ACCOMMODATION
The Lodge offers visitors the highest quality conditions in relaxed peaceful surroundings. Outstanding views over the New Zealand bush with the real privacy that only isolation can bring. While you rest between hunts you can enjoy the finest of New Zealand’s wine and food.
I hunted with Paul Bamber of Wanganui Safaris in New Zealand February of 2020.
I was fortunate to take some fantastic animals including a gigantic stag over 540” along with a large Fallow deer, Chamois, Tahr and Sheep!
Being from Alaska and have hunted all over the world and been a guide myself I know a good outfit when I see one.
I must say Paul runs as good of an operation as any I’ve hunted with. His guides are knowledgeable, camp is great with food to match and trophy quality is fantastic.
You can’t go wrong hunting with these guys, I’m actually planning another hunt in 2021
- Billy Dunbar
As far as the hunting goes we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Our guides were professional and courteous. Bow hunting this terrain was physically demanding yet rewarding and the guides put us in position to be successful with stealth and grace.
Amy and I hunted together every step of the way and I couldn’t have been more impressed with the efficiency with which we were led on our hunts. I was blessed to harvest a 400″ stag at 15 yard off a cliff of a mountain and Amy shot her stag stalking a trail at 10 yards. If you have hunted long with a bow you know how difficult it can be to judge distance relative to elevation. The guides instinctively knew how to get us where we needed to be to have success.
We hope to return soon and recommend Wanganui Safaris for anyone looking for a unique, professional and most hospitable experience. Book a trip you won’t be disappointed!
- Brad and Amy Bookout
This was my first international large game hunting experience. An absolute world class adventure from start to finish. The hospitality was second to none, beginning with Paul and Chrissie personally picking us up from the airport, then traveling to the South Island with us a week later.
The lodge experience is one for the books. While I was thinking I’d be the only woman in a hunting world I’m not accustomed to, my experience could not have been better. The lodge becomes home and the staff becomes old friends. The scenery is spectacular and the animals are stunning.
- Katherine (and Chris) Gillman
As residents of South Louisiana, we pride ourselves in southern hospitality and after our week at the lodge with Paul’s team, it’s obvious we do not hold a patent on entertaining guests.
If it’s quality and memories for a lifetime you are looking for, Paul, Chrissie and the team at Wanganui Safaris is the place for you. We cannot thank Paul and Chrissie enough for sharing his slice of heaven with us and providing our best hunting adventure to date.
- The Adams Family
Al, Allie and Austin
When we made the decision to meet up with friends in “God’s country” to hunt the amazing Red Stag, we had no idea what an incredible experience we were in for. Our expectations were blown out of the water on SO many levels, it is hard to put into words what this special place, Wanganui Safaris, is and does.
As a true outdoorsman is aware, a ‘hunt’ is much more than the ‘hunt’. The people you meet along the way and the time spent admiring your surroundings are often more impactful than the recoil of shots fired. This couldn’t be more true than in your amazing hunting sanctuary. You and your amazing staff went above and beyond to make us feel like Wanganui Safari family.
- HEATHER BUTLER
PAUL & CHRISSIE
OWNERS / DIRECTORS
Leading the charge is the dynamic duo of Paul and Chrissie. Paul, taking over the family land from his father, has been hunting and developing the ranch all his life. Chrissie, a successful business owner and manger in event, makes for a the perfect hosts to your New Zealand adventure.
ANGUS
RANCH MANAGER
Leading the charge for the ranch team is Angus. In a new wave of young and enthusiastic staff, Angus orchestrates our team with probably the best eye for animals we have ever seen.
TOM
HEAD GUIDE
An outstanding Stag and mountain hunter. Like his brother, Tom not only hunts but is a remarkable tradesman and builder that has transformed our ranch with his amazing work.
Tom is super detailed and passionate about giving his clients the best ever hunting experience.
JESSE "CAROLE"
HUNTING GUIDE
Jesse or “big red” as we call him, is a hardcore hunter through and through. We struggle to get him to stop! When not guiding, he will be tramping into the Ranges of New Zealand or hunting Red Stags in Scotland with a good Scotch.
JOE
HUNTING GUIDE
A local from the Whanganui River region, Joe has been guiding with Wanganui Safaris for over 10 years. His knowledge of the animals land and local heritage is brilliant and you’ll definitely be sharing some laughs with over the course of your trip.
OLLIE
JUNIOR GUIDE / MECHANIC
Experience and maturity beyond his years is how we would describe Ollie. With us now for 3 years, Ollie has become an excellent guide, coupled with our own on-site mechanic, working to ensure all our bikes and heavy machinery is maintained all year round.
TAHANA "T"
JUNIOR GUIDE
‘T’ our youngest member of team, is an exciting up and coming guide for us. A local resident of the Whanganui River, he knows the landscape extremely well and has been hunting from the moment he could walk.
JASON "COOKIE"
CHEF
Jason is not only an amazing chef but is also the life of the party at Wanganui Safaris. When he is not cooking he will poor you a wine, a beer or a cocktail and regale you with his colourful life stories. You will leave as his friend laughing all the way to the Airport.
KALEB
ART DIRECTOR
Wondering where all this incredible content comes from? This is our man. A very keen hunter, Kaleb has been visiting Wanganui Safaris for years, mixing his passion for hunting, whilst capturing these amazing moments.
MIKAELA
TROUT & HUNTING GUIDE
When it is time to head to the river, Mikaela is our go-to guide. Tough as nails, Mikaela will put the most experienced of fisherman through their paces.
ALI
THE HUNTING FOX TERRIER
Likely the most keen hunter on the ranch. You will find Ali at the front of the bike, glassing the land for animals at any hour of the day. In the family for 7 years, she is our experience little guide.
AWA
THE RANCH LABRADOR
There has never been a more loyal and adoring dog. Awa, our black lab, is always at the centre of the party celebrating with you on your hunt. Truth be told he has a special bond with Paul, and will run the length of the ranch to find his partner in crime.
Explore our terrain
Wanganui Safaris is set in New Zealand’s spectacular and remote Whanganui River Valley. Surrounded by 250,000 acres of lush forest and with breathtaking views of the Ruapehu volcano.
We pride ourselves on having the best hunting terrain in the country, hands down. With our lodge located directly within the hunting area, there is no other like Wanganui Safaris.