proudly presented by Kaikōura hunting & Fishing:
Kaikōura Pig & Stag Hunt 2026
27–29 March 2026
A long-running community hunting competition and fundraiser in Kaikōura.
Major Sponsor
Proudly Supported by Our Major Sponsor
Anton & Janene — Kaikōura Hunting & Fishing
We’re proud to acknowledge Kaikōura Hunting & Fishing as the Major Sponsor of the 2026 Kaikōura Pig & Stag Hunt. Their support helps keep this long-running community event thriving in Kaikōura.
Entry forms available in-store – 130 Beach Road, Kaikōura
about the event
About the Hunt
The Kaikōura Pig & Stag Hunt has been running for approximately 35 years, first established by the Kaikōura Lions Club, then run for many years by the Kaikōura Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Following Covid lockdowns and restrictions, the competition paused after 2021. In 2022, it was revived by local farmers and hunting enthusiasts as a fundraiser for Kaikōura St John’s new building near Kaikōura Healthcare.
The hunt has continued as a biannual community event, and in 2026 the Kaikōura Pig & Stag Hunt is proudly brought to you by the Kaikōura Miniature Rifle Club, currently fundraising for repairs to the Kaikōura Suburban Hall — our last remaining country hall. These repairs will help return the hall to the community as an affordable venue for private functions, local events, and gatherings.
EVENT INFORMATION
Hunt Details
- Dates: 27–29 March 2026
- Hunting begins: Midnight Thursday
- Weigh-in: Sunday 29 March, 12pm–3pm
- Location: Front paddock;
2791 Inland Road, Kaikōura
Entry fees
Entry Categories
Open Hunter (15+): $45
Junior Hunter (14 & under): $25
Kids (Under 8): $10
special event
The Great Muzzle Goat Hunt
$500 Cash Prize – Draw to Win
The Great Muzzle Goat Hunt is a special event running alongside the 2026 Kaikōura Pig & Stag Hunt, giving hunters an extra chance to win while helping reduce wild goat numbers.
- Hunting can commence from 10 February 2026
- Goat tails must be frozen
- Enter one or more goat tails — the more tails entered, the more chances to win
- Two chances to win:
– Most wild goat tails collected – $1000
– $500 CASH Draw to Win
Prizes
2026 Major Spot Prizes
Open Hunter – Major Spot Prizes
(These will be drawn at Prizegiving by Kaikōura Police – you don’t have to be present to win. The Kaikoura Hunting & Fishing $5K Shopping Spree will be drawn as the last prize of the day)
- Kaikōura Hunting & Fishing – $5,000 Shopping Spree
- Blenheim Toyota – Set of BFGoodrich All-Terrain or Mud Grip 4×4 Tyres
- South Pacific Helicopters – $1,000 Voucher
- Harcourts Kaikoura – 5 draws of $200 Hunting & Fishing Vouchers
- Track Me Adventure – Garmin Drive Smart 66 GPS ($499)
- Kaikoura Hammer Hardware – Lawnmaster Cordless Brush cutter & Kit RRP $579
- Ironman 4×4 – 28.5” Straight LED Light Bar (135w, $466)
- Iron man 11000kg Recovery strap
- Dunlea Products – Stihl Chainsaw (Early Bird Spot Prize entries close 13th March 5pm)
- Farmlands – Webber BBQ
- Glencree Estate – One night’s luxury accommodation for two
- ATV & FARMBIKE REPAIRS Terry Flint – Voucher
- Kaikoura Vetcare – 3 x draws $100 vouchers
- PGG Wrightsons Kaikoura – $250 Voucher
- Abbey Road Clothing & Surf – Two draws of $100 Voucher’s
- Kaikoura New World – $250 Voucher
- Total Realty Kaikoura – $200 Hunting & Fishing Voucher
- ITM Kaikoura – 2 draws of $100 Vouchers
GEAR & DEMOS
HIKMICRO at the Kaikōura Pig & Stag Hunt
HIKMICRO will have a stand at this year’s Kaikōura Pig & Stag Hunt, offering expert advice and exclusive on-the-day deals.
They’ll also be hosting a HIKMICRO Dealer Day on Saturday, 21st March (the weekend before the comp) at Kaikōura Hunting & Fishing.
Expect in-depth demonstrations on the latest thermal and night vision optics, plus industry-leading promotions.
If you’re considering purchasing a thermal or night vision optic — or simply want expert advice and live demos — this is the week to mark in your calendar.
