Hunting in
New Zealand
Hunting NZ is a platform that connects hunters with private landowners for guided access, provides species and region guides, safety rules, permits info, and a community journal. Browse hunting properties, book access, message landowners, and track your trips.
Hunter's Journal
Share your hunts, photos and stories with the community — see what others are catching across NZ.
Private Land Access
Browse and book private hunting properties from landowners across New Zealand, from dairy farms to high-country stations.
Species Guide
Detailed info on all 16 huntable species in NZ — habitats, behaviour, identification, and best hunting methods.
Hunting Regions
Explore 20 hunting regions from Northland to Southland, with area guides, access points, and local species.
Safety & Rules
Essential firearms safety, the seven rules of hunting, outdoor safety, and DOC regulations every hunter must know.
Gear Checklist
Interactive checklist to make sure you've got the right gear before you head out — from rifles to first aid kits.
Permits & Licences
Everything you need to know about DOC hunting permits, firearms licences, and how to apply for them online.
Field Dressing
Step-by-step guides for processing your animal in the field — from gralloching to butchering and transporting.
Firearms Quiz
Test your knowledge and practise for the NZ firearms licence theory test with realistic practice questions.
NZ Hunting Seasons & Regulations Reference
The complete, scannable reference for every game species — seasons, permits, and rules in one place. Built to be bookmarked.
Your Complete New Zealand Hunting Resource
Hunting NZ brings together everything a Kiwi hunter needs — detailed species guides covering all 16 huntable game animals, region-by-region hunting information, safety rules and ethics, permit and licence guidance, an interactive gear checklist, and a firearms safety quiz to help you prepare for your theory test. Connect with the hunting community through the Hunter's Journal, or find private land to hunt through Private Land Access.
Information is sourced from the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) and other official authorities. Always verify current requirements before hunting.
Stay Informed
We use Gmail to send transactional notifications — bookings, approvals, listing reminders, and account updates. Privacy Policy.
Bookings
Requests, approvals & declines
Verification
Landowner identity updates
Listings
Expiry reminders & renewals
Account
Password resets & security
What to Hunt
Popular Species
Red Deer
New Zealand's most widespread and popular big game animal. Red deer were introduced from Europe in the 1850s and are now found throughout both islands.
Fallow Deer
Fallow deer are smaller than red deer with distinctive palmate antlers and spotted coats. They were introduced from Britain.
Sika Deer
Sika deer, originally from Japan, are found mainly in the central North Island's Kaimanawa and Kaweka ranges. They are considered one of the most challenging deer to hunt.
Wapiti (Elk)
The only free-ranging wapiti herd outside North America lives in Fiordland. They are New Zealand's largest deer species.
White-tail Deer
White-tailed deer are found only on Stewart Island/Rakiura. They were introduced from the United States.
Sambar Deer
Sambar deer are a large, dark-coloured deer found in a small area of the Manawatu region. They are elusive and nocturnal.
Before You Go
Essential Knowledge
Safety First
Identify your target beyond all doubt. Assume every colour, shape, sound, and form to be human until proven otherwise.
Get Your Permit
You must have a valid DOC hunting permit and firearms licence to hunt on public conservation land.
Hunt Ethically
Only shoot if a humane kill is highly probable. Use a minimum .222 Remington centre fire rifle or larger.
Learn
Hunting Guides
Practical guides to help you plan, prepare and hunt responsibly across New Zealand.
Getting Started · Safety
Hunting Ethics Every Hunter Should Know
Discover the essential ethical standards for hunting in New Zealand, ensuring sustainable practices, respect for landowners, and safe conduct in our backcountry.
Gear
Choosing the Right Bow for Hunting in New Zealand
A comprehensive guide to selecting the ideal bow setup for stalking New Zealand’s rugged terrain and diverse game species.
Gear
Choosing the Right Rifle for NZ Game
Selecting the perfect firearm for New Zealand’s rugged terrain and diverse game species requires a balance of ballistic performance, portability, and legal compliance.
Getting Started
Beginner's Guide to Hunting in New Zealand
Everything a new hunter needs to know to get started in New Zealand — from choosing a hunting type to planning your first trip.
Access
How to Find Legal Hunting Areas in New Zealand
A practical guide to identifying where you can legally hunt in New Zealand — public conservation land, private land, permits, and avoiding accidental trespass.
Peak Season
The Roar
The roar (or rut) is when stags are most vocal, calling to attract mates and protect territory. For red deer this is 20 March to 20 April. It's the most popular — and most dangerous — time for hunting.
- Stay within your comfort zone
- Tell someone where you're going before you leave
- Have the right gear and dress for conditions
- Wear high-viz, especially when carrying animals out
- Be aware some hunters use deer call sounds