What kind of deer live in New Zealand?

Category: sports hunting and shooting
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There are 7 different deer species in New Zealand which are Elk, Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Sika Deer, Sambar Deer, Rusa Deer, Whitetail Deer. Of these species the Sika, Sambar and Rusa deer species are only found in the central North Island, and the Whitetail in the lower part of the Southern Island.



In respect to this, how many wild deer are there in New Zealand?

1.7 million deer

Similarly, when were deer introduced to New Zealand? Introduction of deer Between 1861 and 1919, more than 250 red deer (Cervus elaphus) were released in New Zealand for sport. They were either brought directly from the UK or came via Australia. The liberation of red deer continued until 1926.

Considering this, are deer pests in New Zealand?

The red deer in New Zealand produce very large antlers and are regarded as amongst the best in the world by hunters. Along with the other introduced deer species they are however regarded as a pest by the Department of Conservation and have at times been heavily culled using professional hunters.

What do deer eat NZ?

Chicory, red clover, plantain and lucerne as well as fodder trees may be included in a shrub/forb mixture. Therefore the preference deer have shown for red clover, chicory and lotus over grasses can be explained by their higher quality and how easily they can be selected and eaten.

39 Related Question Answers Found

Are there moose in New Zealand?

Bull moose (3rd of 3)
Four males and six females had been liberated at Supper Cove, Dusky Sound, in 1910. Moose are thought to be extinct or close to extinction in New Zealand, although there is some evidence that they are still present. If they survive, it is in very low numbers.

What animals are hunted in NZ?

Here's a list of the main species that you can hunt in New Zealand.
  • Deer.
  • Tahr.
  • Pigs.
  • Chamois.
  • Wallaby.
  • Possums.
  • Rabbits.
  • Duck.

Are deer native to New Zealand?

Wild populations of deer can be found throughout New Zealand, with the exception of Northland. These animals are the descendants of deer that were imported and liberated here from 1851. Red deer is the most widespread species, and is also the most commonly farmed deer.

How much does it cost to hunt in New Zealand?

5 Day Red Stag Hunting packages – North Island Estate
1 on 1 Stag Packages SCI Score Current Price USD
High Silver 350-375 $7,500
Gold 375-400 $9,500
High Gold 400-450 $12,500
Super Gold 450-500 SCI $17,500

How did Red Deer get to New Zealand?


The first red deer to reach New Zealand were a pair sent by Lord Petre in 1851 from his herd at Thorndon Park, Essex, to the South Island, but the hind was shot before they had a chance to breed. Lord Petre sent another stag and two hinds in 1861, and these were liberated near Nelson, from where they quickly spread.

Is there elk in New Zealand?

Elk Hunting in New Zealand. Our largest of the game animals in New Zealand hunting Bull Elk in New Zealand is growing in popularity. The species of Elk is the Rocky mountain with the only main free range herd isolated in the South Island's Fiordland national park.

How many hunters are there in NZ?

About 50,000 active hunters in New Zealand are the dominant harvesters of deer (and other game animals), taking c. 54,000 deer annually.

How did elk get to New Zealand?

Elk. Trophy South Pacific Elk, most commonly referred to as Wapiti are from the blood lines of the Rocky Mountain Elk and were originally gifted to New Zealand in the early 1900's by Theodore Roosevelt. Trophy Elk can only be hunted in game estates in New Zealand, as free ranging populations have almost all disappeared

Are ducks pests in NZ?

The mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the most common duck in New Zealand. They are an introduced species found in wetlands all over New Zealand. They are so well established in New Zealand that they are now considered an invasive pest. Mallards are game birds and are the main species shot during duck-shooting season.

Are there snakes in New Zealand?


New Zealand is one of several large islands around the globe where there have never been native snake populations. The others are Antarctica, Iceland, Ireland and Newfoundland. Snakes are more common than lizards around the world, and yet New Zealand is home to several species of lizard and not a single snake.

Are Peacocks a pest in NZ?

The Whanganui hill country is facing a population explosion of wild peacocks. Brought to New Zealand as an ornamental species, they have flourished in the mild Whanganui climate and are now a serious economic and social pest in many areas.

Does New Zealand have squirrels?

Snakes, squirrels and sticklebacks are all prohibited from entering New Zealand.

What is a tar in New Zealand?

Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) are large goat-like animals, native to the central Himalayan ranges of India and Nepal. In New Zealand tahr are found in the central Southern Alps between about the Rakaia and Whitcombe valleys in the north to about Lake Hawea in the south.

How did rats get to New Zealand?

Rats were first introduced to New Zealand by Maori settlers more than 700 years ago, when they were used as a food source. Those rats — called kiore — are believed to have promptly wiped out a number of local species. Stoats were introduced intentionally — to control the population of invasive rabbits and hares.

What is a pest in NZ?


An animal or insect that has been introduced to New Zealand becomes a pest if it has the potential to cause significant national economic, environmental or cultural effects.

What is taken by the deer when it ate the plants?

Deer are herbivores, that is, they eat plants. The diet of a wild deer includes such things as grass, bark, twigs, berries, young shoots and other vegetation. Deer are ruminants, that is, they regurgitate half-digested food (known as "cud"), chew it again, and re-swallow it.

Where can I hunt fallow deer in NZ?

Fallow deer can be found in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand on public conservation land and private property.