See what’s up for grabs
Kaikōura Hunting & Fishing
$5,000 Shopping Spree
Blenheim Toyota
Full set of all-terrain 4×4 tyres
Junior Hunter – Major Spot Prizes
- Huntsman Optics – LYNX Thermal Monocular (RRP $1,899)
- Flaxhill Hunting Estate – Guided meat hunt for a Junior Hunter (14 years & under)
- Clarence River Rafting – $500 Family Half-Day Rafting Voucher
- Julia Bruce Bayleys Real Estate – $500 worth of Stoney Jackets & Ledlenser head lamps
- BP Kaikoura Nigel & Cathy Graham -Burris Optics Binoculars
- Kaikoura Fishing Tours – Two hour fishing trip
- Aaron Leckie – Rural Livestock – 3 draws of Sword Hunting Knives
- Abbey Road Clothing & Surf – 3 draws of $100 Vouchers
- FMG Insurance (Blenheim) – $250 Hunting & Fishing Voucher
- Ecozip Adventures Kaikoura – A double pass to fly down their 5 giant ziplines!
RMF Contracting sponsoring $1000 worth of vouchers for Junior Hunters
The Stockroom Kaikoura sponsoring $500 worth of vouchers for Kids U 8 years
CATEGORIES
Open Hunter (15 Years & over) entry $45
Deer Categories kindly Sponsored By:
Big Game Taxidermy NZ Ltd · Ross Sutherland · Simon Mackle The Pier Hotel
Boar & Pig Categories kindly sponsored by:
Trevor Bolton · NZ Carton Company · Happy Young North Canterbury Wools
- Heaviest Red Stag – 1st $500 / 2nd $400 / 3rd $300
- Average Weight Deer (Red & Fallow) – $1,000
- Best Antlers Red – $150
- Best Antlers Fallow – $150
- Ugliest Head – $500
- Heaviest Fallow – $300
- Heaviest Boar – 1st $500 / 2nd $400 / 3rd $300
- Average Weight Pig – $1,000
- Best Tusks – $150
The Muzzle Station & Clarence River Rafting Goat Hunt Section
- Most Wild Goat Tails Collected – $1,000
- $500 Cash Draw to Win
Vegan Category
- Heaviest Vegetable- $50 Hammer Hardware Voucher
Junior & Kids
Junior Categories kindly sponsored by: Dennis Buurman
Juniors (14 Years & Under) entry $25
- Average Weight Deer – $250
- Average Weight Pig – $250
- Heaviest Pig – $250
- Best Horns – $50
- Heaviest Rat – $50
- Heaviest Mustelid – $50 (Hunting for Mustelids can start at the beginning of March)
Kids (Under 8 years) entry $10
Kindly Sponsored by Julia Bruce Bayleys
- Heaviest Hare / Possum / Rabbit – 1st $20 / 2nd $15 / 3rd $10
- Average Weight Mouse – $20
- Heaviest Rat – $50
- Heaviest Mustelid – $50 (Hunting for Mustelids can start at the beginning of March)
JUDGES
Meet the 2026 Judges
There’ll be no pulling the wool over their eyes!
Fred Nicholls · Peter Adams · Roger Jones · Daryl Travis
WEIGH IN DAY DETAILS
Food, Bar & Facilities
Sunday 29 March, 12pm–6pm
BBQs
• Venison burgers
• Sausage sizzle & Pies
• Slow-smoked lamb & slaw baps
Kids
• Fizzy drinks
• Chips & lollies
Drinks
• Public Bar (12pm – 6pm)
• Coffee cart
Important Information
Vehicles may be left in the paddock on Sunday night and collected on Monday if required
EFTPOS available at bar and food tents
Please bring some cash for raffles
Please bring a sober driver if drinking
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Hunters4Hope at Weigh-In
It’s fantastic to have the team from Hunters4Hope at the weigh-in this year.
They’ll be accepting good-eating deer that hunters choose to donate after weigh-in. All venison collected will be processed into mince to help families across Canterbury — including right here in Kaikōura.
Te Whare Putea Trust Kaikōura are already distributing Hunters4Hope mince in local food parcels to support Kaikōura families.
Kaikōura-based outfitters Glencree Estate, South Pacific Safaris NZ, Four Seasons Safaris & Spey Creek Trophy Hunting are also donating significant amounts of venison from their operations.
Learn more at: www.hunters4hope.com
🎯 Every hunter who donates a deer goes in the draw to win a $200 Kaikōura Hunting & Fishing voucher.
RULES & REGULATIONS
Rules of the Competition
Clear, plain-English rules to ensure a fair and safe hunt for everyone.
