Testimonials

Testimonials

"As a gun and bowhunter education safety instructor in the State of Wisconsin, I am always looking for opportunities to hunt with the best and safest outfitters.  I cannot thank Heath and Ben from New Zealand Hunting Adventures for the expertise they provided in this once in a lifetime hunt for Red Stag.(However looking forward to a second trip already).  A true free-range hunt is what I was looking for, and the number of trophies I saw in five days was unbelievable.  My Red Stag with the beautiful crowns is displayed proudly for all to see.
 
After hunting whitetails, black bear and turkeys in WI, Elk in Montana and Colorado, and Moose in Quebec, my hunt in New Zealand was a great experience.  Plus, the opportunity to take time and see the amazing country of New Zealand put this trip over the top.  If you have any questions, or want to see my itinerary for my trip, I am happy to share it with you."

Rob Johnson, Kewaskum, WI.
"Covid delayed our plans for visiting and hunting with New Zealand Hunting Adventures but it was definitely worth the wait!  What an amazing time hunting and spending time with Heath's team including Ben and Brent who all showed us a fantastic time.

All the personal touches in every aspect made this a trip of a lifetime for us hunters, and our wives who joined us.  Everyone on Heath's team made this a fantastic trip that will never be forgotten!

From excellent accommodations to excellent hunting, we could not have been happier spending time with this group!

You will not be disappointed with New Zealand Hunting Adventures!"
Dan Dorzok, West Bend, Wi


"We don’t know how to “Thank You” for such an incredible adventure with wonderful memories!
Everything was perfect. Starting with being met at the airport with your warm New Zealand Welcome, after having traveled so many hours!
We couldn’t have asked for better accommodations, the lodge was situated in the most beautiful setting with mountains all around. Now for the hunt, what an exciting experience, when one day ends, you couldn’t wait for the next morning to start! From glassing mountain
sides and valleys looking for the perfect trophy, to the excitement of the stalk while pushing yourself straight up, and not trying to slide as your muscles screamed at you. (nothing quite prepares you for climbing mountains when you’re from the Midwest). Heath, Thank you for being calm, kind and encouraging. Always making me feel like you’ve got this. Especially while you’re climbing and thinking will the trophy still be there and can I calm myself to make a great shot. The majesty of these animals is indescribable, a truly gratifying challenge. Thank you again for an amazing hunt, delicious guide prepared meals, showing us a little bit of your beautiful country (we will definitely be back) and all the laughter filled days and evenings, except when we were catching our breath! Can’t wait to see you guys! Thank you Heath for an incredible two days.""
David and Dana Bahl
"Our time with New Zealand Hunting Adventures was easily the best mountain hunt that my daughter and I have ever experienced. Owner/Operator - Heath Smith, along with his guides (Ben & Tom) put us on amazing trophy animals each day. The numerous animals allowed plenty of choice, while the vast countryside provided us with challenging hunts.

Rating our hunt on a scale of one to ten, (ten being the best) I would easy rate New Zealand Hunting Adventures as a ten. My daughter harvested Red Stag and Himalayan Tahr. I also harvested Red Stag, Himalayan Tahr, and Chamois. These were all free-range trophy animals collected during our five-day hunt.

New Zealand Hunting Adventures (Friendly * Honest * Dedicated)
I would highly recommend them for your next big game destination hunt!"

Mike Brichetto
"Writing this to thank you again for a super successful hunt thanks to you, Ben and John. You and your team were some of the best guides I have ever hunted with, their tireless effort to get us in a position to be successful was above and beyond what I have experience on other hunts in the past. I came into this hunt with expectations of maybe getting one trophy, to come home with 4 trophies was beyond belief. The personal interaction with you, Ben, John and the breath taking views would have been enough to give me a life time of stories. This was a trip of a life time for my wife and me due to the extreme hospitality from Rebecca and yourself. I feel we have made friends for life, there has hardly been a day that I don’t think about the trip or talk to someone about it. I highly recommend New Zealand Adventures to every hunter I encounter (top of bucket list). Best hunt ever, great accommodations, new friends"
Steve Beres, Wisconsin, USA


"After finding myself stranded in Fox Glacier by another guide, I contacted Heath Smith of New Zealand Hunting Adventures and asked if he could guide me on a free range tahr hunt for the following day. Initially, Heath indicated that he wasn't available, but called me back 30 minutes later indicating that he had completely rearranged his schedule for me. He advised me on what hotel to use and made arrangements for the hunt. Despite rearranging his schedule on short notice, Heath charged me the standard trophy fee for a bull tahr.

