experience rawhiti

Hunting Legacy in the Heart of the High Country

rawhiti estate - family legacy

Rawhiti Estate is more than just land—it’s a way of life, shaped by four generations of the Elliot family. For over 90 years, this high-country property has been a working farm known for its fine wool production, deep connection to the land, and a strong commitment to conservation. From early pioneering days to welcoming trophy hunters from around the world, the estate has remained proudly family-run and New Zealand-owned—ensuring every visitor experiences genuine Southern hospitality. With over 15,000 acres of free-range wilderness and 2,000 hectares of premier high-fence hunting, Rawhiti Estate offers an experience where legacy, wild country, and world-class game come together.

Today, Rawhiti Estate Trophy Hunting is owned and operated by Duncan Elliot, your host and lead guide. Raised in the hills of Central Otago, Duncan brings a lifetime of experience across the Lammermoor and Rock and Pillar Ranges, offering an intimate knowledge of the terrain and wildlife. The next chapter of the family story is already unfolding. Duncan’s young son, Andrew, represents the fifth generation to grow up on this land—adding to the enduring legacy of those who came before him.

A High Country Wilderness Like No Other

Spanning over 15,000 hectares of rugged free-range terrain and 2,000 hectares of carefully managed high-fence hunting, Rawhiti Estate offers an unparalleled hunting experience in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. Here, vast golden tussock lands roll into hidden valleys, rocky outcrops provide perfect vantage points, and crystal-clear streams carve through the landscape—all setting the stage for a truly unforgettable hunt.

Sportsman's Paradise

Bordering the renowned Taieri River, Rawhiti Estate also offers world-class brown trout fishing—making it one of the rare places where you can chase a trophy stag in the morning and cast for a wild trout in the afternoon.

Lammermoor distilery

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Rawhiti Estate isn’t just known for its breathtaking landscapes and world-class hunting—it’s also home to the renowned Lammermoor Distillery. Built on generations of farming tradition, the distillery crafts premium whisky and gin using pure high-country water and barley grown right on the station.

other activites

A hunting trip to Rawhiti places you in the heart of one of New Zealand’s most adventure-rich and visually spectacular regions. Whether you’re building a full itinerary around your hunt or travelling with non-hunting companions, Central Otago and nearby Queenstown offer an incredible range of activities to explore.

In Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, you’ll find everything from fine dining and boutique shopping to luxury day spas and salons—ideal for unwinding after time in the hills. The town is also a launch point for scenic flights through the majestic Southern Alps or into the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound. In winter, Queenstown is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Hemisphere, with world-class resorts like Coronet Peak and The Remarkables just minutes from town.
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Closer to Rawhiti Estate, the Otago Central Rail Trail offers one of the best cycling experiences in the country. Ride through historic gold-mining towns, explore old railway tunnels, and stop at cellar doors and cafés along the way. Many visitors enjoy combining the trail with local bike-and-wine tours, which take you through boutique vineyards producing Central Otago’s internationally acclaimed Pinot Noir.

Venture further afield and discover the gliding capital of the world in Omarama, or ride horseback through the backcountry on a guided high-country trek. A visit to the Aoraki / Mt Cook region offers breathtaking alpine scenery, while the Catlins Coast, to the southeast, is perfect for a day trip filled with waterfalls, native forest walks, and wildlife encounters like sea lions and penguins in a rugged coastal setting.

Back at Rawhiti Estate, guests can unwind with a tour and tasting at the station’s very own Lammermoor Distillery—an authentic taste of the high country, crafted on-site using estate-grown grain and pure mountain water. Whether you're seeking adventure, indulgence, or natural beauty, the area surrounding Rawhiti offers countless ways to round out an unforgettable South Island experience.