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Introduction

The Pisa Conservation Area's 23,000 hectares overlooks the Upper Clutha and Wakatipu basins, and beyond to the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. You can hunt red deer, chamois, goats and pigs in this area.

Species

  • Chamois
  • Deer - Red
  • Goats
  • Pigs

Permit requirements

A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.

This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online or from a DOC office.

About this hunting block

Animals present are red deer and chamois, goats and pigs in low to moderate numbers.

General information

The Pisa Range is the highest of Central Otago's fault block mountains and consists of very distinctive landforms and ecological systems.

In summer, very hot and dry conditions are common so make sure you carry plenty of water and have adequate protection against the sun. Alpine conditions may be experienced at any time of the year, with the higher country being subject to snow during the winter months.  Some sections of the track may be subjected to avalanche danger in winter. Rivers in this region can rise rapidly.  Please take extreme care when crossing the Cardrona River, especially after rain.

The terrain is prone to low cloud, strong cold winds and deep snow. Travel is not recommended during the winter months or in poor weather conditions. Be prepared.

Camping is permitted in the Conservation area. No fires permitted.

There will often be other people in this area on and off track.

These three blocks are balloted for the ROAR period during the months of March and April.

See Wanaka roar block system.

Access

Hunting access to the Pisa Conservation Area is either by helicopter or foot only. 

Foot access

Foot access tracks cross private land and carriage of firearms is only permitted via The Larches car park (Little Criffel) or Rock Peak access. Firearms are to be carried unloaded through the access easements and hunting from the easement track is strictly prohibited. 

A special lease area provides access between two sections of the Northern Pisa Conservation Area block– there are no marked tracks in this section to follow. Hunting is prohibited in the special lease area and firearms are to be carried unloaded through this section.

Public access easement conditions over freehold lands prohibit access for firearms and dogs – this includes transporting them to the Pisa Conservation Area in off road vehicles. Motorised vehicle access applications which include transportation of dogs and firearms will be declined.

Helicopter

Unless an authorised aircraft operator is being used, for helicopter access you must obtain an aircraft landing permit for one of three designated sites from the Tititea/Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre; Wanaka:

  • Mt Pisa E1299138, N5024270
  • Lake McKay E1300337, N5026773
  • Quartz Knoll E1284034, N5013748

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CB12, CB13 and CC12

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in the Northern and Middle blocks via helicopter access only.

Dogs are allowed in the Southern block but must enter and exit via Rock Peak access.

No separate permit required.

Huts

Deep Creek Hut

Deep Creek Hut

Category: Basic/bivvies
Facilities: 6 bunk beds, mattresses, toilets - non-flush, water from stream
Bookings not required - first come, first served
Kirtle Burn Hut

Kirtle Burn Hut

Category: Standard
Facilities: 7 bunk beds, mattresses, toilets - non-flush, water from stream
Bookings not required - first come, first served
Meg Hut

Meg Hut

Category: Standard
Facilities: 8 bunk beds, heating, mattresses, toilets - non-flush, water from stream
Bookings not required - first come, first served

Contacts

Tititea / Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre
Phone:   03 4437660
Email:   wanakavc@doc.govt.nz
Address:   1 Ballantyne Road
Wanaka 9305
Postal Address:   PO Box 93
Wanaka 9343
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