HUNTING INFORMATION
HUNTING SEASON & NEW ZEALAND TEMPERATURES
Our trophy hunting season begins each year in late February and runs until early July. ​
When it’s Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s Summer down in the New Zealand Southern Hemisphere!
February & March: Summer with temperatures between 35°-75°F
April & May: Autumn with temperatures between 32°-65°F
June & July: Winter with temperatures between 28°-55°F
TRAVELLING TO NEW ZEALAND
Travelling from the United States offers many direct flight options that leave from Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and JFK directly to Auckland, which is your point of entry to New Zealand with our preferred airline, Air New Zealand. Upon arrival into Auckland, you will clear customs and agricultural inspection. From there, you can walk (10 minutes between terminals), or catch a shuttle bus to the Domestic terminal (bus departs approximately every 15 minutes). You will then fly directly to the Whanganui Airport to get to Wanganui Safaris (note there are two ways to spell Wanganui/Whanganui).
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When contacting our Travel Coordinator, and creating your reservations, please keep in mind that when travelling to New Zealand, you will ‘lose’ a day getting there. For example, if you depart the USA on the 10th, you will arrive in New Zealand on the 12th. On your return trip, if you depart New Zealand on the 20th, you will arrive back in the USA on the 20th. New Zealand is in the NZST New Zealand Standard Timezone.
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There are many restrictions bringing certain items into New Zealand. Have a look at the Air New Zealand restricted items page. It's also very important to note there cannot be excessive dirt/mud on shoes, hunting clothes etc. (including checked-in luggage).
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Additional Travel information can be found HERE
TROPHY SHIPMENT
Wanganui Safaris utilizes John Mitchell of NZ Expeditors to prepare, crate and arrange freight to the US for your New Zealand trophies:
Website: www.nzexpediters.co.nz
Phone: +64 27 308 9686
DDI: +64 7 3774719
Email: nzexpediters@gmail.com
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We do not recommend having trophies mounted in New Zealand because of the high freight cost back to the US. However, if you choose this option we can advise on taxidermist options.
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Please bring your Taxidermist's:
- Name
- Full address
- Phone number
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If you are using a clearing agent, you will need the following information:
- Name
- Full address
- Phone number
BRINGING A GUN/BOW INTO NZ
International travel with firearms is increasingly complex and changing, so even though it is possible to bring guns into New Zealand, we don’t recommend it as the process can be tedious and lengthy (over 3+ months).
We have a wide selection of 308 and 300 WIN MAG rifles, fitted with top optics, bipods and silencers, conveniently available for hire.
Gun hire is $200 USD per hunter for the duration of the hunt, which includes all ammunition.
If you prefer to bring your own rifle, the link for the New Zealand Firearms Policy can be found HERE with all of the information you need.
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Bows are easy to bring into New Zealand, and clients have no trouble getting them to the country. It is mandatory to have two locks on the case. Your bow/case will most likely get classed as an oversized item, so it won't come on the conveyor belt with your other luggage, you will have to go to the airline oversized area and collect separately.
HUNT PAYMENT
Post-hunt final payment: We kindly ask that for the remaining balance of your hunt, that you please setup a wire transfer using the attached details with your preferred bank prior to your arrival in New Zealand, so you are ready initiate the transaction upon departure.
We can additionally accept most American personal checks, but we cannot accept money orders. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are additionally accepted, but please note there is a 3.5% credit card surcharge fee.​