The South Westland Weheka Area covers a vast area of land that extends from Fox Glacier to Big Bay and from the sea to the Main Divide. There is about 500,000ha of public conservation land within this Area that include parts of Mount Aspiring and Westland National Park, many small reserves and large areas of stewardship land.
The area is extensively forested with large river valleys and alpine headwaters. A few valleys have maintained walking track access and there are some backcountry huts but many of the more remote places do not have tracks, footbridges or huts.
Hunting for red deer, chamois, thar and gamebirds is popular throughout much of the Area. Most species have a preferred hunting season. Feral pigs and goats are uncommon.
The climate is wet at times with over 3000mm of rain each year with westerly winds predominating. In winter several falls of snow can be expected that will blanket the tops and upper forested slopes. Spring to autumn is mild with regular spells of fine weather.
Location
Fox Glacier is two hours drive south of Hokitika. State Highway 6 traverses much of the Area from Fox Glacier to Haast Pass and the Jackson Bay Road ends at Jackson Bay and at the Martyr River.