Take aim at Oxbow Gun Club near Queenstown, where experienced instructors guide novices and groups through clay target varieties against an alpine backdrop. Read on for what to expect, safety essentials, and local tips to make the most of a 45-minute shooting session.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A crisp mountain wind carries the sharp report of a shotgun across a low, scrubbed field while the Southern Alps rise like a folded wall beyond the range. At Oxbow Gun Club, clay targets arc and shatter against that alpine backdrop—bright orange disks daring you to read their spin and call your shot.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45 minutes
Fitness Level
Low physical demand—suitable for most adults in reasonable health; standing balance and basic mobility required
Wildlife
History
Queenstown’s shooting fields sit within pastoral land use patterns established during European settlement; nearby Arrowtown’s gold rush (1860s) shaped transport and leisure routes in the basin.
Conservation
Ranges operate under strict safety and lead-management protocols—ask about spent shot collection and local policies to minimize lead contamination and habitat disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Clay Target Shooting in Queenstown today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive Early for Safety Briefing
Mandatory safety and equipment checks are given before shooting starts—plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early.
Bring Government ID
Minimum age is 18 and ID will be checked; bring your passport or driver’s license.
Closed-Toe Shoes Only
Ranges require stable footwear for safe stance and recoil control—no sandals.
Protect Your Hearing
Ear muffs are provided but personal hearing protection can improve comfort during repeated volleys.
Closed-toe hiking or work shoes
Provides stable footing for recoil and uneven ground.
Personal ear protection
Club supplies muffs, but personal plugs or muffs are more comfortable for repeat shooters.
Sunglasses or shooting glasses
Protects eyes from clay fragments and glare; tinted lenses help in bright alpine sun.
summer
Windproof outer layer
Light shell deflects the sudden winds common in the Wakatipu basin.
spring