New Zealand Tahr and Chamois Hunt by Helicoptor
Embark on the ultimate New Zealand alpine adventure targeting Himalayan Tahr and Chamois. Experience the thrill of a helicopter flight high into the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps to spot these majestic animals. Once a trophy Tahr or Chamois is located, you and your professional guide will be dropped off in the high country to complete a heart-pounding spot-and-stalk on foot. A helicoptor hunt for Tahr and Chamois is a bucket-list expedition that belongs at the top of every international big-game hunter’s list.
Secure your spot for this spectacular exhilarating hunt from May through mid-July, this is when both Tahr and Chamois have their thick prime capes.
Having hunted with this outfitter personally, I very highly recommend them! From the expert guiding to the exceptional trophy quality, every detail exceeded my expectations. Flying into the high country for the helicopter hunt was a total rush—an unforgettable experience from start to finish. If you want a top-tier adventure, this is it!
Included
- 4 days of hunting
- 1 X 1 guid
- Price includes 1 hunter and 1 free observer (observer can not go on the heli-hunt)
- Tahr trophy fee
- Chamois trophy fee
- Lodging, meals, drinks, and snacks during the hunt
- Wi-Fi at at the lodge
- Transportation to and from the airport
Excluded
- Helicopter fee – Allow 1 hour per animal at approximately $2,000 per hour
- Due to price fluctuations, you will get a firm quote prior to booking
- Trophy fees for any additional animals taken
- Airfare to/from Nelson, New Zealand
- Before and/or after hunt lodging and touring
Additional Animals to Hunt
- Red Stag
- 380-450″ – $6,500
- 450-500″ – $10,500
- 500-550″ – $14,500
- 550-600″ – $20,500
- For bigger stags, call for current pricing and availability
- Fallow Deer – $3,500 (230″+ SCI Gold)
- Chamois – $3,500
- Arapawa – $950
- Feral Goat – $950
- Merriam Turkey – $250
Accommodations
Nestled in a secluded mountain valley, the hunting lodge offers ultimate privacy paired with breathtaking panoramic views. At the heart of the lodge is the expansive great room, featuring a magnificent wall of windows that frames the rugged New Zealand peaks. Relax in the comfortable seating by the crackling wood stove during crisp alpine mornings, and unwind in front of the television after a rewarding day in the field.
Weapons for this Hunt
Rifle hunt — Due to the difficulty of bringing a rifle into New Zealand, it is recommended that you use the rifle from the outfitter. I have personally used this Sako 90 Peak with a suppressor and Swarovski scope, and it was an excellent rifle.
- Average shot distance for the Tahr and Chamois hunt is 100-300 yards
Hunting Season
May through mid-July is the prime window to hunt New Zealand Tahr and Chamois, as their winter coats are at their absolute prime.
Hunting Environment
This hunt takes place at the end of Fall and well into the New Zealand winter. Temperatures in May average in the mid-50’s for highs and around 40 degrees for the low. In July the average highs are in the upper 40’s dropping to the lower 30’s at night. Heavy morning frosts are common leaving ice on the ground well into the morning.
Travel Details
Flights to New Zealand
You will fly in to Auckland (AKL), collect your baggage on arrival, and go through customs. Nonstop flights from the US to Auckland operate out of:
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- New York (JFK)
- Houston (IAH)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
- Honolulu (HNL)
You will then take a 1 hour 35 minute domestic flight to Nelson (NSN). Air New Zealand operates nonstop flights between Auckland and Nelson multiple times a day. Upon arrival in Nelson, the outfitter will meet you at the airport and drive you approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to the lodge.
We are happy to help you with travel arrangements if you want.
New Zealand Entry Requirements
- Approximately 1 month before departure:
You must download the NZeTA app and apply for travel entry into New Zealand. It is an easy process that will take about 10 minutes. This should be done about a month before departure. You will receive an email that your application was approved and it will show as approved in the app. You may need to show this when entering New Zealand, but usually it is automatically linked to your passport number.
- Within 24 hours of departure:
You should download the NZTD app. This is the New Zealand Traveller Declaration that you need to fill out and submit within 24 hours of departure. This will be needed to go through customs in Auckland. This is again about a 10 minute process. If you don’t do this, you will be asked to fill out a paper form that may make the Customs process take slightly longer.
New Zealand Travel Tip
New Zealand tries to protect their country from invasive pests, seeds, and soil-borne diseases. Therefore, you should take care to wash your hunting boots before bringing them to New Zealand. If you don’t do this, they will inspect your boots at Customs and clean your boots for you if needed.
