About us
Everything you need to know about our commitment to the land, the animals that inhabit it, and the people that make world-class hunting possible.
We offer the opportunity to hunt some of the largest free-range Red Stags on the planet, with exclusive access to one of the most picturesque locations you can find.
Our expert guiding experience set in the awe inspiring back bone of Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island).
The mountain and lakeside landscape belies the undulating valleys and faces where our animals roam.
Historic Lake Hāwea Station is around 13 kilometres from the original release of the Scottish herd into New Zealand. The country you will hunt is private land, meaning you will see and experience epic landscapes with scenery not open to the public.
Our team has been selectively managing and curating this herd since the Ross Family first took over the station in 2017. We are now proud to say our clients are consistently seeing some of the highest scoring heads in New Zealand.
Meet the team
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Gabe Ross
Head Guide
Gabe is part of the Ross Family who owns and lives on Lake Hāwea Station. The station fostered Gabe’s passion for hunting.
He grew up roaming these hills and has been managing our animal herd since the Ross Family took over the station in 2017.
Gabe lives and breathes hunting here on the station and has clocked hundreds of days observing, hunting, and looking after our animals.
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Riley Meason
Hunting Guide
Riley is a skilled hunting guide and passionate outdoorsman with a deep connection to the New Zealand backcountry. Raised in East Otago, he grew up hunting, diving, and exploring the outdoors from a young age.
He holds a certificate in outdoor education, with training in bush survival, navigation, and kayaking, giving him a solid foundation for guiding in remote and rugged terrain.
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Mitchell Green
Hunting Guide (Speciality Bow and Fishing)
Mitch is a passionate outdoorsman, who combines years of guiding experience with a deep understanding of South Island game species, from red stags and fallow bucks to the majestic tahr and chamois that populate the Southern Alps.
As a dedicated bow hunter and fisherman, Mitch brings local knowledge, strong field skills and a bold connection to the land to every adventure.
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Billy Ellwood
Guide and Taxidermist
Billy is a dedicated hunting guide with a lifelong passion for the outdoors and 8 years experience in South Island trophy hunting.
Outside of guiding, Billy works full-time as a Taxidermist, bringing a wealth of knowledge in aging, scoring, and assessing trophy animals.
Friendly and passionate, Billy loves swapping stories with anyone who shares his love of hunting and fishing.
Hear about our commitment to game management and world-class hunting
Head to the bottom of the planet - you’ll find us there
Expert guiding
Our guiding service strives for excellence in every aspect of your experience. We offer hunts ranging from a minimum of four days to a maximum of seven. During your time with us you will set the pace.
The scenery and landscapes we will hunt are epic and the biodiversity offers its own stories - we have the rarest Falcon (Karerea) in New Zealand - it travels past you at 200ks an hour.
Our guides live and breathe their work (one is a professional taxidermist) - they live to see our clients achieve their goals.
“I have had the privilege of hunting Lake Hawea Station for the last 7 years.
An extensive high country station where I have shot free range Red and Fallow Deer including a beautiful 15 point Red Stag as well as chamois. All able to be hunted in their natural environment.
A place where the welfare of the game and the stunning wilderness is paramount to the experience. They are hospitable, knowledgeable and enthusiastic hosts / guides.”
Learn more about Lake Hāwea Station
station (noun)
/ whāma /
A station or run, in the context of New Zealand agriculture, is a large farm dedicated to the grazing of sheep and cattle.
Book your stay
We are looking forward to welcoming you onto the station - simply let us know when you’ll be coming and the type of experience you are wanting to create and we’ll take care of the rest.