About Central South Outfitters New Zealand
About Me
I am Conor Carlaw 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. I offer 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 I do from the scouting to the story telling.
With access to over 11 private High Country Ranches/Stations I can assure you, We will have plenty of different scenarios of hunting and fishing opportunities and ample bird opportunities as well as Public Land.
With 100% Client satisfaction to date, My trips have become a go-to destination for all Waterfowl and Anglers alike - Chasing something unforgettable.
Main Packages on offer
Waterfowling
Step into the heart of New Zealand's southern alps and experience waterfowling hunting like nowhere else on earth, surrounded by towering mountains, glacial lakes and winding rivers, You'll be chasing birds found only in this part of the world.
This isn't just a hunt - it's an adventure. From sunrise, flights over mirror - flat lakes to t
Step into the heart of New Zealand's southern alps and experience waterfowling hunting like nowhere else on earth, surrounded by towering mountains, glacial lakes and winding rivers, You'll be chasing birds found only in this part of the world.
This isn't just a hunt - it's an adventure. From sunrise, flights over mirror - flat lakes to the echo of wings against alpine backdrops every moment is built for memories that last a lifetime. Grab you're gear, bring your passion and join me for the ultimate water fowling experience.
Fly Fishing
Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of New Zealand's South Island, where world- class fly fishing meets breathtaking backdrops. Whether you're chasing browns, sipping off the surface or rainbows smashing nymph in fast currents, every cast here is a shot at the trout of a lifetime.
From spring creeks to alpine lakes and streams our
Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of New Zealand's South Island, where world- class fly fishing meets breathtaking backdrops. Whether you're chasing browns, sipping off the surface or rainbows smashing nymph in fast currents, every cast here is a shot at the trout of a lifetime.
From spring creeks to alpine lakes and streams our waters are as diverse as the fish that call them home. Dry fly, nymph or streamer - whatever your style, I'll put you In front of trout in some of the most Beautiful Fly Fishing country of this planet.
Big Game
Big Game
Experience the ultimate New Zealand Big Game adventure cross 4000+ acres of exclusive private hunting land. Whether you're chasing a roaring Red Stag, stalking Himalayan Bull Tahr in the high country or pursuing Elk, Chamois, Fallow Buck, Arapawa Ram or wild boar, we'll tailor the hunt to your fitness level and style.
Our red stags range f
Experience the ultimate New Zealand Big Game adventure cross 4000+ acres of exclusive private hunting land. Whether you're chasing a roaring Red Stag, stalking Himalayan Bull Tahr in the high country or pursuing Elk, Chamois, Fallow Buck, Arapawa Ram or wild boar, we'll tailor the hunt to your fitness level and style.
Our red stags range from impressive 360 SCI trophies to world class giants scoring 700+ SCI cementing New Zealand's reputation as one of the finest hunting destinations on the planet.
After the hunt, relax in luxury - enjoy 5-star lodge accommodation, chef prepared meals, and a fully stocked bar with premium New Zealand wines and beers. Every detail is taken care of so you can focus on the hunt of a lifetime.
Waterfowl Species
Paradise Shelduck
NZ Grey Duck / Pacific Black Duck
NZ Grey Duck / Pacific Black Duck
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.
Native.
NZ Grey Duck / Pacific Black Duck
NZ Grey Duck / Pacific Black Duck
NZ Grey Duck / Pacific Black Duck
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, 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.
Black Swan
NZ Grey Duck / Pacific Black Duck
Black Swan
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.
Native.
Fly Fishing
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
New Zealand is an anglers dream and landing a brown trout here is pure magic. Our client Michael holding a stunning coloured up golden Brown trout, this is just a glimpse of the unforgettable moments you can have in our pristine waters. Brown trout have thrived here for over a century and they are a favourite for their spirited fight and stunning surroundings.
If you're looking for a prime location, the rivers and lakes of the south island especially around Tekapo and Fairlie are truly unbeatable. These waters not only offer an abundance of trout but they also deliver a world class fishing experience set against breathtaking scenery.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
While Brown Trout have their charm, the Rainbow Trout of New Zealand bring their own splash of colour and excitement. Picture yourself casting into the clear, fresh waters and hooking a dazzling rainbow trout that flashes with vibrant hues. These fish are not only stunning to look at with their iridescent colours, but they're also known for their energetic fight, giving anglers a real thrill especially on light gear!
The rivers and lakes around Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie are prime spots to experience this, offering an abundance of rainbow trout in breathtaking settings. Whether you're an experienced angler or newcomer, catching a rainbow trout here is an unforgettable experience.
The Take
The Take
Dive into the heart of New Zealand fly fishing where it is all about the thrill of the take. Whether you're presenting a delicate dry fly or nymphing, each cast is a chance to test your skills and feel that adrenaline rush when a trout rises to your fly or you're indicator goes down!
My guided adventures focus on the pure joy of the technique and the excitement of that perfect catch, making every moment on the water a true anglers delight.
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.
NZ Merriam Turkey
If you've hunted Eastern's, Osceola's, Rios and Merriam's.. There is still one bird to add to your list.
Deep in New Zealand's hills and farmland, wild turkeys have established as a unique trophy unlike anywhere else in the world. They carry that familiar Merriam look with cream tipped fans, but with a heavier build and the toughness that comes from thriving in the southern hemisphere. these birds do not come easy but when they do , you'll walk away with a trophy and a story that sets your hunt apart.
100% Free Range, Ideal add on to your Big Game or Water fowling package - a trophy halfway across the world.
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.
Trophy fees apply for certain species that are more mobile and require targeted setups and additional effort such as the Australasian shoveler.