The next day, he picked me up at the hotel and we were off. The hunt was everything I was looking for: spot and stalk with a challenging climb up steep hills after free range bull tahr! I think Ben might be part bull tahr given his ability to think like they do and climb straight up hill without breaking a sweat. I found myself between my two guides, glassing four very nice bull tahr (there were eight total), and ultimately shot an excellent 12 1/4 inch 7 1/2 year old bull. I can't express enough gratitude to my two new kiwi friends who really went way above and beyond by saving my NZ hunt and providing such an outstanding experience. If I'm ever so blessed to be able to return to NZ, I can guarantee that I will be calling Heath again."
Paul Kemmeter
"I want to give a huge shout out to the most amazing guides I ever had the pleasure of hunting with. Health, Ben and Tom made this hunt of a life time a memory that will stand out for the rest of my life. Thanks to their hard work and knowledge I was lucky enough to harvest three amazing animals. I truly enjoyed the challenge of hunting in New Zealand and the amazing scenery that surrounded us. After the hunt we relaxed around the chilly bin (aka: Cooler) with good food and even better conversations. Look forward to returning and enjoying another hunt with you guys! I highly recommend New Zealand Hunting Adventures to any serious hunter."
Elliot Kadow, Wisconsin, USA
"I would like to thanks you for one Phenomenal trip and hunt!! Heath, Ben & Tom are one of the most hard working guides I have had the pleasure to Hunt with! There is no one in the world that can climb harder or faster than these guys. I was able to Harvest three Quality animals on this trip, which I would have been happy to just get one big Red stag! After our hunting during the day we have a great meal and talk about the hunts!"
Steve Rudesill, USA
Heath - just wanted to send a huge thank you to you and Rebecca for the excellent time Jo Ann and I had with you in April. The accommodations, the guides, the food, the hospitality and the hunting were simply over the top!! You run a very fine outfitting business and I wish you nothing but the best in the future. I look forward to the day I return and finish some unfinished business - chamois! We came as strangers and feel as if we left as lifelong friends. I know I speak for the other two couples that came with us when I say thank you for making our trip to New Zealand so memorable! Best of luck to you"
Dan Kopshinsky, Wisconsin, USA


I purchased a Father and Son package from NZ Hunting adventures for a Christmas gift for one of my 3 sons.

On reflection I realised that I was going to really wind up the two that missed out so I contacted Heath and he allowed me to beef up the package to include all 4 of us for an overnight hunt.

We saw fallow within the first 30 mins so I knew we were in for and amazing hunting experience. We shot 9 deer between the 4 of us with everyone bagging at least 2. The lodge was incredible and the supplied hospitality second to none.

If you want some bonding time with your sons or daughters you just cannot beat this experience. The freezer is full of beautiful venison and while I have sons who still want to spend time in the great outdoors with their old man I will be repeating this adventure soon.

Thank you Heath for an incredible two days."
Ken, Hugh, Perry and Drew Mackwell
"Just wanted to thank Heath Smith for another memorable hunting expedition. Heath guided me on a hunt for winter Tahr in July 2015. His knowledge and passion for hunting/ guiding made the trip extra special. Look forward to joining you again soon for another hunt."
Anthony Barsha


"I have hunted in NZ many times, however, my last trip with Heath guiding us on a Tahr hunt around Lake Tekapo was definitely the most memorable. I brought my son along for this trip and he loved the experience so much he is already begging me to go back. Heath's knowledge and ability to spot the Tahr (and other species) in their natural habitat is second-to-none. Coupled with his pleasant, easy-going nature and 'can do' attitude makes the hunt all the more enjoyable. Thanks Heath."
Chris Barsha
"Heath was a repeat exhibitor and provided hunt donations to the Safari Club Wisconsin Chapter which is where we first met in 2019. After seeing a few photos and hearing from other members who had hunted with Heath, it didn’t take long before I set my sights on a trip of my own. Throughout the planning of my trip Heath was responsive and helpful for not only the hunt, but also for pre/post trip travel and sightseeing.

In the Spring of 2022, I was fortunate enough make this dream a reality. From the moment I was picked up at my hotel until the moment I was dropped off at the airport, Heath and his team were fun, helpful, and professional. Day after day Heath provided stimulating stalks and encounters, in a game rich environment, on a variety of terrain, with a no-pressure approach. To observe the stags during the "Roar" and the deer during the "Croak" was a truly unique experience. I was fortunate enough to take 4 great trophies (Tahr, Stag, Fallow Deer, and Arapawa Ram) but beyond the animals harvested, I value the memories afield. The varying terrain, mountain top views, and climate are like nowhere I've been before. I highly recommend you reach out to Heath and start planning your hunt in New Zealand."
Nicholas J. Heim
"Best hunting trip I have ever been on. Heath and his crew go above and beyond expectations to make sure you have the best experience possible. Heath and Ben will get you on trophy animals quickly and make sure you have fun in the process. Everything from the comfortable scenic lodge, the amazing home cooked meals, lunches packed daily to the great comradery was top notch and exceeded my expectations. We ended up taking some serious trophy animals that were much higher quality than we expected.
 
The crew also made it very comfortable & accommodating for our wives. From allowing then to tag along with us hunting a couple days to an amazing lunch & wine on the top of the hills with breath taking scenery. Lucy was kind enough to spend the day with the them taking them to the lake and spa which they really loved. Heath also arranged an epic helicopter ride for us to the top of the glacier covered mountains to the whiskey hut.
 
If you are looking for the best experience in NZ look no further, New Zealand Hunting Adventures is the best hands down!"
Bob Krolski WI
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