58 | AWARDS Ivory Cliffs Estate T T Russell Fredric An international hunting destination Proud Stag in Manuka. Being named a finalist in the 2026 Hawke’s Bay Export Awards recognises Ivory Cliffs Estate’s emergence as an international hunting destination. The ContainerCo Best Emerging Business finalist began operating in January, bringing together a 1,000 hectare Hawke’s Bay property, a trophy deer herd and an all-inclusive lodge experience for overseas clients. Ivory Cliffs is owned by Liam Quinn, Zac Scott and Malcolm Cane, with each bringing a different element to the business. Zac already owned the property, Liam brought experience from the hunting industry, and Malcolm contributes deer-farming and breeding expertise. Liam Quinn is the operations manager and says the idea was to retain the farming business while diversifying into trophy hunting and accommodation. “The vision is to create a world-class hunting destination here in the North Island - that was something the North Island was missing as a lot of hunting operations are kind of way out in the back-blocks, at least two hours from town. “Having it so close means you can offer a little bit more to the hunters’ wives and non-hunters, where they can go into town, see the wineries, do the shopping and all that kind of stuff.” The property, originally known as Te Rangi Station, was balloted after the First World War, remaining in the Heays family until late 2019. Zac purchased it after the family chose to retain the farm rather than see it converted to forestry. The property was an early deer farm, with the existing herd now supplemented by animals from Malcolm’s breeding programme to strengthen genetics and trophy quality. For Ivory Cliffs, the challenge is reaching international hunters in a market already well served by New Zealand outfitters. About 99 percent of its business comes from the United States and other overseas markets, making established relationships and a clear point of difference important. Liam’s background in the industry has helped open those doors, with relationships built over many years providing connections in overseas hunting markets. The business is positioning its North Island location as another point of difference. Many established hunting operations are remote, whereas Ivory Cliffs is close enough to Napier for non-hunting partners to visit wineries, shop and experience the region while clients are in the field. The four-room lodge is located within the hunting property, with views towards the coast and Shine Falls. Packages cover accommodation, meals, liquor and hunting, with a chef preparing food for guests and Hawke’s Bay wines providing another connection with the region. Ivory Cliffs can also organise additional hunting for tahr and chamois in the South Island as part of a wider itinerary. The awards recognition came as a real surprise, with the business initially hesitant about entering after only seven months of trading. “We figured there’s no way we’ll get close, but it was an honour to be recognised among some of these more established companies.” The business operates primarily from February through to the end of August, Qualified Plumber Servicing the Wider Hawkes Bay Area - NEW BUILDS, PLUMBING & DRAINAGE, Bathroom, Laundry, Kitchen & Hot water solutions, WATER FILTRATION, SEPTIC SOLUTIONS, RAIN WATER TANKS, CCTV DRAIN LOCATING / DRAIN CLEARING - following the red stag season before the animals shed their antlers. Ivory Cliffs is considering ways to use the lodge outside that period, including guided horse trekking, accommodation for visitors walking the nearby Shine Falls track and a farm-stay option. “We just need to continue to grow on our client base and separate what makes us different from the other outfitters.”
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