Hunting in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region, laws, natural adventures, types and seasons of hunting: a unique experience in New Zealand

Geographical and natural features of the region from a hunting perspective: an ecosystem where man becomes part of nature The Aoraki/Mt Cook region covers an area of about 700 square kilometres, where the national park takes centre stage. The area is characterised by sharp mountain ranges, glaciers and alpine meadows. The altitude of the terrain varies from 500 to 3,724 metres above sea level (Aoraki/Mount Cook peak). The climatic conditions create unique hunting opportunities: cool summers (December-February) and cold winters with heavy snowfalls. The average annual temperature is around 8°C, which influences wildlife behaviour and the timing of hunting. Hunters and demographics of the region According to the DOC (Department of Conservation), approximately 1,200 to 1,500 registered hunters actively hunt in the region each year. The majority of these are locals (about 65%), with the remainder being tourists mainly from Australia, the USA and Europe. The average age of hunters ranges between 35-55 years old, although there is an increasing interest among young people (25-35 years old). Features of hunting in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region - Requirement to obtain a DOC permit - Compulsory use of GPS-navigators - Special equipment for high altitude hunting - Strict rules regarding trophies and waste - The territorial complexity of the area makes hunting more technical than in other regions of New Zealand. Aoraki/Mt Cook: types of hunting and game animals - High altitude hunting - for goats and argali sheep - Forest hunting - for deer and wild boar - Alpine hunting - for rams - Main game species: - Goats - Red deer - Chinchilla rabbits - Wild boars - Argali Official hunting seasons in the Aoraki/Mt Cook - Goats: 1 May - 31 August - Deer: 1 April - 30 September - Wild boars: all year round (with restrictions) - Rabbits: all year round It is important to note that specific dates are subject to change depending on the environmental situation. Hunting associations and clubs Main organisations: - New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association (NZDA) - the largest community of hunters - Aoraki Hunting Club - local club with over 200 members. - High Country Hunters Group - specialises in high country hunting These organisations provide: Safety training Information on the best places to hunt Assistance in obtaining permits Aoraki/Mt Cook hunting laws: key requirements - DOC permit ($15-50 depending on game species) - Required to carry a hunter's licence - Limit on the number of trophies - Strict control over the use of firearms - Reporting after each hunt Traditions of the Aoraki/Mt Cook region - ‘Quiet Season’ - a period of silence before the start of the season - Joint expeditions with training of newcomers - Annual hunter meetings to share experiences - Māori involvement in preserving hunting traditions Interesting facts about hunting in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region - Historical value of the region : The first recorded instance of hunting in the region dates back to 1865, when the first European settlers began exploring the mountain ranges in search of food and animal skins. This period laid the foundation for the modern hunting tourism industry. - Himalayan Tahr goat population : These animals were introduced to New Zealand from the Himalayas in the early 20th century to create new game species. Today, the goat population in the Aoraki/Mt Cook area is around 10,000, making this region one of the best places to hunt them. - Record trophies : In 2017, a record weight of red deer antlers was recorded, reaching 145cm in span. This trophy took the top spot in the New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association (NZDA) rankings. - Record-breaking hunters : The oldest registered hunter in the region is an 82-year-old man from Christchurch who has continued to participate in goat hunting every year since 1968. His experience and knowledge is being passed on to a new generation through local clubs.