Paringa - Otoko hunting

Description

The forests in these valleys are a mix of hardwood and silver beech forest. The glacial formed valleys have flat bottoms and steep forested hill sides.

Access

The Paringa River is 50 km south of Fox Glacier. The Ōtoko River confluence is 6 km upstream from SH6Access to the area is by foot off SH6 following either bank; jet boat to the Ōtoko confluence or by helicopter.

Foot access

Foot travel up both rivers is fairly straightforward. Tunnel Creek Hut is 4 hours walk up the Paringa River to Tunnel Creek hut but there are no huts in the Ōtoko branch.

Helicopter

The upper Ōtoko valley is part of the Hooker-Landsborough Wilderness Area and no aircraft landings are permitted.

Landholders

Landholders have freehold land and grazing licences for both valleys. You must contact the landholders to gain permission.

Contact Haast Visitor Centre for landholders contact details.

Maps

NZTopo50 BX13. BY13. BY14

Huts

There is a DOC hut at Tunnel Creek and a private hut at the Paringa-Ōtoko junction.

Contact Haast Visitor Centre for the private hut owner contact info.  

Tunnel Creek Hut

Hunting

Red deer can be found throughout the area at any time of the year however spring hunting on the river flats and the roar is most popular. Blocks in both valleys are open blocks.

Chamois are found throughout in low numbers.

Tahr can be found in the head of the Ōtoko.

Know before you go

Check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where you intend to hunt using the pesticide summary map West Coast pesticide map.

The use of shotguns, shotgun-rifle combos, .22 calibre and rim-fire firearms is prohibited on public conservation land unless stated otherwise.