-altitude hunting adventure!