Rules & Regulations of Competition
- Organisers reserve the right to refuse any animal or entry
- No barrows permitted
- No tame animals
- No frozen or rotten animals
- Hunting starts Friday 27 March 2026 at 12:01am
- Maximum 2 animals per category
- If two animals weigh the same, the first weighed-in wins
- Average weight deer may be Red or Fallow
- Best antlers and tusks will be judged on appearance, not score
- If an entrant has an animal disqualified, all animals entered by that person may be rejected
- All testicles must be left intact
- All offal must be removed (heart, lungs, liver), including throats and arseholes
- Minimum carcass weight: 25kg
- All hunting must be carried out legally and humanely
- Judges’ decision is final
- Weigh-in cutoff is 3:00pm, unless already in line
- All carcasses must be taken home
Important Notes
- Entries close 5:00pm, Thursday 26 March 2026 — NO late entries accepted
- Early Bird entries close Friday 13 March 2026
- Entry forms are also available at Kaikōura Hunting & Fishing, 130 Beach Road, Kaikōura
Safety & Responsibility
By entering the Kaikōura Hunting & Fishing 2026 Pig & Stag Hunt, you acknowledge that:
- You are responsible for your own safety and actions
- You hold a current firearms licence, or actively hunt with someone who does
- You will adhere to the NZ Firearms Code and safe hunting practices at all times
- The organisers and property owners accept no responsibility for injury, loss, or damage to property
- You enter the competition entirely at your own risk
Queries
- Hunting queries: Fred Nicholls — 027 430 1836
- Admin queries: Bin — 027 685 5092
- Treasurer – Biddy 0274 612 581
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
Sponsors
Kaikōura Hunting & Fishing are our major sponsor, with generous support from local and national businesses who help make this event possible.
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
We’d also like to thank the following supporters who generously supported the event with cash or prizes.
- Muzzle Station – O & Guy Redfern, Tina & Colin Nimmo
- Nigel & Marieka Ross
- Dennis Buurman
- Clarence River Rafting
- Trevor Bolton
- Paul Bennett
- Happy Young
- BP Kaikoura Nigel & Cathy Graham
- The Harmon Family
- Michael & Raewyn Smith
- Ross Sutherland
- Getz Engineering
- North Canterbury Wools Ltd
- Swan Creek – Boyd Family
- Kanuka Dairy -Nelson Frost
- AP & JK Smith Contracting
- Kaikoura Transport
- Kaikoura Hedge Trimming
- Kaikoura Ag Spray
- Auto Tow Kaikoura Ltd
- Mancave Mechanicals
- Aaron Leckie – Rural Livestock
- Liam Harnett Livestock
- Kelsey Leathem Design
- Surrey Downs Partnership
- Simon Mackle
- Stu & Trudy Abernethy
- Charlie Lister
- Craig & Suzanne Smith
- Geoff & Ginny Clark – Caltex Kaikoura
- Cindy & James – Kaikoura Hammer Hardware
FUNDRAISER
Grab Ya Mates – Kaikōura Raffle
A fundraiser raffle supporting the Kaikōura Pig & Stag Hunt, with the chance to win an unforgettable Kaikōura getaway.
