Our Story
From the land for the people
The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation is a collective of hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, and locals who have dedicated over two decades to protecting and enhancing one of New Zealand’s most treasured landscapes-Fiordland National Park.
This isn’t a company, and it’s not about chasing headlines. It’s about adventure, pristine wilderness, and a deep commitment to place. It’s a community that shows up – for the bush, for the deer, and for the future of Fiordland.
What began as a mission to manage the environmental impacts of deer in the Wapiti Area of Fiordland, has grown into a blueprint for hunter-led conservation and wild food systems. Over the years, traps have been laid to protect native birdlife, huts have been restored, there has been an opening up of access to wild country, while countless families across New Zealand have been nourished with healthy, wild-sourced venison.
The next step is the boldest yet. The Fiordland Project – a vision grounded in care for land, our food, and our communities – is ready to be realised, and it matters now more than ever.
The Fiordland Project – a vision grounded in care for land, our food, and our communities...
Why it matters
More than meat
The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation holds serious concerns about the rapidly increasing red deer population outside the area currently under its management.
Te Wāhipounamu – Fiordland is a 1.2 million-hectare UNESCO World Heritage wilderness. Its future is under threat. Mismanaged red deer populations are damaging native flora and placing immense pressure on the park’s ecosystems.
For the past 20 years, the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation has been protecting the 180,000-hectare Wapiti Area of Fiordland National Park.
