Hi, my name is Mike Wilks and together with my wife Deborah, own and operate South Pacific Safaris New Zealand, specializing in the best New Zealand trophy red stag, elk, fallow, tahr, chamois, boar, feral goat and arapara ram hunts .  We pride ourselves in getting the very best trophies available for our hunters and have the reputation for doing so. Not only do our red stags, elk and fallow bucks score well but have huge mass, width and points. The proof is in our photo Gallery section, please take time to view these magnificant trophies.

I have been associated with hunting for almost my entire life. My passion for hunting and the great New Zealand outdoors began when as a young boy I accompanied my grandfather on rabbit hunts and it wasn’t long before I was successfully hunting larger game such as red stag, and boar. I have also been "the client" and my motto is to treat all hunters exactly how I like to be treated, honestly and not be misled. I am not only the Outfitter but also full time guide along with Hayden who has worked for us for the past 9 years and is a dedicated hunter and is passionate in finding you the very best trophies possible.

As a teenager in the early 70’s I entered the lucrative market of commercial meat hunting for wild game. This further developed my hunting skills and understanding  of game animals including red stag, tahr, chamois and boar, while also increasing my knowledge of prime hunting areas throughout New Zealand. The commercial aspect of hunting was carried a step further when I spent a couple of years as a shooter in New Zealand’s world renowned helicopter game recovery industry. 

In later years I became involved in the Safari Hunting business as a hunting guide and have been associated with this activity for the past 15 years. I now, own and operate South Pacific Safaris New Zealand. With over 30 years hunting experience I offer my knowledge to hunters wanting to realize their dream of taking outstanding trophies amongst our magnificent mountains.

We live on our 4,000-acre ranch just 15 minutes drive south of the world-renowned marine capital of New Zealand, Kaikoura. Our luxury hunting lodge and newly completed luxury units offer un-paralleled views of  the Pacific Ocean and our bush clad valley which extends to the west and is home to the red stag, fallow bucks, Elk, feral goats and wild boar.  Our Exclusive hunting concessions to hunt chamois and tahr are close by and with proven management are producing some of the best trophies to come out of new Zealand. We know each hunter is different and tailor make each hunt to suit. We offer a number of different hunting methods and cater for all ages and fitness levels. Our two Guides, Hayden and John both have extensive knowledge and passion for hunting. We also have the pleasure of employing Pete Harding as a guide and he is a great assest as he hunts both in New Zealand and Australia. 

Deborah looks after all non- hunters and is very happy to show them all there is to see and do, right on our back door. Our Chef cooks some of the best, fresh cuisine there is, with Lobster and seafood appearing on the menu when available. Kaikoura is the home of fresh seafood. New Zealand also has the reputation for excellent wines and we serve the very best from our region.

Cabelas Outdoor Adventures, America's largest Hunting and Fishing booking agents invited us as the only New Zealand Outfitter to be apart of their "International destination program" for their customers and employees. We now have the right to use their offical Logo within our advertising which is a stamp of recognition for our Outfitting business. 

Leica representatives hunted with us earlier this year and have asked us to work with them as their New Zealand Outfitter. We will have a range of their excellent optics at the Lodge ready for the 2011 season and have been given various products for our hunters to use while hunting with us. Their reputation for quality and ours for the very best trophies New Zealand has to offer along with Luxury accommodation makes for a great working relationship, one we are looking forward to.

Mike is a member of SCI , FNAWS, Dallas Safari Club, NRA and the New Zealand Professional Hunters & Guides Association.

 Deborah, Hayden Pete and I look forward to sharing our piece of paradise with you.