WHAT YOU WIN
- Fishing trip for 4 with Seamist Fishing Charters
- One night’s accommodation for 4 at Donegal House
- $250 dinner voucher for Donegal House
Payment: Cash or bank transfer to 02-0856-0045628-000
Reference: Name + raffle
EVENT HISTORY
Results by Year
2024 Results
Open Hunter
Heaviest Red Stag
- 1st: Kieran Priddle — 156.5kg
- 2nd (equal): Hugh Wallace — 154.5kg
- 2nd (equal): Will O’Sullivan — 154.5kg
Average Weight Stag
- Winner: Sam Wilding — 114.5kg
- Overall average: 114.7kg
3 Hind Combo — Average Weight
- 1st (equal): Bradley Wilcock & Hayden Bishop
Average Weight Red Hind & Sow
- 1st: Josh Hickey
Best Antlers
- Winner: Ross Sutherland
Ugliest Head
- Winner: Andy Carr
Heaviest Fallow
- Winner: Ross Sutherland — 82kg
Heaviest Boar — David Dunlea Trophy
- 1st: Francis Drake — 86.5kg
- 2nd: Cory Henderson — 84kg
- 3rd: Moses Kahu — 77kg
- 4th: Dan Pemberton — 75.5kg
- 5th: Jason Neal — 70.5kg
Average Weight Boar
- Winner: Shane Zonneveld — 47kg
- Overall average: 46.9kg
Best Tusks
- Winner: Olivia Thomas
Junior Hunter
Mystery Weight Deer (94kg)
- 1st: Elliot Ruawai — 93kg
Average Weight Pig
- Winner: Chelsea Annan — 33kg
- Overall average: 33.2kg
Heaviest Goat
- Winner: Paetyn Collins — 38kg
Biggest Horns (Goat)
- Winner: Paetyn Collins
Heaviest Mustelid
- Winner: Tane Collins — 256g
Heaviest Rat
- Winner: Tane Collins — 166g
Kids
Heaviest Rat
- Winner: Noah Pemberton — 371g
Heaviest Mustelid
- Winner: Noah Pemberton — 591g (Ferret)
Heaviest Hare
- 1st: Eli Collins — 4.3kg
- 2nd: Ted Shepherd — 4.0kg
- 3rd (equal): Jimmy Neal, Isiah Lambert & Jai Laugeson — 3.9kg
Heaviest Rabbit
- 1st: Tane Collins — 1.8kg
- 2nd: Eli Collins — 1.7kg
- 3rd (equal): Trent Boyd, Charlotte Hamilton & Hapahapai Gibson — 1.6kg
Heaviest Possum
- 1st: Tane Collins — 4.6kg
- 2nd: Isiah Lambert — 4.4kg
- 3rd: Jimmy Neal — 4.3kg
- 4th: Macey Reimink — 4.1kg
- 5th: Toby Dickson — 3.9kg
2022 Results
Open Adult Categories
Heaviest Red Stag
- 1st: Spencer Kahu — 171kg ($500)
- 2nd: Tairi Mullens — 161kg ($400)
- 3rd: Dillan Laugeson — 156kg ($300)
- 4th (equal): Fletcher Kirk — 148.5kg ($200)
- 4th (equal): Wyatt Woods — 148.5kg
- 5th: Riley Buller — 146kg ($100)
All placings also received a knife kindly donated by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Average Weight Stag
- Winner: Paul Smith — 103.28kg
- Prize: $500 Big Game Taxidermy shoulder mount voucher
Combination Average Weight — Red Hind & Sow
- Winner: Kuru Manawatu — $500
Best Antlers
- Winner: Spencer Kahu — $150
Ugliest Head
- Winner: Shane Scott — $150
Heaviest Fallow
- Winner: John Morton — 78.5kg ($300)
Heaviest Boar
- 1st: James Pinfold — 110.5kg ($500)
- 2nd: Trevor Bolton — 92.5kg ($400)
- 3rd: Dan Pemberton — 82.5kg ($300)
- 4th: Jenna Marfell — 79kg ($200)
- 5th: Simon Bailey — 76kg ($100)
All placings also received a bag of dog food kindly donated by Vetcare Kaikōura, Farmlands & PGG Wrightson.
Best Tusks
- Winner: Levania Harper — $150
Average Weight Boar
- Winner: Jack Dunlea — 56.5kg ($500)
Junior Category (Under 16 Years)
Mystery Weight Deer
- Winner: Bailey Herbert — 54.5kg ($250)
- Closest above: Tom Murray — 57kg (Hunters Element gaiters & RM Williams caps, donated by Aaron Leckie Rural Livestock)
- Closest below: Kate Milton — 49.2kg
Average Weight Pig (Boar or Sow)
- Winner: Maia Watson — $250
- Closest above: Noah Pemberton (Te Hāna Tuff Gear)
- Closest below: Maia Watson
Heaviest Goat
- Winner: Brooklyn Spencer — 44.4kg ($100)
Biggest Horns (Goat)
- Winner: Brooklyn Spencer — $50
Heaviest Rat
- Winner: Noah Pemberton — 411g ($50)
Kids (8 & Under)
Heaviest Hare
- 1st: Lachlan Armstrong — 4.7kg ($20)
- 2nd: Aiden Dobbs — 4.6kg ($15)
- 3rd: George Bailey — 4.5kg ($10)
Heaviest Possum
- 1st: Fletcher Tull — 4.4kg ($20)
- 2nd: Zoe Thiele — 4.2kg ($15)
- 3rd: Macey Reimink — 4.1kg ($10)
Heaviest Rabbit
- 1st: Jack Forrester — 2.5kg ($20)
- 2nd: Jack Osikai — 2.3kg ($15)
- 3rd: Aiden Dobbs — 1.9kg ($10)