Watch Hunting Aotearoa

Hunting Aotearoa is an engaging and raw outdoor adventure show from Hikoi Productions that premiered in 2005. The series, primarily set against the stunning, isolated, and often untamed countryside of New Zealand, uncovers the diverse hunting traditions of the Kiwi nation, highlighting the important societal and cultural roles hunting has played there for centuries.

The series draws its name from the Maori term "Aotearoa," translating to "the land of the long white cloud," which is commonly used to refer to New Zealand. This is reflective of the series' strong respect and acknowledgment for the Maori hunting traditions, intertwining contemporary hunting experiences with indigenous knowledge, techniques and rituals.

The host of Hunting Aotearoa is New Zealand TV personality, Howie Morrison Jr. Known for his affable nature and rustic charisma, Morrison’s easygoing personality and keen hunting skills guide audiences through episodes filled with adrenaline, patience, triumph, and sometimes, the inevitable disappointment that embodies the reality of hunting.

Hunting Aotearoa makes no attempt to gloss or glamourize the act of hunting. Instead, it presents hunting as a traditional and essential skill that is deeply embedded in the identity of the country. The series showcases the full hunting experience, from the initial tracking and pursuit to the respectful utilization of every part of the animal in the spirit of sustainability.

Each episode of Hunting Aotearoa takes viewers on a unique adventure, following Morrison and a variety of local guests and enthusiasts as they traverse the diverse terrains of New Zealand in pursuit of different game. This includes hunting for wild boars in dense forests, stalking elusive deer in the rocky highlands, pursuing various fowl species in the wetlands, and even venturing into fishing in New Zealand's abundant waters.

The series doesn’t just expose the viewers to the thrilling experience of the hunt but also emphasizes the associated practices of preparation, patience, safety, and respect for nature. This emphasis is intended to educate and inform audiences, even those unfamiliar with or ambivalent towards hunting, about responsible and ethical hunting practices.

As much as the hunting, Hunting Aotearoa is also about the wider journey. It captures the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, featuring soaring mountains, dense rainforests, tranquil lakes, and picturesque coastlines, offering a bird’s eye view of the country's natural wonders that few get to see. Additionally, the show introduces viewers to the rich variety of wildlife that inhabits these areas, making it an outstanding nature show in its own right.

Hunting is just part of the show's allure, however. Across its seasons, Hunting Aotearoa offers viewers an engaging exploration into the heart of New Zealand’s cultural fabric. There are segments where the gathered game is cooked, often using traditional Maori methods, featuring rustic, earthy delicacies that speak volumes about the people and their connection to the land.

Much like its host, Hunting Aotearoa has a warm, approachable demeanor. It often reaches out to local communities, interacting with people whose lives are entwined with the land and the hunt, offering unique insights into their lives, traditions, and heritage. Guest appearances from well-known personalities add extra character to the series, providing both humor and depth.

Collectively, Hunting Aotearoa is more than an outdoor adventure series. It's a tribute to a way of life, a respect for nature, and a celebration of cultural heritage. The show will appeal to hunting enthusiasts, nature lovers, adventure-seekers, and those interested in New Zealand’s vibrant culture. It offers a compelling mixture of action, education, and scenic beauty, conducted with camaraderie and authenticity.

A product of Hikoi Productions, Hunting Aotearoa represents the company's commitment to creating meaningful, engaging programming that highlights the people, places, and cultures of New Zealand. Since its 2005 debut, the show has evolved into one of the most recognized hunting programs in New Zealand, embodying the spirit of the land and its people.