Frequently asked questions

How do I get to New Zealand and Lahar Sika Wilderness? Fly to Auckland city, our national airline - www.airnewzealand.co.nz, after arrival shuttle or walk to the Auckland domestic terminal for your transfer flight to Taupo airport, the best flight to be on is Air NZ leaving Auckland at 8.05am arriving at Taupo at 8.55am, where we pick you up

How long is it to drive from Auckland to LSW? Organise a rental car pickup at Auckland airport then it is a 4.5 hour drive to LSW

What game do you offer? LSW offers a range of excellent trophies; Red Stag from Bronze, Silver to Gold (SCI range) Our speciality deer are the appealing Sika with Fallow bucks and a few Arapawa ram also available.

Can I bring my firearms into New Zealand? YES. But at least one month before you leave home, obtain and complete a New Zealand firearm import permit – from wwwforms.police.govt.nz/firearms/visitors-application On arrival in Auckland declare your firearm to the custom officials who will refer you to the NZ Police desk, you will need to present the above permit and $25 NZ in cash.

Below are the details you will need to apply for your import permit:-Address while in NZ - 192 Matapuna Road, Horopito, Raetihi 4696 Where will firearm be stored? - Gun room in LSW homestead Who with? - Brent Bishop, his NZ Firearms number –RO110290 Purpose of importation - Hunting vacation

Can I hire a gun? YES. LSW has a selection of firearms in suitable calibres and you will be able to select a rifle that fits you, most are fitted with bipods and suppressors making them more comfortable to shoot. Hire is US$100 per hunt period / pp (NZ G.S.T incl)

What type of guns suit New Zealand deer? Recommended firearms for New Zealand deer species are 30.06, .270, 7x57 or similar in sporting bolt action configuration. Shot lengths are rarely over 200 yards so large magnum calibres are not necessary. Do not bring a handgun; they are prohibited in New Zealand

Can we hunt together? Yes, two hunters per guide are OK. More than 2 hunters will require hiring another LSW guide.

Can my non hunter share my hunt? Of course, our guides will safely include your partner.

Can I bring the venison home? No, in most cases it is too difficult to import meat into your country.

What temperature should I prepare for during the hunting season? From March to May, temps range from 0 to 15 degrees Celsius or 32 - 50 degrees F, rain occurs as the autumn storms cross NZ followed by calm sunny days!

What hunt clothing will I need to bring? Bring standard hunting clothing suitable for your September/November hunting conditions in the northern USA. With high emphasis on good waterproof walking boots and effective rain/wind proof outer gear, that is quiet in the brush. Gear with a darker or green ‘camo’ pattern suits our evergreen bush as we do not have deciduous trees with autumn colours. The ground is often wet but not above ankle height.

What are the best trophy hunting times at LSW? The most exciting hunting or rut safaris are from March – May.

How will I get my trophies back home? Trophies will be delivered free to our expediter in Taupo for processing; he then ships them to a Fish & Wildlife port in the USA near you. They will clear it and you can pick up or forward to your home or taxidermist. (Approx. 90 days) These expediting fees are additional to the hunt price. Current cost e.g. – Shoulder mount Red Stag; 1) Clean and beach skull, salt or tan cape NZ$180, 2) Crating, export documents and admin NZ$480, 3) Freight to USA is NZ$800 - $1,500 (depends on pack size), 4) Custom/clearance & handling charges in the USA is approx US$550 – US$750. If you plan to send trophies direct to your taxidermist ensure you bring their shipping address.

Should I get my trophies mounted in NZ? It is most cost efficient to have your trophies shipped unmounted but we can recommend an excellent taxidermist in New Zealand

What happens if I need to cancel my hunt? Briefly if you tell us 90 days before your booked hunt period we will try to re schedule you for next year, short notice incurs a loss of deposit and you would need to start a new booking.(More details under terms & conditions on the contact page)

What else can you tell me? No license or tag fees, no snakes, predators or poisonous creatures, No vaccinations needed, no visa needed from USA, UK, Aussie & many other countries. We do have friendly Kiwis passionate about hunting and showing you a great time. NZ is rated as one of the safest countries in the world.

Note - All goods and services supplied or purchased in New Zealand attract an extra 15% for our government G.S.T tax. (Normally included but sometimes has to be added to the advertised price)

Mail :- info@laharsika.co.nz