Frequently Asked Questions

Q How do I know I am going to enjoy my stay with you at ASJ Trophy Hunting New Zealand ?
A Several points will make your stay enjoyable and satisfying. Our philosophy is “ To make the hunters / non-hunters dream a reality,” by providing the best of care, experiences, facilities, food, camaraderie and of course huge trophies, that it is possible to be provided. We are both international hunters and know what hunters want, Hunting is our passion. We love the Argyle country and Southern New Zealand and look forward to sharing it with our clients.

Q Is tax payable on my hunt?
A Goods and Services Tax (GST) is payable of the guiding fee portion of your hunt, which is included in your hunt cost. In the case of hunters wishing to take their trophies home as baggage, 15½% GST Tax Department on the trophy fee will be added to the hunt, payable to our Tax as it is deemed that ASJTH is not exporting the trophy. As the New Zealand Tax Department regulates that, only trophies exported in the name of ASJTH are exempt from GST.( Goods and Services tax).

Q What calibre firearm is the most applicable to bring for my hunting experience in New Zealand?
A Any calibre ranging from .270 – 300 magnum.

Q Do I have to have a permit or license for my firearm?
A Yes. Firearm permits are obtainable from the NZ Police in the Auckland or Christchurch Airports (port of entry to New Zealand) Cost: $25.00NZ. For additional details of permits and bringing firearms to NZ visit The NZ Police web site at: www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms. We will also email you a copy of the required form upon request.

Q Are there firearms to use if I do not bring one?
A We have several firearms available for hunters to use, if they choose not to travel with their own rifle. Ammo for these firearms can be provided but at the hunters cost, or hunters can bring their ammo with them after having arranged which rifle calibre they wish to use. On their arrival hunters will sight in the rifle to ensure they are confident with it. There is no charge for the use of the rifle as it is included in the cost of the hunt.

Q Do we need insurance?
A We recommend that you have the usual travel insurance as well as insurance to cover your hunt in the event that you have to cancel you trip for any unknown reason. Personal injury liability claims are not permitted in New Zealand which has a Government provided Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme. Overseas visitors are covered by this scheme for medical treatment and certain rehabilitation assistance within New Zealand. The scheme does not cover any form of illness. ASJTH requires that the client takes out adequate travel and liability insurance for suitable amounts of cover.
The client shall obtain all necessary medical insurance, and shall take medical advice and appropriate precautions having regard to the area to be visited. Due to the nature of activities undertaken, the client shall be responsible for ensuring their physical and medical fitness and that they suffer from no harmful diseases which may affect any other person.
Should the client fall ill or be injured during the time the client is with ASJTH, then ASJTH will make every reasonable effort to ensure that the client is given prompt access to medical treatment by a doctor or other appropriate medical services. The cost of any special transport or medical care or treatment shall be to the client’s account.

Q Do I need to have a visa or a passport?
A All hunters from America and Europe require a passport to come to New Zealand but entry visa is not required though if you are travelling on to Australia you will require a visa. Our suggestion is that you check with first your travel agent and then maybe the embassy/consulate of whichever country you are traveling to.

Q Do I have to have any vaccinations to come to New Zealand?
A No vaccinations are required to come to New Zealand.

Q How would I get my trophies home?
A Details on this are listed under Hunting Information- Your Trophies. Trophy head skins and antlers/horns are freighted to an expeditor who will export to you or forward them to your taxidermist. COSTS: Is the hunters responsibility and information will be given to all hunters, upon their arrival with us to find out how this is arranged. ASJ Trophy Hunting meet the costs of freighting to the expeditor.

Q Should I get trophies mounted in New Zealand?
A We believe it is best that hunters take their trophies home with them and have their own taxidermist mount them. In this way the turn around time will be less. That aside, hunters are able to have them mounted in New Zealand by experienced taxidermists if they require this and we can help in arranging this to happen.

