Greetings from the Black Forest, Germany - Seeking Tips and Contacts

Hello to the hunting community in New Zealand! I'm Steffen from the North Black Forest, specifically from Baden-Baden. I've been practicing hunting for about 10 years, often accompanied by my faithful hunting dogs. Currently, I'm planning a hunting trip on public land in New Zealand with a hunting buddy, and I would greatly appreciate tips, suggestions, and contacts. The trip is scheduled for 2023 or early 2024, with a focus on red deer hunting. Trophies are not a crucial factor for me – the experience is the priority. I'm open to suggestions and ideas. Feel free to share your experiences and recommendations with me!Attachment 241377

Easiest will be to check out doc web site, youll need a permit and you can get that there as well. That will be the easy bit done..

I think it will be less about hunting but more about dealing with and surviving actual wilderness (I presume your hunting trip will be relatively adventurous, cause otherwise why bother?)

Doc website, topo maps and the legal requirements are a must. Not sure what the regulations with regards to firearms for non-residents are nowadays, and how you plan on tackling that.

There are plenty of clips about hunting in NZ in Youtube. "South Island riflewalkers" and "kiwi bushman" are entertaining "keeping it wild" is a bit more realistic. Will give you an idea what to expect.

Also put in some practice/exercise... Can you hike through difficult terrain/bushwhack for 8 hours with a 30+ kg backpack?

Honestly for a "once a lifetime" trip i would likely head over to the west coast or fjordland and book a helicopter trip. Heli operators normally know the good locations...

Welcome aboard