White Tail deer originated from New Hampshire USA, Nine whitetailed deer were liberated at Cooks Cove in Port Pegasus in March 1905. The first hunting licences were issued in 1921 and the first recorded trophy was a ten pointer shot at Pegasus in 1922.
Over time, these deer became woven into the fabric of Rakiura’s story. They represent both a link to our country’s outdoor heritage and a reminder of how people and wildlife can coexist. For generations of hunters, the Rakiura whitetail has become a symbol of adventure, respect for the environment, and a deep connection to the land.
Stewart Island is now home to one of the few pure, free-ranging whitetail deer populations outside North America. Their presence here is globally significant. They are part of what makes Rakiura unique, carrying heritage value that reaches far beyond hunting.
Known as the “Grey Ghosts” for their secretive and cautious nature, these deer have captured the imagination of hunters and conservationists alike.
The balance between protecting this rare herd and maintaining healthy native ecosystems is part of what makes the Rakiura story so special.
The greatest risks to the Rakiura whitetail herd come from poor herd management, over-hunting, and the use of aerial poison operations such as 1080. These activities can quickly reduce deer numbers and disrupt the balance that has kept the population sustainable for more than a century.
As pest-eradication programs expand across Stewart Island, there is growing concern that Rakiura’s whitetail could be unintentionally wiped out in the process. Many hunters and conservation-minded locals believe that effective, ground-based pest control and science-led deer management offer a better path forward, one that protects both native species and the long-established whitetail herd.
The challenge is not whether the deer belong here, but how to manage them responsibly so they remain part of Rakiura’s story without compromising the island’s unique ecology.
Protecting the herd means striking the right balance between conservation, hunting opportunity, and the cultural value these animals hold for generations of New Zealanders.
The Rakiura Whitetail Trust exists to ensure that this balance is maintained. Our work focuses on research, monitoring, and advocacy to keep the herd healthy while supporting the island’s natural values.
The whitetail deer are part of Rakiura’s living history. By protecting them, we protect an important piece of New Zealand’s outdoor culture and ensure that future generations can experience the same sense of connection and wonder that has drawn hunters to Stewart Island for more than a century.
Life on Rakiura
A glimpse into the island, its whitetail deer, and our conservation work.