Q Can we contact our family while hunting in NZ?
A We have up to the minute communication and from the lodge there is no problem with communication with family by email, and phone. There will be a charge for overseas phone calls. Cell phones do not work at Argyle Station unless you are in specific areas in the hunting area, though they do work when you are away from the Station.

Q Are Non-hunters welcome?
A Non-hunters are welcomed and encouraged to come.  If they wish to accompany the hunter and be in the field, they are more than welcome to do so. If non-hunters would prefer touring the local sights and seeing more of the area, this can also be arranged. If you have selected a tour involving staying away from the Hunting Lodge for a night, we ask for some prior warning, if possible, to make and confirm bookings.

Q What are the touring costs for Non- Hunters touring?
A The costs for non-hunters touring are listed in the prices sheet. Transport costs are included in the daily rate. If both the Hunter and Non-hunter would like a guide tour after hunting is finished, this can also be accommodated on the same rates as above.
See Prices

Q What kind of clothing do I need to bring?
A See What to Bring. If you are unsure we do have clothing you can borrow and add to what you have brought. Failing this we can arrange for you to purchase what you require. We will ensure you are adequately dressed for the elements prior to hunting in any environment encountered, which also includes non-hunters.

Q Are there snakes in New Zealand?
A No, we have no snakes or dangerous animals.

Q What methods do you use for bow-hunting?
A Spot and stalk as well as blind hunting from blinds.

Q What language is spoken in New Zealand?
A We are an English speaking country though we do have a second language spoken mostly by the indigenous people, which is Maori. All New Zealanders speak English.

Q Are we able to do laundry during our stay at the Lodge?
A There is no problem with laundry - we have laundry facilities at the lodge and average a days turn around.

Q Do we need to bring sleeping bags, if we are staying away from the main lodge?
A No you don’t. Should we need to stay away from the lodge when Tahr or Chamois hunting or as an added experience, when hunting Red Deer and Fallow, bedding will be supplied as part of the costs already paid.

Q If I have diet needs can they be met?
A There is no problem at all with any dietary needs during your stay with us. Allowances and accommodation can be made to cater for your needs.

Q Am I going to be able to bring my medication to New Zealand?
A Yes you can bring your medical needs with you, but check with your travel agent as to how much and how to bring them. As a safety precaution, we ask you inform us of any medical conditions.  See Special Requests

Q Does it make a difference as to which of the three airports nominated we fly into?
A No. Not from our point of view. If you strike snow and cloudy/foggy weather (which does not happen too often) we have found that Queenstown Airport can be closed and there could be delays landing. Queenstown is very impressive to fly into or out of but is surrounded by mountains thus low cloud and fog affects it most. It is less likely to happen in Dunedin or Invercargill. We suggest that you fly into one airport and out of the other to give you more of a look around the South of New Zealand.

Q How do we get from the Airport to the hunting area?
A All guests will be picked up from the airport and delivered back in plenty of time to catch their plane This will be by road or sometimes helicopter. Should you want to spend a day or two at the end of the hunt in a town close by (within 200km) , we will deliver you to your hotel, at no additional cost.

Q Can my electrical devices work in NZ?
A Any hunters coming from USA to NZ and who intend to bring electrical items such as hair dryers are required to bring an adaptor from US110 volts to 220 volts which is used in NZ. 

Q Am I able to visit a hairdresser while at the Lodge?
A Yes we are able to book and transport you to any services you require. 

Q If I like a specific drink, will you have it at the Lodge?
AWine and beer is supplied at the Lodge as well as non-alcoholic refreshments. If you have a specific request If you tell your driver when you are picked up we will stop at a store so the purchase can be made.  

Q Will all the meat from animals we shoot be recovered and used?
A All the meat will be recovered and utilized.

Q Do you have facilities for secure storage?
A Yes, we do and guests will have ready access to their belongings.

Q Am I allowed to smoke in the Lodge or while hunting?
A Smoking in the Lodge is not allowed. (All public buildings in New Zealand are non-smoking areas.) There is a designated place for smokers at the Lodge.

For more details go here