Wāhine & Wapiti

Nau mai, haere mai

Wāhine & Wapiti is back for 2027

This year we will be taking three teams into Fiordland—Each team will be tasked with a different kind of shooting—finding the special Fiordland species and taking snaps to to compete for the Wapiti trophy at the awards night on the last evening together in Te Anau.

The categories are;

‘The Big Three—Deer, Whio, Kea’,

‘Most Creative Team Photo’,

‘Best Other Native Species’,

‘Best Nature Photo’.

We are accepting individual submissions this year, the goal is to curate a group of keen wāhine from differing backgrounds, various age groups and levels of experience to offer an environment where we can all learn from each other.

Common denominators that need to shine through are; your thirst for adventure, a desire to learn and share knowledge and the ability to keep an open mind.

Once entries close the FWF committee will choose the three teams that will join us for the Fiordland experience.

Names will remain anonymous during selection to ensure this is a fair and transparent process.

Please remember this is not a hunting trip.

Partners

Sponsors & Supporters

Event info

When

Sunday 24th – Saturday 30th January 2027

You will need to be in Te Anau by 1pm on Sunday, 24th Jan, and will travel back to Te Anau on Saturday 30th Jan

You will need to arrange your own transport to and from Te Anau. We will then head into Fiordland together, this will be organised and paid for by FWF.

Where

The Wapiti Area of Fiordland, specific valleys are yet to be determined. We will be staying mainly in tents, some groups may mix up with a hut stay.

What

Each team will be allocated a valley that is theirs to explore for the 4-5 nights that we are in Fiordland. The aim of the game is to collect photos as mentioned above.

Who

You! Each team will be allocated a guide so you don’t need a lot of prior hiking or navigation experience.

Food & Gear

We will require you to bring along a couple of items of gear (listed in the submission form) and a camera (phone’s are fine).

Final food and gear prep will be discussed as a group at a later date—some of which we can share between us or supply for you.

It is not required for you to go out and purchase new gear for this experience.

Communication

We will create a Facebook page or What’s app group once we have our final group.

This is where we will be able to host all important info and group discussions.

Fitness

Fiordland is a tough and challenging place, we want to make sure we are all capable and comfortable when exploring the area.

As part of this experience we are offering online/remote group fitness training to ensure we are all ready to tackle those hills (mountains).

It is expected that everyone shows up for themselves for this and we can all hold each other accountable.

For more information on risk and hazards for Fiordland National Park.

Intention

You don’t need to be a hunter to participate!

This is a chance to get our female community together, learn all about this rich environment—the flora and fauna it boasts, make new connections, and have FUN!

Honestly, this was one of the hardest things I've ever done. In every possible way. Emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally...
However, it has had such a flow on effect in almost every aspect of my life. The beauty of that place and how it empowers you, is life changing; literally.

No one returns from Fiordland unchanged.
Whether it's cherished time with great mates, exhilarating adventure or humbling misadventures,or being awestruck by the grandeur of this untouched wilderness, Fiordland leaves an indelible mark.

LOVED the Wāhine and Wapiti trip.
A great chance to explore a part of the world I pretty much wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise. Great to connect with like minded women, get to know Roy and learn from the GOAT. Haha. Loved the whole experience - I don’t even know how to articulate it.

As a writer, it’s my job to find words that accurately portray my experiences, but when I reflect on the amazing women I met on the trip I can’t seem to find the right combination of words to convey the depth and breadth of our time together.
I lost count of the belly laughs, and the moments where I noticed that these people and the environment were bringing out the best version of me.
Their stories are theirs to share, but I will share that I was moved to tears more than once over those five days. Stories of hardship, challenges, but also incredible grit and strength, cultivating hope, and wisdom gained through living.