From October 2019 non-residents traveling into New Zealand will require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Application for an ETA is a simple 10 minute online process. Use this link to access the Immigration NZ ETA information and application web page:  

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta

For experienced advice on flights and travel plans to New Zealand we can recommend calling the team at www.esplanadetravel.com or email Ksusha Levkovich senior travel consultant ksusha@esplanadetravel.com 

Is the main city on the South Island and from here we will collect you. It is advised to make your travel booking to arrive into Christchurch at least the day before your hunt starts. The standard booking arrangement is for a Monday morning pick up at 08:30am, it is then a two hour drive to our lodge. Once you are unpacked and settled in your room we will have lunch. In the afternoon we will head out to the firing range to get familiar with firearms and check all is in order before heading out for an evening hunt.

If you are intending to bring your firearm you will need to complete a visitor’s firearms permit application at least two months before arrival into New Zealand. At the airport the firearms are brought to the police kiosk by baggage services. Please uplift your firearms from here at the counter/kiosk (there is a big sign that says "POLICE"), if this is unattended, then on the wall is a telephone which you should use to call Airport Operations. Airport Ops then call the police to notify them that you are at the kiosk to get your permit. Depending on what they are doing at the time the police generally have someone over there within 5-10mins to then issue the permit.

We suggest that you consider using an in arrow tracking system, such as the RAVEN system. We have the receiver unit in camp, so all you need is to set up your arrows with the transmitters BEFORE you travel to New Zealand.

The New Zealand Customs / Dept of Fish and Agriculture (MPI) are extremely strict regarding the potential risk of introducing foreign pests and diseases into the country. It is very important that any hunting equipment you have included in your luggage has been thoroughly cleaned, including knives / arrows and especially hunting boots. You must declare your hunting boots or they will be identified as your luggage passes the security X-Ray, if found undeclared and dirty by the customs MPI staff you will receive a NZ $400 fine. It is advisable to remove the boot laces, brush out all seams and tread then wash and dry, they must be spotless.

You must drive on the left hand side of the road in NZ. It is best to plan to tour after your hunt.

L.A. is 19hrs behind N.Z. time. UK is 11 hrs behind NZ time, Please remember that when you fly to New Zealand you lose a day, so when booking flights make sure you allow two days to get to NZ. On the trip home it is the opposite, in that you normally get back on the same day as the flight leaves New Zealand. We recommend arriving to New Zealand the day before your hunt is to commence and we will collect you the following morning.

If you are bringing a non-hunting partner/observer and they wish to do other activities please advice that our lodges are set in remote areas and activities are limited. Non-hunters are welcome to accompany the hunt. We can offer local attractions including bush walks and sightseeing or shopping in the local towns. 

We accept Personal and bank cheques, wire bank transfers, travellers cheques, cash and both Visa and MasterCard. We do not accept American Express.

If using credit card please advise your card company that you are travelling overseas in advance of your trip. There will be a 3% surcharge on all credit card transactions

There is no cell phone coverage however we have landlines in the lodge for your convenience. There is Wi-Fi at the lodge so social media communications etc are available. 

New Zealand electricity is 240 volt at the outlet. You will need a plug adaptor. We have hair dryers in all of our rooms. Virtually all camera/video/laptop/cell phone rechargers are 110-240 volt compatible.

Temperature/Climate - March/April - 60 to 75 deg - May - 50 to 65 deg - June/July - 42 to 55 deg. Being an Island in the middle of an ocean the weather can change at any time so bring some warm clothes as well as good wet weather gear (See gear list)

Helicopter and fixed wing scenic flights to the Glaciers, Mt Cook etc can be organized using local, experienced pilots.

Day trips to places like Mt Cook alpine village with lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel, stopping at Lake Tekapo on route is a must. Your guide can advise you on cost and will also arrange the tour guide for you.

White water rafting on the Rangitata River as this is a grade 5 river, you are sure to have an exhilarating time. If staying at Stew point lodge, the rafts are put in the river right opposite the lodge and from Sherwood lodge, the drive is only one hour. (Summer months only)

Day trips to small towns in the area, such as Geraldine, Fairlie and the city of Timaru. Here visit the local museums, historical places and gardens, go shopping and lunch in town.

A round of golf at the local country golf courses is also easily arranged with the nearest being only 40 minutes’ drive away.

Horse trekking and bush walks can also be provided during your stay with us.

We are very proud of our country and we want you to experience the beauty of it and have fun while meeting with the real New Zealanders.

The above is not a complete list of what we can offer but it is an indication that there will be plenty for your non-hunting partner to do and see while the hunt goes on.

If you are planning to book a rental car for your touring after the hunt. We strongly advise to book your rental pick up from Timaru (1 hour drive from lodge), thus avoiding backtracking all the way to Christchurch (2 hours from lodge) and back past again, which would use up most of your first day’s touring.

There are many hotels in these cities, we do have our own recommendations depending on your requirements. Please contact me if you require assistance in booking accommodation for before or after your hunt with us.

For further information and advice, please contact us by email or phone.