Hunting with Stravon: Luxury Guided Hunts in New Zealand

Hunting with Stravon New Zealand: Luxury Guided Hunts in the South Island

ByLuxury Adventures

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Hunting with Stravon: Luxury Guided Hunts in New Zealand’s South Island

Stravon is widely regarded as New Zealand’s premier guided hunting destination.

It offers pristine South Island landscapes, expert local guides, and a boutique lodge stay. The estate sits around 40 minutes west of Timaru, on the eastern face of the Hunters Hills.

For discerning travellers seeking a world-class hunting experience, Stravon delivers. Private transfers are available from Christchurch or Timaru.

Below, we go behind the scenes with an insider interview covering the best time to hunt, how to get there, typical trip lengths, and what to expect on the estate.

Ready to plan your Stravon hunting trip? Talk to our travel specialists →

Stravon Hunting at a Glance

Location: Hunters Hills, approximately 40 minutes west of Timaru, South Island NZ
Best time: The Roar (late February–April); hunting available year-round, subject to species and management
Typical stay: 3–5 days
How to get there: Fly into Christchurch (approx. 2.5-hour transfer) or Timaru (approx. 30-minute transfer)
Style: Guided hunts with lodge accommodation at “Headquarters”
Also available: Photographic safaris, nature experiences, and trout fishing safaris

The Story Behind Stravon

Stravon was founded in 1864, just 13 years after Red Deer were first released into New Zealand.

However, it wasn’t until 1996 that Stravon began offering a natural New Zealand experience for the discerning traveller. The inception came from a passion to showcase New Zealand’s landscapes to international visitors. What guests can see and do here in a matter of hours — let alone a week — is simply astonishing.

Location, Timing & Getting There

Stravon sits on the eastern face of Hunters Hills, roughly 40 minutes west of Timaru.

Guests can reach the estate in a few ways:

Drive directly to the property
Fly into Christchurch, where the Stravon team will collect you (2.5-hour transfer)
Fly into Timaru, for a shorter 30-minute transfer

The best time to hunt is during the Roar, from late February to April. Stags are in their prime, and the sound that fills the valleys makes it a truly special time of year.

That said, thanks to the variety of game and Stravon’s conservation management systems, the hunting season runs 365 days a year.

Why Serious Hunters Choose Stravon

New Zealand offers plenty of hunting options, but Stravon is widely considered the country’s finest.

The estate delivers pristine, challenging landscapes and an abundance of trophy animals. Yet it’s often the guides who impress hunters most — friendly, knowledgeable, and down to earth, they turn every hunt into the experience of a lifetime.

Stravon also holds two Enviro Gold Awards: one for the property and operation, and one for its boutique lodge, Headquarters. This makes Stravon the only hunting operation in New Zealand to achieve Tourism New Zealand’s highest industry standard.

Not Just for Trophy Hunters

Not every guest is chasing a trophy. Many simply want the backcountry experience that comes with hunting in New Zealand.

Stravon caters for this too, offering photographic safaris and natural experiences. Guests can capture the sounds and sights of the landscape, wildlife, and birdlife without picking up a rifle.

Most guided hunts run for 3 to 5 days, giving guests time to properly explore the estate.

Game on the Estate

Stravon is home to a vast range of game animals, including:

Red Stag
Wapiti
Fallow
Chamois
Whitetail
Wallaby
Pheasant
Alpine Goat
Turkey
Arapawa Ram
Wild Pig

Alpine hunting for Tahr and Chamois takes place over the hill, in the Southern Alps.

For a true bucket-list experience, stalking a Red Stag at Stravon is a hunt of a lifetime.

Stravon’s Wallaby population also deserves a mention. The estate sits right in the middle of Wallaby country, making it ideal for “getting your eye in.” It also supports Stravon’s ongoing conservation efforts.

Trout Fishing Safaris

Stravon’s fishing safaris are led by guide Jules, who grew up on the great salmon rivers of Scotland.

Jules has caught trout on every continent except Antarctica — a testament to his knowledge and mastery of the craft. He’ll put you in front of beautiful trout and stunning South Island scenery, all while helping you become a better angler.

Headquarters: The Lodge

Headquarters was originally built at the Homestead in 1895, then transported to its current location by horseback in the 1930s.

The exterior has been carefully preserved, keeping its proud pioneer history intact. Inside, though, it’s a different story. The lodge has been thoughtfully updated for modern comfort, with amenities cleverly hidden throughout.

It’s a “TARDIS” of sorts, taking guests from life as an early pioneer one minute to 21st-century comfort the next. Right out the back door runs the Motokaikai River, home to some of the best hunting in the world.

Beyond Stravon: What Else to See

International guests often extend their trip to explore more of New Zealand. Recommended stops include:

Fiordland National Park
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Abel Tasman National Park
Another night at Stravon

We can build any of these into your itinerary. Explore our Sample Itineraries – New Zealand or browse more Activities – New Zealand for inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hunt at Stravon?
Late February to April, known as the Roar, is considered prime time. Hunting is available year-round, depending on species and management.

How do we get to Stravon?
Guests typically fly into Christchurch or Timaru. Luxury Adventures can arrange private transfers from either airport.

How long should we stay?
Most hunting trips run 3–5 days, giving guests time to properly experience the estate.

Can non-hunters still enjoy Stravon?
Yes. Stravon offers photographic safaris and natural experiences, plus trout fishing safaris with an expert guide.

What animals can be hunted at Stravon?
Red Stag, Wapiti, Fallow, Chamois, Whitetail, Wallaby, Pheasant, Alpine Goat, Turkey, Arapawa Ram, and Wild Pig, with alpine Tahr and Chamois hunts in the Southern Alps.