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Suggested Hunting Gear List

New Zealand weather patterns are very unpredictable and change from day to day and even hour to hour.  It can rain or snow at anytime of the year.  Even if your hunt is planned for late summer or early autumn (March/April), we recommend you bring one full set of warm hunting clothes, including some type of thermal underwear.  You will also want a set of lightweight (summer) clothes if coming in February/March.  Having said this, our weather is usually very mild without the extreme cold temperatures that can occur in continental Europe or North America.  During June through July and August, the coldest time of the year, an extra layer can be very cosy.    

The best way to dress is in layers and to avoid heavy, bulky items.  The layers make it easier to regulate your body heat.  On sunny yet windy winter days, a wind-block jacket/top can be great in reducing the wind chill factor. A Gore-tex or similar coat will always be needed to keep out rain and wind.  When hunting in bush/forest or scrub lands your outer clothing needs to be soft and ‘quiet’.  A woollen or fleece layer is usually best.  Please leave your jeans in the vehicle.

We also recommend always keeping one set of clothes for in camp. These items must not get wet.
For alpine hunting, as compared to bush hunting, additional clothing and gear can be required.
Excellent, worn-in footwear is essential.  Please get used to your boots prior to your booked hunt as sore feet will ruin your trip. Lightweight boots will not stand up to many of New Zealand conditions, so we recommend a rigid boot with leather outer shell and a good grip.  Semi-rigid boots will generally be okay if you are staying in a forest block in the North Island.

If we are flying into a block, there is the possibility of taking the odd extra item, which can be put into your small day pack, which will also be needed to carry your daily food and water requirements along with coat, torch and camera when out hunting. However, we need to watch the overall weight of the load.  When flying in, we prefer to take heavier fresh food items for at least half our stay. That would not be possible if you were back-packing everything into the hills.

Clothing

  • 1 pair boots, well worn-in, CLEAN & DRY (a good support boot; e.g. Meindl style)
  • 1 pair camp shoes – lightweight (optional)
  • 3 pair of woollen socks plus liner socks
  • gaiters / puttees (recommended)
  • 2 sets of insulating underwear/base layer – preferably wool, silk or polyprop (long johns)
  • 1 pair hunting trousers – light / medium weight – wool or fleece
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 2 shirts – one light and one medium weight shirt
  • 1 warm top or jersey
  • 1 light weight jacket (optional)
  • 1 warm hunting jacket
  • 1 set of high quality breathable raingear – jacket and pants
  • 2 pairs of gloves (wind block or water proof)
  • warm / insulated hat or cap, plus sun hat

Equipment

  • Rifle with at least 40 rounds of ammunition, preferably one with which you shoot very well
  • Sleeping bag  (3-4 season)
  • Waterproof sleeping bag cover
  • Sleeping mat (when not in a hut)
  • 60 – 80 litre pack if walking in or walking between camps
  • Small day pack
  • Binoculars (8 or 10 power, your guide will have an excellent spotting scope, if needed)
  • Rangefinder (optional)
  • Camera with 4-6 rolls of film or digital card, with your 110/220v charger
  • Lightweight torch and / or head lamp
  • Water container
  • Watch
  • Sunglasses
  • Cooking utensils (pots, cutlery, mug: we supply)
  • Cooker/fuel (we supply)
  • Matches/lighter
  • Insect repellent
  • A good book
  • 1 pencil / pen / paper
  • Ear plugs if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal items – hygiene / toiletries.  We also recommend that you bring at least 2 times the required days’ stay for prescriptions and daily-required medicines for the duration of your trip to New Zealand. These should NOT all be packed in your luggage, but take some in your carry-on to avoid lost baggage or delays. Airline security may limit such quantities – confirm at booking time.  Also, it is a good idea to bring an extra pair of glasses, contacts and daily cleaner, and other ‘essential’ items for your trip to avoid frustrating delays.