MEET DARREN + SARAH
Our family ranch
And when we say family, that means you, too.
We’ve spent 7 years building our idyllic ranch, home to 5000 acres of rolling hill country, 2500 breeding ewes, 250 beef cows, beautiful native forest…and of course our famous red stags.
Welcoming guests to Avon Valley Safaris is our job, sure, but it’s more than that for us. It’s become our passion - the intrepid adventures with guests, unforgettable hunts, and friendships with people from all over the world.
So what are you waiting for? Book your flights, pack your rifle, and let’s go hunting.
Darren, Sarah and Emma
DON'T JUST LISTEN TO US
"Everyone’s kind, patient and so welcoming. True Kiwi hospitality. You far exceeded our expectations."
"His knowledge and experience is unquestionable, patience and encouragement he uses to give the most opportunity for success, but this is only part of it his New Zealand history and his stories of past hunts make for such great company. His dry sense of humour relaxes the moments. Big thank you to Snow, our friend and guide and all the Team at Avon Valley!"
- Randy and Debbie Bailey – Nebraska USA
Meet the team.
They’re skilled, they’re talented, and we might be biased, but they make great company too.
Darren
Ranch Owner
My passion’s always been the great outdoors - hunting, fishing, tramping and spending time outdoors with family. After travelling the world and building a successful global food business, I was keen to get back to my Malborough roots: enter Avon Valley Safaris.
My job? Oversight of our ranch, welcoming guests, and making sure our pesky goat population stays under control.
Ben
Senior Guide
Growing up on a sheep and beef farm in New Zealand, Ben developed a profound understanding of the land and a lifelong passion for hunting. Ben is committed to delivering an authentic hunting experience for his clients and will combine his skill and professionalism to ensure every hunter has the opportunity to fulfil their dream hunt in New Zealand's breathtaking wilderness.
Harry
Senior Guide
Harry’s passion for deer has taken him across the world. After majoring in Wildlife Biology, he followed his passion for deer to New Zealand, a long way from his quaint little village in England.
Harry strives to make all his hunt not only successful, but also as educational and as fun as possible. If he’s not hunting, he can be found in the mountain tops skiing or the valley floors fishing.
Kate
Senior Guide
Kate has hunting flowing through her veins, having grown up among a family of keen hunters. Kate turned her passion into a profession, guiding hunts year-round across the globe and although she really enjoys getting out in the hills on her own adventures, nowadays she finds satisfaction in helping others on their hunting journey. To Kate, there's nothing more rewarding than seeing someone else achieve their hunting goals.
Carrie
Business Manager
Born and bred in Marlborough, Carrie's a busy mum a keen runner an adventure racer and shares our love for all things outdoors. Carrie's the talent behind the team and will be with you from your initial contact with Avon Valley Safaris right to the end of your trip and beyond to make sure you have a seamless adventure. She’s also pretty good at entertaining with extravagant excursions and client experiences for non-hunters.
Mark
Executive Chef
Have we saved the best ‘til last? You decide. Mark’s the one who keeps us well fed, so he’s a firm favourite with guests (we’re not jealous, promise).
He’s always had a passion for hunting, fishing and foraging, and he’s a master at using seasonal food, foraging for delicacies, and using every part of the animal for a dish. He’ll delight and surprise you with the 5 star food he cooks in the bush, on the beach, or if you’re feeling conventional, at the lodge.
About our ranch
100% New Zealand owned and operated, Avon Valley Safaris is run in conjunction with our working sheep and beef properties. We have 2500 breeding ewes, 250 beef cows in addition to the game animals just waiting to evade your shot.
The Teme river runs alongside our beautiful lodge, and nestled amongst the valleys and Manuka forest, you’ll find beehives operating to make our famous NZ honey.
