Hunting with Backcountry Helicopters
Your Helicopter Access to the Best Hunting Country in the South Island
Experience DIY hunting trips in New Zealand with Backcountry Helicopters. From our base in Makarora – right on the doorstep of Otago, South Westland, and the Southern Alps – we provide helicopter access hunting NZ for Red Deer, Himalayan Tahr, and Chamois.
We offer DIY hunting trips in New Zealand, guided trophy hunts, and fly-in spike camp transport for hunters who want to go deep into remote terrain.
The team at Backcountry Helicopters live and breathe the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and time in the backcountry are second nature to us, and we’re always happy to share our knowledge of local terrain, game species, and conditions to help you plan a great trip.
Get a quote below by species or get in touch with us if you would like further information or have any questions.
Customised Hunting Flights
We operate a fleet of helicopters ideal for backcountry access, including the Hughes 500E and AS350 B2/B3 Squirrels – allowing us to carry larger hunting parties and their gear. With aircraft staged across Otago and South Westland, we offer flexible scheduling and competitive pricing.
Our team is here to help plan your trip – whether that’s advising on hut locations, local conditions, or DOC regulations. For remote areas, we understand the importance of reliable communication and remain available for weather updates or change-of-plan requests during your trip.
Some sites have DOC huts available as alternatives to camping. These are generally first-come, first-served, though some do require bookings through DOC.
Hunting in the South Island
We offer helicopter access to prime territory for Red Deer, Himalayan Tahr, and Chamois – three of New Zealand’s most iconic big game species.
Our base in Makarorara gives us an easily accessible base to some of New Zealand’s most untouched and renowned hunting areas.
Popular hunting areas include the Hunter, Dingle, Landsborough, Wilkin, Cascade, and Young Valleys, the South Westland Conservation Area, and ballot blocks in the Wānaka & Haast backcountry.
We’re a Department of Conservation–approved concessionaire, holding multiple landing concessions for Tahr Ballot blocks, Roar Ballot areas, and prime backcountry areas.
Whether you’re planning a New Zealand DIY hunting trip, a self-guided spike camp deep in the mountains, or a quick fly-in/fly-out hunt, we can get you and your gear safely into the heart of the action.
Chamois
Introduced from Austria in 1907, Chamois now thrive in New Zealand’s Southern Alps – with some of the best hunting found right on our doorstep. Chamois are known for their agility, sharp eyesight, and seasonal coat changes – a rich golden hue in summer and dark winter colours during their rut (May–June). They offer a rewarding and challenging hunt.
We provide helicopter access to top Chamois hunting areas across Otago and South Westland.
Red Deer
Red Deer are the most widespread big game species in New Zealand, introduced in the 1850s and now thriving across forested and tussock-covered landscapes. The Otago and Westland regions, especially around Makarora, are home to Red Deer with traditional Scottish bloodlines known for exceptional trophy quality.
We provide helicopter access to Roar Ballot blocks in both the Wānaka and West Coast regions. To get a quote for the upcoming Roar give us a call or fill out the easy quote form below and we will come back to you.
To apply for blocks or learn more, visit the DOC Roar Ballot pages or contact us directly.
Himalayan Tahr
The Southern Alps and Westland are globally renowned for their thriving Tahr populations. These alpine animals were introduced to New Zealand in 1904 and have since flourished in high-altitude terrain. Tahr are typically hunted during the rut (May–July) when their dark winter capes are in full display, though they can be hunted year-round.
Whether you’re planning a New Zealand DIY hunting trip, a self-guided spike camp deep in the mountains, or a quick fly-in/fly-out hunt, we can get you and your gear safely into the heart of the action.
Tahr Ballot Period (May–July)
The DOC-administered Tahr Ballot provides access to remote wilderness blocks not available year-round. We service ballot blocks in the Hooker/Landsborough Wilderness Area, staging flights from both Makarora and Pleasant Flat for efficient access.
Applications can be made via the DOC Tahr Ballot. If unsuccessful, we offer excellent alternative locations with strong trophy potential.
Contact: [email protected]
NZ Hunting Trips Tailored for You
We offer a variety of hunting trip options—from overnight DIY helicopter hunting trips to multi-night spike camps.
For those wanting extra support, we also provide guided trophy hunts with experienced local guides. Our goal is simple: to help you have a safe, successful, and memorable hunt in some of New Zealand’s most spectacular country.
Useful Resources
