Yes, there are deer in New Zealand, and they are now widespread across both the North and South Islands. Deer are not native to the country, having been introduced from overseas, and they currently exist in two distinct ways: as large wild populations and as the foundation of a major commercial farming industry. These animals play a dual role in the New Zealand environment, acting as both a highly valued game species for hunters and a significant source of export revenue. Their presence, however, also presents complex ecological challenges for the country’s unique native ecosystems.
The History of Introduction
The presence of deer in New Zealand dates back to the mid-19th century, with the first successful liberation of Red Deer occurring in 1861 near Nelson. The motivation for their introduction was primarily for sport and the establishment of game animals for hunting, a practice championed by acclimatisation societies. Over 220 separate releases involving more than 800 deer took place between 1851 and 1926, bringing in several different species.
The animals thrived in the new environment, which offered plentiful food and a complete lack of natural predators, allowing populations to multiply rapidly. Initially, the introduced deer populations were legally protected, which compounded their unchecked expansion across the landscape. By the early 20th century, the growing herds began to spread quickly. This rapid increase in numbers soon led to conflicts, as the expanding deer populations started to noticeably impact native forests and grazing lands.
Major Wild Deer Species Established
Seven species of deer successfully established wild populations in New Zealand. The most successful and widespread is the Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), found across most forested and tussock regions of both the North and South Islands. Red Deer are also the most commonly farmed species.
The second most common species, Fallow Deer (Dama dama), is widely distributed in low-altitude forests across both main islands. Other species have more geographically discrete populations. Sika Deer (Cervus nippon), Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis), and Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) are primarily concentrated in the North Island. Sika deer are found predominantly in the Kaweka and Kaimanawa Forest Parks, while Sambar are established in the Manawatu and Bay of Plenty regions.
In the South Island, a population of Wapiti (Cervus canadensis), which are North American elk, exists exclusively in northern Fiordland. White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are only found in two specific areas: on Stewart Island/Rakiura and near Lake Wakatipu.
Status and Management of Wild Populations
Wild deer are not legally protected and are classified as introduced wild animals due to their harmful effects on indigenous biodiversity. The primary concern is the damage they cause to native forests by browsing on preferred plants like broadleaf and tree seedlings, which can disrupt the entire forest understorey and affect ecosystem function. As a result, the Department of Conservation (DOC) actively manages deer populations to reduce pressure on native plants and habitats, often aiming to achieve or maintain deer-free areas.
Management strategies have evolved significantly, initially relying on government-employed cullers in the 1930s and later shifting to commercial venison recovery. Today, control includes aerial culling operations, often used in remote public conservation land to target large numbers of animals. DOC also administers concessions for Wild Animal Recovery Operations (WARO), allowing commercial operators to recover deer for processing into venison.
Recreational hunting is strongly encouraged as a method of population control, and hunters are a significant partner in managing deer numbers. Hunters can pursue deer year-round in most public areas without a specific hunting permit, which contributes substantially to the overall harvest. A reduction in the commercial demand for wild venison has recently led to decreased commercial recovery activity, meaning recreational hunters now contribute the majority of the ongoing population management.
The Commercial Deer Farming Industry
Separate from the management of wild herds, New Zealand established a substantial commercial deer farming industry beginning in the early 1970s. This industry was built by capturing live deer from the wild, often using helicopters, to establish initial breeding stock. Today, New Zealand is recognized as having the world’s largest and most advanced deer farming sector, with an estimated one million deer farmed on approximately 2,000 properties.
The industry’s primary products are farm-raised venison and velvet antler. Venison accounts for the largest volume of exports, providing a lean, high-quality red meat product to international markets, with the United States being a major importer. Velvet antler, the rapidly growing, uncalcified antler removed from stags, is also a highly valuable commodity. The velvet is primarily exported for use in traditional Chinese medicine and as a health supplement, with China being the largest consumer. This commercial sector is a significant economic contributor, generating an average of approximately NZ$280 million annually in export revenue.