Have a look through our FAQ for answers to general questions you may have about Spey Creek
Trophy Hunting, most answers to your questions can be found here.
- Do you own the property?
- What accommodation is available?
- Where is the ranch located?
- Are photo safaris available?
- Is a good taxidermist available?
- What does it cost to ship trophy hides and horns to the U.S.?
- What is the exchange rate?
- Is it free range or game estate hunting?
- What time of the year is the best to hunt?
- Are licenses and/or fees required?
- Is there a problem bringing a rifle into New Zealand?
- What caliber of rifle is best?
- Is ammunition available in New Zealand?
- What kind of weather can be expected?
- How long are the shots?
- Where do I fly into, and how long is the flight?
- How far is Christchurch airport from Kaikoura and how will I get from the airport to the ranch?
- What airlines fly to New Zealand?
- How much is the airfare?
- Is New Zealand a good place to bring friend(s) or family, especially if they don’t hunt?
- Do you own the property?
Unlike many outfitters, who tend to lease, we own the ranch! - What accommodation is available?
We have a much wider range of options than most outfitters offer. For the die-hard hunter,
we have a three-room “hut” with running water and propane, right on the ranch. If it’s satellite
TV, downloading e-mail, nightlife, and shopping you want, then you’ll stay at our comfortable
three bedroom/two bath home in Kaikoura with stunning views of the ocean and mountains.
Luxury "five-star" accommodations are also available at an additional charge.
- Where is the ranch located?
On the Northeast coast of the South Island, approximately 45 minutes from Kaikoura.
- Are photo safaris available?
Yes, most definitely. In fact, every visitor will want to capture the beauty of the area on film.
- Is a good taxidermist available?
Yes, there’s an excellent taxidermist in Christchurch. We’ll take you by to meet them. With
the exchange rate (about seventy cents to the U.S. dollar), it is worth considering having your
trophies mounted in New Zealand.
- What does it cost to ship trophy hides and horns to the U.S.?
Trophy preparation, documents, and packaging average around $150 to $200 per trophy.
Freight is additional and varies depending upon quantity of animals and destination.
- What is the exchange rate?
Of course it varies, but the exchange rate of the New Zealand dollar is about $.70 to the US
Dollar. Great bargains are to be had for the American traveler!
- Is it free range or game estate hunting?
Both are offered on the ranch. We’ll tailor the hunt to your desire.
- What time of the year is the best to hunt?
The best hunting is from Mid-March through July, but you can hunt New Zealand any time of
the year.
- Are licenses and/or fees required?
Good news! New Zealand requires no licenses, fees or limited seasons for big game hunting.
A license is required for waterfowl hunting and fishing. A one week fishing or bird license costs
about $20 U.S.
- Is there a problem bringing a rifle into New Zealand?
Not at all, but you will have to register your rifle with the police at the Auckland airport upon your
arrival, and you’ll need to pay a $25nz fee. We will send you all necessary paperwork before you
depart. Plan to pack only your rifle, though. Pistols are not allowed in New Zealand.
- What caliber of rifle is best?
Anything between a .270 and a 300. If you would prefer using our guns to hauling your own, we
offer .270 and 7 mm rifles. But we do ask that you let us know ahead of your arrival so that we can
reserve a rifle for you.
- Is ammunition available in New Zealand?
Yes, but you’ll be happier if you bring it from the US. The selection isn’t as good as you’d find at
home, and all ammunition is more expensive in New Zealand. For airport security reasons, be
sure that your ammunition is in its original package or an ammunition container, separate from
your gun. One box of shells should be plenty, but we recommend bringing two, just in case. Airlines
typically limit passengers to eleven pounds of ammunition. Check with your airlines or travel agent
before leaving.
- What kind of weather can be expected?
Have you hunted the Rockies? Conditions are similar in New Zealand. The weather can range from
cold to shirtsleeve warm. But we can almost promise that you’ll experience rain. Come with wet
weather gear. What gear will I need to bring? Bring all your usual hunting/fishing gear – boots,
binoculars, ammo, backpack, flashlight, camera, rain gear, etc. We’ll provide the bedding, cooking
equipment and food.
- How long are the shots?
Every effort will be made to position the hunter within 150 yards or less, but be proficient at shooting
up to 300 yards.
- Where do I fly into, and how long is the flight?
You will go through customs in Auckland, then fly on to Christchurch. Expect a flight of about 12 hours
from Los Angeles to Auckland, then another hour in route to Christchurch. You will go through customs
at the city where you first arrive in New Zealand (either Auckland or Christchurch). It is about a
twelve-hour flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco to New Zealand.
- How far is Christchurch airport from Kaikoura and how will I get from the airport to the ranch?
We will pick you up at the Christchurch airport for the two-hour drive north to Kaikoura.
- What airlines fly to New Zealand?
Quantas and Air New Zealand are the two major airlines that fly to New Zealand. American Airlines
are partners with Quantas, and United partners with Air New Zealand. Frequent flyer miles can be
used to purchase tickets, which currently require approximately 70,000 frequent flyer miles for a round
trip ticket. Check with your airlines. Air New Zealand offers a discount flight from Los Angeles to
Christchurch three times a week.
- How much is the airfare?
Typically, round-trip coach is about $1,250 per person from Los Angeles or San Francisco to New
Zealand. Contact Lee Mackey at Worldview Travel, and they can take care of all your travel needs
(800) 627-8726 or lee@worldviewtravel.com.
- Is New Zealand a good place to bring friend(s) or family, especially if they don’t hunt?
Yes, Kaikoura is an excellent location for any vacationer. It’s stunningly beautiful. Within an hour of
the ranch, a huge variety of activities beckons any visitor. No one could possibly be bored!
