I guess you need to know in advance what you want to hunt , that will dictate were you head for . Most flights into NZ touch down in Akl first , although some go to Christchurch in the South Island , depends were you are coming from .

Once again , deciding what you want to hunt will dictate were you need to be . I would suggest contacting a hunting guide and asking his advice , or doing a heap of research into the location of the species you want to hunt , then plan your journey around the knowledge you will now have on those animals .

Travel distances dont relate well to travel times here , and access to many hunting areas requires lots of walking or use of aircraft . Outside of State Forests and National Parks most hunting is done on private land and landowners are not always friendly towards guys turning up on their doorstep expecting permission to go hunting . If you are planning an unguided trip I would advise making lots of contacts via letter or e-mail to locate people who will allow you hunting access and space .

For a non-local on your first trip paying a guide would ensure better results than just arriving .Same if I went to the US - pay a guide and get amongst the animals without the hassles .

Check out some of the earlier posts on this forum , there have been several very successful hunts by forum members reported back with lots of very good photos and lots of sound advice . These guys have done the hard work , you can capitalise on that work and make your trip easier and more productive by following their advice.

Hope that is helpfull , maybe not what you wanted to hear but my just thoughts on how to help you . Good luck .

would i be better off to fly into the north or south island? thanks in advance ed

I think Muzza has some good advice. I hired a guide, but then I went out on my own afterwards. Actually, it was more like a one-way backpack trip than a hunt.

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and the people among the most friendly.