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Waterfowl Hunting with Lassens Waterfowl Guides
At Lassens Waterfowl Guides, we offer a relaxed, authentic New Zealand-style duck hunting experience focused on quality shooting, great company, and the enjoyment of the hunt. Our guided hunts provide exclusive access to private properties, wetlands, ponds, and the renowned Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere.
The Lassen family has been hunting waterfowl in these areas for three generations. From the sheltered ponds to the vast waters of Lake Ellesmere, our local knowledge and experience have been built over decades, giving hunters the best opportunity for a memorable day in the Blind.
Pond Hunting
Our ponds are the heart of our operation and host the majority of our hunts. Whether it's a calm autumn evening or a howling Canterbury southerly, every hunt offers excitement and opportunity.
Hunters shoot from traditional New Zealand-style mānuka māi māis and pit blinds, carefully positioned to maximise success. These ponds have been in the Lassen family for three generations and are widely regarded as some of the finest waterfowl hunting locations in the region. Larger irrigation dams can also be arranged upon request.
Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere
Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere is a vast, shallow coastal lagoon located south of Banks Peninsula in Canterbury, New Zealand. Covering approximately 20,000 hectares, it is the largest lake in the region and is internationally recognised for its biodiversity and abundance of game birds.
Hunting the lake is not for the faint-hearted. It can be a demanding day, but those willing to put in the effort are often rewarded with some of the finest waterfowl shooting available. Watching birds work high overhead before committing to the decoy spread and finishing within 15 yards is an experience unlike any other. When conditions are right, the lake offers exceptional decoying opportunities and truly unforgettable shooting.
Game Bird Species
New Zealand's game bird season offers a diverse range of species, including:
Mallard Duck
Grey Duck
Paradise Shelduck
Canada Goose
Black Swan
New Zealand Shoveler
Our ponds regularly hold all of these species throughout the season, while Lake Ellesmere serves as a major roosting area and is home to large populations of game birds.