Say a guy and his wife are considering moving to New Zealand. What knid of firearms are legal there? I've heard that autoloading shotguns have been outlawed, rumor only? Handguns? What's the poop?

Second, what types of game are usually hunted? I know of red stag from a few T.V. shows. IIRC there is also fallow deer? Roe deer? What else could a guy expect to hunt on a regular basis?

Third, how are tags obtained? General permits?(Over the counter) Lottery? Expense? Can a regular guy afford to hunt?

I did a little research, but would rather hear from the local blokes. You know, the real deal, not advertising hype.

Let's hear it Kiwis. What kind of reception can a couple of countrified yanks expect in your beautiful land?

semi-auto shotguns have not been outlawed here yet.We can own habdguns but only for shooting at a range no hunting with them.
We Have Red,Fallow,Sambar,Sika,Rusa,Whitetail,Elk,Chamois,Tahr goats,pigs and feral cattle are the main big game animals. NO TAGS,No seasons on on deer,there are a few ballot blocks for Elk,Fallow and sambar. You can go into a national park any time of year and shoot as many deer as you want stags,hinds there are no rules and its free. We need to buy a permit for game birds $70 a year and you can hunt anywhere in New Zealand.

Further to TP's information - you will require a NZ firearms licence - which means meeting the NZ Police background checking requirements , meeting the security requirements , and passing the formal written Licence Test. All of the above is easily done - unless you have some sort of criminal past...

As long as you are a) wealthy or b) have skills this country needs or c) meet some other immigration requirement you will be readily accepted into NZ society. Oh yeah - we drive on the wrong side of the road to you guys but you will get used to it soon enough ...


Currently there are few restrictions on "foreigners" buying land here - if Shania Twain can do it so can you ...

You do need to accept that since we are distant to the rest of the world some things are more expensive than in the US - fuel for a start ...guns and ammo as well . But we are far enough away from the main centers of civilisation that we are reasonably safe from terrorist attacks , mexican invasion or dopey licence-less motorcycling state governors....

Ah yes, distant to the rest of the world. That is exactly the attraction my friend.

No criminal background here, just hard-working folks interested in seeing new places. Not rich, not poor. Our dream home would be say, an old farm house on fourty acres in the vicinity of some mountains, lakes and rivers. Nothing fancy mind you, just room to roam without worrying about a bunch of uptight political types and their agendas.

As far as guns and ammo go, if I can bring my 30-06 and 20 guage, with maybe a .22 rimfire thrown in, I'm all set. Oh, and of course the reloading press would have to make the journey as well.

Driving? I can drive anything, anywhere, any time. Have logged well over two million miles in North America from Key west to Fairbanks. The left side of the road is no problem mate. Hell, I spent most of the first six or seven years on that side anyway.

Thanks for the info guys. As I said I've done some research already, but like to talk to the real people and hear what they've got to say. Fact is, we're just tired of the lower forty eight. That leaves Alaska, or another country altogether. NZ looks mighty attractive to us. The farther from the centers of civilization, the better.

Just out of curiosity, what type of skills does your country need? I have read that there is a labor shortage, but really no details. Many trades fall under the heading of 'skilled and unskilled', which is what I was able to glean from three different sites. Any suggestions of websites for further research on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a New Zealand hunting forum http://www.fishnhunt.co.nz/issues/issues.cgi As for jobs,you could find a job here doing just about anything. You will have no problem bringing the firearms you have listed.

Thanks for the link TP. If there are truck (lorrey?)driving jobs in NZ, I'll have no problem with employment. My wife runs an E-Bay business, which can be done from anywhere in the world with internet access. This is sounding better and better mate. (Hope no one takes offense at a yank calling them mate. I'm an affable guy, and take to any honest folk with aplomb, no matter the nationality, race, creed, color, tint, or hue. Good people are good people. Assholes come in every color and stripe and I avoid them like the plague.) Hmmmm, we just might be headed your way. Any recommendations for good local beers?

Gidday Wihunter

Despite what anyone else tells you Speights is the only beer you'll need to know about. Now that I've given away that I'm "down South" yes truck drivers are in some demand, especially if you have experience in the bigger rigs. Having said that truck drivers can have trouble getting enough "points" to meet immigration requirements for permanent residency. I work with folk who try to attract migrants, if you want I can get them to send you and info pack (mainly eletronic online stuff I think) that will give you a better idea of how to pursue your "dream".

PM me if you are interested.

Cheers - Foster

Gidday Wihunter,

If you wanna be a real bloke yopu will drink only Speights or Monteiths.

The rest are all for poofter faggot townies. And poofter & faggot has nothing to do with sexual orientation but refers to soft cocks (people who don't go hard and should stay home).

That should have the North Islanders going. Best place to shift to is the West Coast of the South Island. Paradise with bugger all townies and tons of hunting.

Look forward to seeing you here mate.

Happy Hunting

Hamish

I forgot there maybe Moose in the south island,the last one was shot in the 1950s