Tens of thousands of Kiwis from the Far North to the Deep South are preparing for the start of the 2025 game bird season this Saturday, May 3.

Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan said a strong breeding season has set the stage for an exciting Opening Weekend for hunters.

“We know the anticipation is building in communities nationwide as hunters gear up for the big day. Opening Weekend is a popular event on the calendar for New Zealanders from all walks of life.”

Jordan, who will join Minister for Hunting and Fishing James Meager at a maimai in Otago on Saturday, said New Zealand offers a wide range of hunting opportunities beyond just the Opening Weekend.

“New Zealand is a haven for game bird hunters, offering more than just the Opening Weekend. Hunters in many parts of the country have the opportunity to go game bird hunting all through winter.

“As much as game bird hunting is about the challenge, it’s also about the camaraderie with friends and family, the connection to nature, and the valued tradition of hunting, which has been passed down through generations.

“There’s nothing quite like the feeling of standing alongside fellow hunters on Opening Weekend and the opportunity to provide wild, sustainable food for family, friends, and communities up and down the country.”

Game bird hunters are eagerly awaiting opening morning this year. Photo/Fish and Game NZ.

The forecast for the Opening Weekend shows cloudy skies and mild temperatures across many regions, said Jordan.

“While the dry summer had raised concerns for game bird hunters in some parts of the country, recent rainfall has brought much-needed relief. This should lift the spirits of the approximately 60,000 hunters heading out this weekend.

“We also want to thank those farmers who are generously opening their farms to hunters -- many of whom are hunters themselves. Their support helps ensure that the tradition of game bird hunting continues.”