Episode 135: Checking a Bucket List Item in New Zealand
Summary
My husband has been a big game hunter in British Columbia and Hawaii for decades. We eat what he kills. For as long as I’ve known Mike, he has always wanted to hunt for New Zealand red stag with his bow. We have checked that box. Today’s episode is all about the location where this incredible hunt took place. Gary Herbert’s New Zealand Mountain Hunt, at South Island, New Zealand, was a once in a lifetime event. His lodge staff, guides, and his incredible property are all part of the memory big game hunters like Mike drool over. For me, it wasn’t about the location or the animals or the food – all of which were amazing – it was about supporting Mike in achieving a bucket list item. Join me as I walk you around the hunting lodge and talk to you about this incredible experience.
Listen to the full episode :
This Week’s Blog Post:
Hello, everyone! I'm Dr. Jen, and welcome back to another special episode of My Life as a Landlord. Today’s episode is a little different—it’s a “B-roll” episode where I step away from our regular landlord education to share something personal and extraordinary. I’m coming to you from the South Island of New Zealand, at Gary Herbert’s New Zealand Hunting Safaris lodge, where my husband Mike just checked a major item off his bucket list: hunting a red stag in New Zealand. And I have to say, real estate really does take you places!
Life at the New Zealand Hunting Lodge
Our stay at Gary Herbert’s lodge has been nothing short of incredible. From the beautiful mountain scenery to the rustic but luxurious accommodations, everything has been designed to make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are eight guest rooms, a main dining area, and a cozy gathering space filled with impressive mounts of red stag, fallow deer, and more. The lodge is located in a valley surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of the South Island, and it’s about as close to paradise as it gets.
(I highly encourage you to watch the Youtube Video of this episode!)
Experiencing the Hunt and the Heritage
Mike achieved his long-time dream of harvesting a red stag—with his bow, no less! At 40 yards, it was a true challenge and an incredible moment. Here, hunting is not just a sport; it’s a way of life deeply connected to the land. The animals are bred specifically for hunting, and nothing goes to waste—the meat is shared among the staff and local farmers. I loved seeing the dedication and respect that Gary and his team show toward both the animals and the environment.
The Legacy of Gary Herbert
One of the highlights was visiting Gary Herbert’s personal showroom. Gary, the 2006 Safari Club International Professional Hunter of the Year, has an incredible collection of mounts from around the world, including an African elephant and grizzly bear. His reputation is built on excellence, and his commitment to both hospitality and conservation is inspiring. Spending time at his lodge made me appreciate even more how passion and professionalism create unforgettable experiences.
Reflecting on the Journey
Today’s episode is a reminder of what happens when you stretch your mind, take risks, and pursue what lights you up. Mike’s dream of hunting a red stag brought us to this magical place, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Real estate has given us the flexibility to live adventures like this—and it can do the same for you. Real estate takes you places. Where do you want real estate to take you?
Thank you for joining me for this special episode. Stay tuned for next week’s show, Episode 136, where I’ll be diving back into the numbers and nerding out about U.S. housing forecasts for 2025. See you next time!