Top 13 FAQ for your New Zealand Hunting Trip
It’s all about the hunt, or is it?
Although you may be coming to New Zealand purely for a hunting vacation and to hunt Red Stag, it is important to read up on the all our country has to offer, and get a grasp on the basics surrounding climate, geography, currency and culture.
We want to ensure your New Zealand hunting trip is the best experience possible, so High Peak have compiled answers to the top 13 questions to ensure your hunting vacation is second to none.
Where is New Zealand?
New Zealand- a hunting paradise – lies southeast of Australia.
Approximate flight times are:
• 24 hours, London to Auckland.
• 12 hours, Los Angeles to Auckland.
• 3 hours, Sydney to Auckland.
More information on arriving into New Zealand here.
How big is New Zealand?
New Zealand stretches 1600 kilometres (1000 miles) from north to south. And there is a lot of hunting to be done! It comprises of two major islands, the North Island (115,000sq km) and the South Island (151,000sq km), and a number of small islands. New Zealand is about the same size as the United Kingdom but with fewer people (4.5 million at last count).
What is the New Zealand Currency?
Whether you’re coming over from America, Canada, the UK or Australia, you’ll need to exchange money. See the currency converter below to see how your currency fares against the New Zealand Dollar.
If you are going to exchange money, do it in advance before your hunting trip. If you need to convert more money while on vacation, do not exchange it at the airport. Their service fees are much higher than a banks.
Banks are open Monday to Friday. All major credit cards (American Express, Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in New Zealand. Traveller’s cheques are also common and easily exchanged at most banks and hotels. If your credit card has a PIN number you will be able to withdraw cash from ATMs throughout the country.
Do I need any Vaccinations?
As well as being a hunting haven, New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world. No shots are required to visit New Zealand and none are currently recommended by the World Heath Organisation.
Do I need a Visa?
Hunters from more than 50 countries do not require a Visitor’s Visa for a hunting vacation less than three months. You do require:
- A passport that is valid for at least three months after your departure from New Zealand
- An onward or return ticket to a country that you have permission to enter
- Sufficient money to support yourself during your stay – approximately NZ$1000 per month per person
To find out if your country qualifies for a visa waiver, check out the Visiting New Zealand section of the New Zealand Immigration Service Web site.
What is the New Zealand Time Zone?
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) – the early hunter catches the stag!
In Summer, New Zealand time uses ‘Daylight Saving’, with clocks put forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the last Sunday in September and ends on the first Sunday of the following April, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.
What are New Zealand’s Seasons & Climate?
New Zealand’s weather is extremely variable from season to season and from one end of the country to the other, so you need to know when the hunting season is at its prime.
We have no seasonal restrictions on hunting in New Zealand (except game birds), however, the main time to hunt is from mid-February when the Red Stag antlers harden and strip, through to the end of June. All species are huntable during this time, with March – May being the best deer hunting and May – June the best tahr and chamois hunting. You can hunt beyond this, but winter conditions prevail and stags start to lose their antlers in August.
As a southern hemisphere country, New Zealand’s seasons are the inverse of Europe and North America:
Summer: December – February
Autumn (Fall): March – May
Winter: June – August
Spring: September – November
Full rainfall and average temperatures here
National weather updates here
When are New Zealand’s Public Holidays?
There are about 10 public holidays/year but these don’t stop the buses from running and doing their thing. Besides if you’re here travelling you’ll probably be on holiday the entire time you lucky thing! Christmas, New Years and Easter are the big ones for most Kiwis.
What is the official Language in New Zealand?
English (official), Maori (official), Kiwi Slang (unofficial). You’ll notice this local slang as soon as you arrive in New Zealand. Much of it originates from our unique rural and Maori heritage. Make sure you take a few good sayings home with you!
Can I drive in New Zealand?
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver’s licence from your home country, or an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Recent law changes mean all drivers, including overseas visitors, must carry their licence or permit when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 25 years.
Make sure your overseas driver’s licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an International Driving Permit. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.
What is New Zealand’s voltage?
New Zealand voltage is 240 AC (50 hertz). Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets for electric razors only.
For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.
Is there a tipping culture?
New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service. It is ok to tip in restaurants or taxis for excellent service and often, our clients do choose to tip our guides at the end of their trip. This, of course, is totally at your discretion. Offence should NEVER be taken in New Zealand if you don’t tip.
What is a Kiwi?
The Kiwi, New Zealand’s national emblem, is a flightless bird with a long, slender beak, which it uses to forage for insects. It is found only in New Zealand (and then, only in its wilderness areas), and is active at night. New Zealanders often refer to themselves as Kiwis and the term is also used as a short form for the famous kiwifruit. On the stock exchange, the New Zealand Dollar is also referred to as ‘the kiwi’.