About Our Club
About the NZDA
The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) is the leading organisation representing recreational hunters throughout New Zealand. It was founded in 1937 by Dr. Geoffrey Orbell M.B.E., who is also known for rediscovering the takahē in the Murchison Mountains in 1948.
About Southland Branch
Southland Branch was the founding branch of the NZ Deerstalkers Association. We meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm with doors open at 7 pm (excluding December & January).
Supporting Hunting in Southland and Across New Zealand
Our mission is to encourage and advance responsible hunting in New Zealand. This includes deerstalking, bushcraft, shooting sports, and outdoor safety. We focus on providing facilities, training, and community support for hunters, while promoting the ideals of fair chase and the protection of native flora and fauna.
Whether you are new to hunting in Southland or an experienced deerstalker, the NZDA Southland Branch offers opportunities to develop your skills, connect with like-minded hunters, and enjoy the outdoors in a safe and respectful way.
Club Night
We have regular club nights every 3rd Wednesday of the month (excluding December & January).
Doors open at 7 pm for a 7.30pm start:
24 Mckerchar Road,
Seaward Bush,
Woodlands 9871
Follow us on Facebook to find out about upcoming talks and topics.
Hunting
We run 'Club Hunts' to public land around the Southland region as well as to other hunting areas in the North Island, South Island and Stewart Island.
These hunts cater to various levels of interest and fitness, with access by foot, vehicle, aircraft or boat, dependent on location.
To join or propose a club hunt, contact the committee as early as possible.
Competitions
Branch and national competitions are organised for game trophies, photographs, videos, literature and target shooting (including postal shoots). Target shooters may also compete in regional events and aspire to New Zealand representative teams.
See the Competitions page for full details.
Club Backcountry Hut and Lodge
Wapiti Lodge - 173 Manapouri Road, Te Anau
The Lodge is situated 2km south of Te Anau township on the Te Anau - Manapouri Highway, opposite the Wildlife Park.
Wapiti Lodge proves an excellent base for anyone visiting Fiordland. Overlooking Lake Te Anau, our Lodge has excellent views of the Fiordland Mountains.
Completely private, the Lodge contains three bedrooms (twin, double, bunks).
An upstairs loft provides mattress sleeping for 10-12 people.
Red Stag Lodge in Mavora
A wonderful hut/lodge in quick reach of the Mavora Lakes & on the doorstep to hunting. This location is off the road & well isolated from traffic. Feels like the middle of nowhere yet is is close enough to a degree of civilisation.
We carry out annual or bi-annual maintenance trips to each hut. Keep an eye out for notification by the committee when these trips are planned.
We promote safe, responsible use of firearms and a respect for native flora and fauna.