About Central South Outfitters New Zealand
About Us
Conor Carlaw is the founder and head guide of Central South Outfitters - Widely regarded as New Zealand's premier waterfowl outfitting service. Based in the heart of the South Island. Conor Offers world-class Waterfowl and Fly Fishing trips Tailored for Hunters and Anglers who value quality, professionalism and a genuine Kiwi experience.
What started out as a passion for the outdoors has grown into a business built on reputation, with every guest leaving with stories worth telling and not a single client left disappointed. From the moment you arrive, you'll experience the kind of guiding, hospitality and attention to details that keep hunters coming back. Clients often arrive as strangers and leave as friends. Its this standard that drives everything Conor does from the scouting to the story telling.
With 100% Client satisfaction to date, Conor's trips have become a go-to destination for all Waterfowl and Anglers alike - Chasing something unforgettable.
Main Packages on offer
Waterfowling
Come and join us where you will be hunting waterfowl surrounded by mountains, large glacial lakes and rivers hunting birds that can only be hunted in New Zealand.
Pack your gear, bring your sense of adventure, and let's embark on an epic journey together. Book your trip today and get ready to make memories that'll last a lifetime.
Fly Fishing
Whether you only dry fly fish or you love nymph fishing, we can take you on a New Zealand fly fishing trip of a lifetime in search of rising Rainbow and Brown trout.
Fishing in glacial rivers, spring streams or lakes chasing cruising Browns and Rainbows, whatever that may be, we would love to have you.
Big Game
Big Game
With over 4000 acres of private hunting land, we will provide you with a well catered New Zealand Big Game hunt to suit any fitness capabilities.
New Zealand is recognized Worldwide for these Animals. Red Stag - up to 360 sci to 700 +sci
Other Animal Species:
- Fallow Buck
- Himalayan Bull Tahr
- Elk - upto 400 sci - 441 + sci
- Arapawa Ram
- Pigs
Waterfowl Species
Paradise Shelduck
Paradise Shelduck
Paradise Shelduck
Paradise Shelduck (Tandora variegata)
A true icon of New Zealand Waterfowling.
The Paradise Shelduck is a striking, native species, known for its loud calls, bold colors and strong pair bonds. Males are Black with a greenish sheen while the hens are chestnut with a pure white head They are unmistakable.
The Paradise Shelduck Hen is one of the very few birds in the animal world where the female is more decorative than the Male.
NZ Grey Duck
Paradise Shelduck
Paradise Shelduck
Grey ducks are uniformly darkish brown with most feathers edged with a paler buff. The crown is almost black, and the face a clean cream crossed with two sharply-defined black stripes, one Grey ducks are uniformly darkish brown with most feathers edged with a paler buff. The crown is almost black, and the face a clean cream crossed with two sharply-defined black stripes, one extending from the bill through the eye to link to the dark crown, the other from the gape and extending across the lower face and beyond the eye. The bill is leaden grey with a black nail, legs khaki, and the eye dark brown. The upper wing is brown, with the speculum (on the trailing edge of the inner wing) an iridescent green with a trailing narrow white band.
Other names - 'Pacific Black Duck'
Native.
Mallards
Paradise Shelduck
Mallards
New Zealand mallard population is derived from 17 small importations of game farm mallards from England between 1870 and 1930, and two later imports of birds and eggs from a game farm in Connecticut, USA. Acclimatization Societies subsequently bred and released over 30,000 mallards throughout New Zealand until 1974, by which time the mallard had become the most common waterfowl in the country.
Extensive hybridization with the native grey duck followed soon after their initial release and the mallard competitively excluded grey ducks from most wetlands, especially those in and near urban environments and in pastoral landscapes. As a consequence of both their game farm origin and hybridization, the plumages of New Zealand’s mallards are highly variable, especially the females, and males in breeding plumage are duller and less striking than wild northern hemisphere mallards.
Other Animals and Activities on offer
Wallabies
After something a bit different to round out your New Zealand hunt? Jump in on an adrenaline-packed wallaby hunt with experienced wallaby dogs — an old-school, boots-on-the-ground style of pest control that’s as raw and real as it gets.
These hunts are fast-paced and unpredictable. The dogs locate and flush wallabies in steep country, giving hunters quick, exciting shot opportunities. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon after a morning on the ducks or rivers — and a side of New Zealand hunting most never get to see.
Wallabies are a serious pest here, and this is a chance to help manage populations while getting stuck into something truly different.
P.OA
Black Swan (Cygnus Atratus)
The Black Swan is a striking, iconic species native to New Zealand and Australia. With its jet-black plumage, deep red bill, and massive wingspan, this bird commands attention both on the water and in the trophy room.
Unlike most other waterfowl, Black Swans are grazers, often seen in large groups feeding on aquatic vegetation. They’re known for their haunting calls and graceful presence — but when they take to the air, they’re big, fast, and tough to bring down clean.
We offer opportunities to hunt this unique species in select locations during the open season. A mature Black Swan makes for an unforgettable trophy and a great addition to any serious waterfowler’s collection.
Australasian Shoveler
Australasian Shoveler
The Australasian Shoveler is one of New Zealand’s most eye-catching dabbling ducks. With its deep chestnut body, vivid green speculum, and signature spoon-shaped bill, this crafty little bird is a favorite among collectors and wing shooters alike.
While protected in Australia, here in New Zealand we’re fortunate to be able to hunt this unique species during the season. Due to its limited numbers and high value as a mount-quality trophy, a trophy fee applies for prime drake and Hen Shovelers.
Whether you’re chasing a new bird for the wall or ticking another species off your collection list, the Shoveler delivers fast-paced, challenging shooting and an unforgettable reward.
P.O.A
Lodging - Star Lake
Great for groups of 3-4
Popular by Demand!
Thoughtfully updated with a touch of 70s flair reflecting the original batch, the well equipped open-plan kitchen and living area flows onto an expansive covered deck that beautifully frames the breathtaking mountain vistas and sparkling Lake Tekapo views. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning coffee, an evening glass of wine or BBQ dinner, the sheltered deck is the perfect place to soak up the ever changing light – especially as the sunset paints the mountains in warm, golden hues.
Designed for easy entertaining and cozy living with 3 spacious queen bedrooms, the house is located with easy access to many of the bike and Walking Trails and is an easy stroll to the lakefront, and village Restaurants and cafes and supermarket. Star lake is the perfect base for a relaxed and scenic getaway.
Queen bed
Queen bed
Queen bed
Linen, towels and cleaning included.
2 Night MINIMUM stay.