Additional Species
Ivory Cliffs Estate offers numerous additional species that are listed outside of our regular & most popular packages. These species can be added to any package on a trophy fee basis or booked individually (note that the trophy fee prices do not include day rates).
| Species | Score SCI | Price (USD) | extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sika | 135 - 150 | $3,500.00 | |
| Sika | 150 - 160 | $6,000.00 | |
| Sika | 160 + | POR | |
| White Stag | From 350 | POR | Limited availability |
| Fallow | Starting from | $4,000.00 | |
| Arapawa Ram | Best available | $1,000.00 | |
| Feral Goat | Best available | $1,500.00 | |
| Sambar (free range) | Best available | $10,000.00 | Limited availability |
| Elk (Wapiti) | 350 - 375 | $10,000.00 | |
| Elk (Wapiti) | 375 + | POR | |
| Tahr & Chamois - East Coast | Best available | $15,500.00 | Includes 2 nights & daily rates, all heli time |
| Tahr only - East Coast - 1x1 | Best available | $9,500.00 | Includes 2 nights & daily rates, all heli time |
| Tahr only - East Coast - 2x1 | Best available | $9,000.00 each | Includes 2 nights & daily rates, all heli time |
| Tahr & Chamois - West Coast - 1x1 | Best available | $21,500.00 | Includes 2 nights & daily rates, all heli time & private charter flight |
| Tahr & Chamois - West Coast - 2x1 | Best available | 16,000.00 each | Includes 2 nights & daily rates, all heli time & private charter flight |
| Bird Hunting (ducks, swans etc.) | Numbers dictated by federal limits | POR |
Wildlife on offer at Ivory Cliffs Estate
Red Stag
The Red Stag (Cervus elaphus) is the premier, undisputed trophy species at Ivory Cliffs Estate, introduced from European stock in the late 19th century and thriving in New Zealand. The estate, formerly Te Rangi Station, was historically significant in pioneering the capture and sale of these deer, which established the property's current robust herd foundation. The majestic Red Stag is the primary target species, sought for its size and antlers, especially during the annual "Roar" (Rut) in March and April, which provides the most intense hunting experience.
Sika deer
Sika deer (Cervus nippon) are a highly sought-after trophy species on New Zealand's North Island, having been introduced from Asia in the early 20th century. They thrive at Ivory Cliffs Estate in mixed forest and grassland habitats. They are valued for their unique, often heavily tined antlers and their distinctive alarm whistle. Sika are challenging, wary, and cunning to hunt, requiring patience to connect with a trophy stag. The North Island rut, often coinciding with the Red Stag Roar in April, is the prime hunting season for this species.
Fallow deer
Fallow deer (Dama dama) are a highly prized species in New Zealand, recognized internationally for producing exceptional trophies. Introduced over a century ago, the country's herds benefit from superior genetics, notably tracing back to coveted Hungarian bloodlines, which contributes significantly to their impressive palmated antlers and overall size. Fallow thrive in the diverse habitats of Ivory Cliffs Estate, offering a unique and challenging hunt. The rut for Fallow deer, which typically falls in April, is a period of intense activity and roaring, providing an exhilarating experience for the sportsman seeking this handsome and wary animal.
Bull Tahr
The Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) is one of the world's most sought-after mountain trophies and is arguably one of New Zealand's most iconic big game species. Introduced to the Southern Alps in the early 20th century, Tahr thrive in the steep, rugged, high-alpine environments of the South Island. They are revered for the exceptional challenge of their pursuit and the impressive trophy carried by mature bulls—a massive, flowing mane of hair that covers their neck and shoulders. The quality of this mane determines a large part of the trophy value. Therefore, the prime hunting season for Tahr is from April onwards, when the bulls have developed their thickest, darkest winter coats. As part of our South Island combination packages, the hunt for Tahr involves a thrilling helicopter flight into our vast hunting concessions.
Chamois
The Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) is an iconic, highly prized trophy species in New Zealand's South Island, introduced from Austria in the early 1900s. Known for their incredible agility, speed, and exceptional eyesight, Chamois are perhaps one of the most challenging and exciting big game animals to pursue in the Southern Alps. They inhabit some of the highest, most rugged alpine terrain. The trophy is the impressive, distinctively hooked horns of the mature buck. A combination hunt for Chamois is highly recommended from April onwards, aligning with the prime Tahr season, ensuring the best possible hunting conditions and success rate. Like the Tahr, a successful Chamois hunt involves a thrilling helicopter flight into the hunting concession and doubles perfectly as a scenic flight into some of NZ’s most untouched wilderness.
Arapawa Rams
Arapawa Rams (Ovis aries) are a unique sheep species found in New Zealand, originating from feral domestic sheep that established isolated populations in rugged areas, most notably on Arapawa Island. They are distinguished by their impressive, heavy, tightly curled horns, and their resilient nature makes them a highly sought-after trophy for the collector. Their presence at Ivory Cliffs Estate offers a classic New Zealand sheep hunting experience in a spectacular setting, requiring patience and a precise shot. Arapawa Rams are available on a trophy fee basis, offering a unique addition to any hunter's package.
Game Birds
New Zealand offers excellent game bird hunting, which can be combined with a big game safari. The season runs in May and June, allowing hunters to pursue waterfowl (Mallards, Swans, Paradise Shelducks (unique to NZ), canadian geese & Grey Ducks. At Ivory Cliffs Estate, the focus is on waterfowl, using natural ponds and traditional blind setups. A dedicated guide ensures compliance with regulations and a safe experience. Game bird hunting is available on a trophy fee basis (POR) and is an ideal way to spend spare time after achieving main trophy goals.
Small game
New Zealand's small game hunting includes the Brush-tailed Possum, a unique pursuit to New Zealand. Possums in NZ are valued for their soft, high-quality pelts, which are used for luxury goods, unlike their distant possum cousins in the USA. Hunting them is encouraged as a conservation effort. Typically conducted at night with spotlights, possum hunting offers an exciting and distinct addition to a safari, available on a nightly hunt fee basis.
Feral Goats
Feral Goats (Capra hircus) are another iconic New Zealand game animal, descending from domestic stock released or escaped many generations ago. They are known for their exceptional agility, ability to inhabit incredibly steep terrain, and impressive horns that can make for a unique trophy. Hunting Feral Goats at Ivory Cliffs Estate offers an exciting spot-and-stalk experience, especially with archery equipment!
Elk (Wapiti)
Elk (Wapiti) are a highly coveted big game species in New Zealand, with the herd's superior genetics originating from animals gifted by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. At Ivory Cliffs Estate, a genetically superior, trophy-class herd is managed, offering a spot-and-stalk hunt for their immense size and massive antlers. The best hunting time is during the rut in late March and April. Elk hunts are not in standard packages but are available on a trophy fee basis and must be booked in advance due to limited availability and high quality.