“We drift through the trees along the river, a couple of guns in the thick stuff, one on the water’s edge and one out in the paddock. The birds hold tight and flush like rockets straight up through the trees and then peel either across the river or back over the land.” – Brendon Coe, NZ Rod & Rifle, March/April 2014

Te Para Pheasant Preserve provides Hunters with a unique and unpretentious hunting experience. Te Para offers the passionate Huntsman a natural Walked-Up Shoot in pure New Zealand Country situated at the confluence of the majestic Rangitikei River and Trout-filled Kawhatau River. Nestled alongside the high papa river cliffs and amongst the Totara trees, pheasants thrive with plenty of covers. Punters are welcome to bring their own gun-dogs, but this is not essential. Andrew has a reliable pack of gun dogs and often has well trained Spaniels and owners to help hunt over.

Walked-Up shoots are held once a week throughout the April-August season. Typically your day will start with a meet and greet over coffee and home baking. Then the fun begins. Walking the river flats, hills and open clearings, gets the adrenalin rushing as you wait for the call “Bird”. One must remember that these are wild birds and unlike a driven shoot don’t necessarily fly towards your gun. This is one of the challenges of natural hunting.

Lunch is served at Te Para Hut. Wholesome hot food and beverages are served in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Once everyone is fed and watered, Hunters head out again for the afternoon, often crossing the river to cover new territory. The day finishes up by 4pm. Most groups like to stay at the Hut overnight after a shoot. Hunkering down around the large bonfire, provides a cosy atmosphere to debrief on an exhilarating day.