The references below are from hunters and deerstalkers who have
taken trips over the past years.
Gert and Christine always seek to give a high quality service,
not only ensuring hunters have a successful trip, but also ensuring
all visitors enjoy their experience. Below is some of the feedback
from hunters who have enjoyed their trips:
We can provide many more reference contacts with email address
or phone numbers for the hunters planning a trip to New Zealand,
contact us through our enquiries page or contact us by email
gert @nzhunt .com
From Nelson Ellmore (Hamilton VA USA)
2007 season
I want to thank you for an absolutely wonderful Red stag and
Fallow deer hunt. I'vehunted many differrent places in the past
forty years,nothing compares to this hunt.The dedication and professionalism
of all the staff Okau Wilderness Park New Zealand was od the highest
standards, making this my most memorable hunt. I harvested a17
point red deer stag and a 23 point Fallow deer, not once was I
presured into shooting any animal my guide let me know what the
animal scored and the decision was up to me.
The food and all of the accommodation were outstanding. From
the dining room you could see the ocean less than five minutes
away, looking in the opposite direction the mountains, the most
beautifull sight I've ever seen.
After three days hunting our entire group(four hunter two non
hunters) had successfully harvested the animals they came for
, we all decided to go deep sea fishing. I wiil never forget this
fishing trip,weall caught many different species of fish,some
were so big it took 15 to twenty minutes to land them. This could
not have been a better planned fishing trip.The crew on the boat
were fantastic they did everything for us and all we did is just
reel in the fish.
If you want an outstanding hunting /Fishing trip, I would not
hesitate to recommend Gert and Christine at Okau Willdeness Park.
Nelson Ellmore
From James Perry (Canada)
We had a wonderful time with Gert and Christine, the hunting
was as real as it gets and we saw animals every day. We saw something
that would get the heart pumping every day and appreciated Gert's
effort to spot deer and look for the biggest deer out there for
us. I would recommend any one that is planning a trip to try
the estate and free range hunt combo, so you can get your big
stag and see what free range stags are like to hunt. Also don't
forget to try for a Fallow deer if you get the chance because
they are very cagey animals to hunt and are awesome animals to
try and get a trophy.
----- Original Message -----
From: Brad & Julie Kautzer <bradley@<deleted>.com.sg>
To: Gert Vermeer
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2001 8:00 PM
Subject: Thanks for a great time
Dear Gert & Christine:
Just wanted to drop a note thanking you once again for the absolutely
fantastic time Kevin, Rich, Lafe, and I had during our recent
hunt with you at Okau Wilderness Park. The entire trip was truly
memorable, and one which we'll all have fond memories of for
a long time.
Your hospitality during the entire trip was outstanding. Christine,
Bob, and yourself all made us feel at home. We really enjoyed
learning from you not only the finer points of hunting red stags,
but also learning about New Zealand's unique wildlife and hunting
traditions. We all have fond memories of the "roaring stag" lodge,
excellent food/drink, and a setting which was simple, relaxing,
and enjoyable. Even the "caravan" has special memories
- especially for Rich!
The hunting experience was outstanding. When Rich and I decided
to make a hunting trip to NZ, our first and most important criteria
was to have a real hunt, in true wild conditions, and be able
to enjoy some rugged New Zealand terrain. When we looked at various
options, it was obvious that so many of the hunting" operators
were just glorified game farms with large fenced in areas - not
exactly our idea of real hunting. We wanted to a hunt where we'd
hunt in quality wild terrain, and have a chance to take a trophy
size red stag, but in fair chase conditions. Needless to say,
we were not disappointed. To have all 4 of us take trophy size
stags, and see so many other animals during the course of the
week was absolutely unbelievable.
The Paua (abalone) and crayfish (lobster) "hunting" expedition
was also enjoyable. The only regret I have is that we could not
have spent more time enjoying more hunting, fishing, diving,
and in general just enjoying the beautiful country. Guess this
just means that we'll have to arrange another trip at some point
again in the future! If Rich, Kevin or I can serve as a reference
for future clients, please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll
make sure they hear the many positive aspects of your operation.
Best Regards, and hope to see you again on a future visit.
Brad Kautzer
From: GEORGE LENAR (USA)
To: GERT VERMEER
Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2000
Subject: Hunting
Dear Gert and Christine,
Mary and I had a wonderful time. Mary tells everyone, that is
willing to listen, of the great time she had, the places Christine
had taken her to and the things she saw.
Gert, as you know, I hunted all over the world under various
conditions and successes. But, I must say, hunting at Okau Station
has to rank up there with the very best. The scenery, the size
of the area, and of course, it being directly on the Pacific
Ocean made it just wonderful. I had a wonderful time and a great
hunt. Seeing dozens of deer on a daily bases with numerous stags
in a free range atmosphere, as you have, is very uncommon today,
not just in New Zealand but anyplace in the world. To see as
much game as you have on your property, one must either travel
to a very few countries in Africa, or to a high fenced-in area.
It is great tribute to your game management ability and perseverance
to have a hunting area such as yours. Your guiding ability and
knowledge of the game is second to none. Your willingness to
climb those "hills", that in reality to me, are mountains, to
look for stags, than to come back down to the bottom and climb
up the next hill just to have a better look, goes beyond the
call of duty, and made me feel that you cared about the success
of my hunt.
The hunt itself was well above my expectation. In three days
I shot a 14 point red stag (scoring 307 4/8 SCI), a fallow buck
and a wild goat. All three of the animals of SCI record book
quality. To accomplish that in a free range area speaks volumes,
not on my hunting ability, but on the great place that you have.
No doubt about it, I had a great time.
Not to mention, the way you and Christine treated my wife and
me. We went there as strangers, I felt we were treated as family,
and we left as friends. Thanks for everything.
George
From: JOHN McBRIDE (USA)
To: GERT VERMEER
Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2000
Subject: Re: Okau Wilderness Park
Everything you promised was true, plus more! I had an excellent
archery hunt! Although Gert is not an experienced archery guide,
his knowledge of the ranch, the game, and their habits more than
made up for it. Wind direction is one of the number one factors
in bow hunting, and Gert was always very aware and keyed into
the wind. Consequently we were able to stalk within twenty to
thirty yards of game several times.
In five days, I was able to harvest a nice 12 point red stag,
pig, and a real trophy angora goat. Plenty of good food, good
company, lots of game, an excellent guide--I'll be back next
year.
Thanks again,
John McBride
From: Keith Davidson (New Zealand)
I am most impressed with the Vermeers' operation. Gert was astutely
aware of my general lack of fitness, and had kept our walking
to a leisurely pace through the easier tracks on the block. This
operation could be well suited to others like me who spend far
too much time behind a desk (and puffing on cigarettes) and not
nearly enough time keeping fit. I would think too that bow hunters
would be most impressed with the hunting, as the quiet nature
of the undisturbed deer allows very close stalking.
I have no hesitation at all in recommending hunters to book
a trip on Okau Station. The operation is very professionally
run, the Vermeers are great hosts, and most importantly, the
hunter has a great chance of either securing that special trophy,
or if not inclined to chase trophies, to at least bag some very
tasty venison. Whether you want to hunt with rifle or bow, or
even with your camera, the moderate costs and chances of success,
as well as the fine company will make your trip an enjoyable
one."
