Not just as a hunting trip, New Zealand is a bit different from other parts of the world I know. That long flight by plane alone requires a persistent desire to visit this, yet remote, part of the world. But the arrival itself is different, the simple airport at QUENSTOWN, the easy procedure and the welcome reception of a familiar face with coffee. Easy access makes life easier.
Quenstown, a scattered adrenaline town, a famous winter resort, but also the untamed wilderness of Mount Aspirig. “Im here for you in the morning, and tonight you go down to the city there are places where you can have fun ”- a recommendation from a well-known New Zealand hunter. Tired, after the flight, we are neither for sleep nor for fun, ok – we go to get to know the city, or rather see where we are. There is a surprise in the morning – we fly by helicopter! There is no information just a schedule, “you sit forward, next to the pilot and when we jump out, do not go to the tail of the helicopter.” As he gave me the information, he stored the rifle on the floor of the helicopter – nothing was clear to me. Soon it didn’t matter – the view of the organized island was breathtaking. The wildlife in the mountains, farms, landscaped pastures and settlements overlap perfectly. Soon we entermountains, clouds, snow and unique landscapes – “hell garden” – he says. Suddenly, it was as if he had decided ” there they are – we will jump out of here”. Who – where – but we’re in the middle of the mountains – I think. But it was like he said, “get out and don’t go to the tail of the helicopter”, I nodded and head for the tail of the helicopter! A hand on the collar and a objurgatory glance pinned me to the rock until the helicopter rose. “They are coming towards us – shoot”, so in all this turmoil the rifle was already loaded and in my hands. They are really coming, though the color is no different than the rocks – but it is visible, I shoot, it disappears. “Where it is – did you get it – reload” – I confidently confirm that it is down (though after the shot I didn’t see it again, but it would make sense if it fell) and point the finger. The helicopter descends upon the Chamois and brings it to the rock to us. Here – I’m still under the impression.
Afterwards we went to restaurants, forests, hunting grounds, deer game farms. We met people, culture, customs. I do not know if this is my impression, but very simple, practical people solve everyday life situations, solve problems that are important for their local community and for the positive functioning of their living community. “Guys – you need to know one thing – in one Country it is either a rich government or it is a rich people that inhabits the country”, with that we said goodbye to our host and flew home….
