Just one thing to note however, certain areas have limited access or seasonal ballots,
so if you are looking at DOC's web site any area marked as an open hunting area is open slather to everyone.
However some areas have restricted or limited access through a ballot system. (as noted above largely due to safety).
ie the Tahr ballots, Wapiti ballots, some Fallow herds (Te Miro/Te Tapui & Blue Mountains)
White Tail blocks on Stewart island needs to be book well in advance as well.
The DOC website is generally quite helpful if you spend time on it and the regional office staff are generally also helpful.
NB If you are planning on bringing your own rifles thats something you need to start early on. Mr Plod over here dose not move very fast.
This is an area I don't know much about but you will get questions about where and how you will be storing your rifles particularly while traveling.
ie legally you can't leave your rifle locked in your car all day while you wander around a city. You may need to look into seeing if you can arrange storage.
Thats one big benefit of using a local guide. They can help with storage & temporary firearms licences. Our back country may not be as large as what you are used to but it can be very changeable and steep. I'm sure you have watched a few NZ hunt videos on your Outdoors's TV channel.
These 2 are our most popular Local hunting shows
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/nz-hunter-adventures
https://www.nzhunteradventures.co.nz/
https://www.skygo.co.nz/show/mac_sh_15307
https://www.thehuntersclub.co.nz/
Select videos in the areas you think you may want to hunt and it will give you an idea of the country and what gear they carry. (PLB each & Garmin Inreach for the group)
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