Thread: Queenstown Whitetail

Looking at heading to queenstown in a couple of weeks. Thinking about trying for my first NZ whitetail.

Probably just head up the Dart or Routeburn, as suggested by DOC, for a couple of nights.

I know they have been hit hard by 1080 recently but has anyone had any success up these valley’s recently?

If they have been hit hard would you consider just taking photos

The 1080 wiped out prob 70% of the wild herd only really private blocks worth looking at

Go to stewart island

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

If they have been hit hard would you consider just taking photos

I have always looked at a trip there for white tail -but is it that bad - been on my bucket list -so not worth it ????

Pop over to Stuart island, population is still good over there from all accounts.

instead of looking at it as not worth it , look at it as conserving what's left . between 1080 and hunting guides it;s taken a hit .

It's beautiful country and would be a great adventure. I know a great 5 day loop you could do.
But if you actually want to see white tail you are better off going to Stewart Island.
I tend to just look and take photos of them. There are a beautiful and vulnerable animal and well worth preserving for the future in this area.

Shhh there's no deer on the island... Expect the doe with twins that hangs out on the end of the drive!!

Thanks for the comments guys. I'm heading to queenstown for a job, so just planning a side trip while I'm there. I have a couple of whitetail already so might just go for a look or chase roaring stags instead.

Over the years I've heard & read plenty about the mainland herd being very low in numbers due to 1080, people shooting to many etc. I also know of plenty of north island hunters who have gone down there and shot a nice representative buck without to much trouble so there must still be a few around.
For me personally I wanted my buck to be a bush hunted Stewart Island one so I have done my trips there instead of chasing the mainland herd.

On my last trip to Stewart Island back in 2021, I had three different hunters in the weeks leading up to my planned trip say that I was wasting my time going to Stewart Island trying to get my whitetail buck... it was all ''you got to go to the mainland if you want a decent buck"
I had never been so motivated before after hearing all of that as I was on that trip and it paid off.

I will go for a look at the mainland herd one day as I've always liked the look of the country in that area.

I was talking to a friend today, her hubby is on his annual Stewart Island trip with his mates. They got 5 deer on Monday.

Its like whitebaiting and salmon fishing.The storys you hear are all negative until you go yourself.

Originally Posted by Cigar

I was talking to a friend today, her hubby is on his annual Stewart Island trip with his mates. They got 5 deer on Monday.

The ol man and his mates there atm 2 what block they on

My son is building a house on Stewart Island - stones throw from the wharf
Got to site the first week and spooked a hind and a yearling. This week up early and he spooked a whitetail at the rental he is staying in. He also spooked a kiwi early right in town.
Magic place