Chris McCarthy’s Lake Hawea Hunting Safaris New Zealand

Chris McCarthy's Lake Hawea Hunting Safaris New Zealand offers the ultimate New Zealand hunting experience.

How are we different?

We offer exceptional, high quality, high opportunity, genuine free-range hunting on 75,000 acres of exclusive hunting grounds. Game estate options for some of New Zealand’s biggest genetically improved red stags and fallow bucks are also available.

Please note all red stag hunts listed in this auction are within a 3,500-acre game estate.

Our core hunts include:
• Red stag
• Fallow buck
• Tahr & Chamois

Outfitter

Chris McCarthy is a fifth-generation Lake Hawea local and has been outfitting for over 20 years, offering experience and genuine Kiwi hospitality coupled with professionalism and attention to detail.

Chris is currently serving as President of the New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides Association (NZPHGA), 2024–2026.

Combination hunts and group hunts are what we do best.

South Pacific Elk, South Pacific Whitetail, Arapawa Ram, Goat, and Boar can be added to any hunting package. Can’t find the right fit or combination? Ask Chris to build a tailored hunt for you.

Hunting Lodge

Our fully revamped lodge, boasting five luxury rooms with ensuite bathrooms, will be completed in time for the 2028 season.
High-end finishing meets rustic charm — the perfect balance of craftsmanship and comfort, showcasing beautiful examples of New Zealand and international taxidermy. Four comfortable rooms are available for the 2027 season.

Set on a farm, tucked away in a quiet valley where not another building can be seen, the lodge is still just a 5-minute drive from the beautiful little town of Lake Hawea, which offers basic services, and a 15-minute drive from the larger tourist town of Wanaka.

Non-hunters are most welcome.