Hunting & Fishing
IN THE HEART
OF THE SOUTH
Come as a client, leave as a life-long friend
Mark and Pam are your Outfitters’ and are sole owner/operators of Rivers South Safaris New Zealand. They invite you to come and experience some of the best Big Game Hunting that the beautiful South Island of New Zealand has to offer. Mark and Pam believe that the key to their success is simple it’s “All” about You and Your New Zealand hunting experience!
Rivers South Safaris operates from their property which is situated at the foot hills of the Sherwood mountain range and a short walking distance from lake Ophua. It is a 2 and a half hour drive south of Christchurch International Airport and just 14 kilometres from the small country town of Fairlie – gateway to the famous Mackenzie country.
Important information
FIREARMS
Hunters wishing to bring their own firearms can do so but please be aware due to recent firearm law changes you will need a visitors firearms licence. Do not attempt to enter New Zealand with a firearm without a licence as your firearms will be refused entry. All information can be obtained here.
VISAS
Due to recent government changes a visitors VISA is now required to enter New Zealand along with a current passport. To apply online please click this link.
FISHING
During our hunting season between March 1 – June 30 our fishing guide service is not available.
Hunting
We offer a wide range of hunting to suit everyone, from big game animals, such as the Majestic Red Stag, King of the Mountain Himalayan Bull Tahr, Chamois, Fallow Buck, Arapawa Ram and Wild Boar.
Fishing
Rivers South Safaris has access to some of New Zealand’s finest trout water. Anglers will enjoy the diversity of nymph, to dry fly fishing with 95% of our fishing being spot and stalk.
Accommodation
Relax and recharge at Rivers South Safaris in one of our four chalets with private ensuite bathrooms, adjoining trophy room, formal lounge and tv room as well as two guest rooms in our lodge.
What we offer
Red Stag
Red Stags can be hunted from mid February, this is when they are in hard antler, till mid August, as after this time they shed their antlers. The most productive and exciting time to hunt Red Stag is during the roar, which occurs mid March till late April. Rivers South Safaris offers fair chase estate hunting for these majestic Red Stags which can be taken with the rifle or bow.
Himalayan Bull Tahr
Tahr can be hunted all year round but for prime capes the best time is May through to August. The rut occurs mid May through to mid July. Bull Tahr hunting is truly the best and most rewarding hunt in New Zealand and they are not called 'King of the Mountain' for no reason.
Elk/Wapiti
Rivers South Safaris hunts both typical and non-typical Elk/Wapiti Bulls. Their rut is early March through April. Like all Rivers South Safari hunts they can be hunted with rifle, bow and muzzleloader.
Fallow Deer
Fallow come in a variety of colours including black, chocolate, spotted (menil) and white. They are the second most popular deer hunted in New Zealand. They can be hunted from late February through to mid September. We offer fair chase estate hunts. They also can be taken with rifle or bow.
Chamois
A trophy Chamois is eight inches long or better and like Tahr can be hunted all year round. They tend to live at high altitude in small family groups. With their beautifully curved horns and their distinctive facial markings they make an excellent trophy.
Arapawa Rams
Rams carry large curled horns that are quite thick at the base and a trophy is considered with horns that are more than a full curl. They come in an array of dark brown and black colours and some have a white blaze on their foreheads. They make a very attractive trophy. The Arapawa Ram is accepted by the SCI and are included in the SCI South Pacific record books.
Other Big Game
River South Safaris offers trophy hunting on all 15 species of Big Game Animals that New Zealand has available to Hunt. Red Stag, Wapiti/Elk, Bull Tahr, Chamois, Fallow Buck, Sika, Javan Rusa, Sambar, White Tail, Asiatic Water Buffalo, Feral OX, Pere David, Arapawa Ram, Wild Boar and Feral Goat.
Fishing
New Zealand has long been regarded as one of the world's best trout fisheries. Every year anglers from all parts of the world travel to New Zealand to fish its crystal clear, snow fed rivers streams and lakes which are inhabited by magnificent rainbow and brown trout. New Zealand's fishing season opens on the first of October for the central South Island lower country. High country fishing season opens on the first Saturday in November. They both close on the 30th April.
Testimonials
Mark and Pam – Thank you for outstanding Bow Hunting experience. Everything exceeded my expectations. Best guided hunt I have ever been on.
Your Friend, Doug Harris
This has been the only guided hunt that I have been on where I wasn’t disappointed with some portion. The whole experience was spectacular! well done will recommend to all my friends.
Tom Daniker
Mark and Pam Thank you for a wonderful bow hunt, I love my animals and plan on returning with my children! My daughter will want to hunt. Thanks again Josh.
Josh Harris
Best hunt so far. Excellent Service and Food. Thanks Pam we will be back, People back home looking at the pic’s. Will be here next time. Thank you so much.
David Crye
Mark & Pam – Thanks for the great time & adventure of a life time. The food & hunting was incredible and I look forward to coming back.(I will) Thanks!
Jesse Morris
Thanks for an amazing experience! Everything was perfect from start to finish. I’ll gladly be a reference anytime anyplace! Thanks again.
Ricky Waitman
Big game trophy hunting & trout fishing on the beautiful South Island of New Zealand
For further information please don’t hesitate to contact us