What Is Red Stag Hunting in New Zealand Really Like?

At Ivory Cliffs Estate, Red Stag hunting takes place on our property in Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island. The terrain includes open grasslands, native bush and the steep sandstone formations that give Ivory Cliffs its name. Our lodge sits in the heart of the hunting property, so the experience begins as soon as you arrive.

A New Zealand Red Stag Hunt Begins With a Plan

Every hunter arrives with a different goal. From our first conversation with you, we make it a point to understand what you are looking for when coming to hunt Red Stag in New Zealand.

Some hunters have a particular SCI score in mind, while others care more about the shape, mass and character of the antlers. We also want to understand how you prefer to hunt so we can build the experience around what matters most to you.

After checking rifles and getting settled at the lodge, you will head into the field with your guide. From there, it is hunting. Conditions, animal movement and the terrain all influence how the day unfolds.

You will spend time moving through different areas of the estate, glassing from elevated positions and working into range when the right opportunity presents itself. Your guide will help evaluate the stags encountered along the way, but patience and knowing when to make your move remain important parts of hunting trophy Red Stag.

Life Back at the Lodge

A Red Stag hunt at Ivory Cliffs is not limited to the hours spent in the field. The lodge is where everyone comes back together to share stories from the day, enjoy a great meal and talk through the plan for the following morning.

Because the lodge is located within the hunting property, you never feel separated from the experience. Stags can be seen from the lodge, and during the Roar, they can often be heard nearby.

Liam Quinn, co-owner and director of Ivory Cliffs Estate, personally hosts every hunt. Having guided in both New Zealand and North America, Liam understands the details that matter to traveling hunters. His goal is simple: to host the kind of hunt he would want to experience himself.

More Than Just Hunting

We want Ivory Cliffs to be a place hunters can experience with their spouses, families and friends. Non-hunting companions are welcome and encouraged, and their time in New Zealand should be every bit as memorable as the hunt.

One recent client shared:

“While my husband was out hunting, I had the opportunity to experience everything else Ivory Cliffs Estate has to offer, and it was incredible! From the moment we arrived, the staff made me feel welcome and genuinely cared about making our stay memorable.”

She also highlighted the accommodations, food and hospitality throughout her stay:

“Liam and the entire team went above and beyond to make both hunters and non-hunters feel valued and included.”

That is exactly what we want the Ivory Cliffs experience to be. The hunter may arrive with a Red Stag at the top of the list, but the trip should be something everyone can look back on together.

Touring can also be arranged around the hunting schedule, allowing couples and families to see more of New Zealand while still spending time together throughout the trip.

Plan Your Red Stag Hunt in New Zealand

A New Zealand Red Stag hunt is about much more than an antler score. It is the country, the pursuit, the people in camp and the moment when months or years of planning finally become real.

Explore our New Zealand Red Stag hunting packages, learn more about the New Zealand Red Stag hunting season, or contact Ivory Cliffs Estate to begin planning your hunt.

Explore our New Zealand Red Stag hunting packages, learn more about the New Zealand Red Stag hunting season, or contact Ivory Cliffs Estate to begin planning your hunt.