Pomahaka Conservation Area hunting

You can hunt red and fallow deer in the Pomahaka Conservation Area hunting block.

About this hunting block

Red deer and fallow deer are present.

Hunting is confined to the Pomahaka Conservation Area and is not permitted in the River Reserve sections. In this area summers tend to be mild and winters are cold with frequent frosts.

Moderate rainfall throughout the year is mostly from the southwest and fog is common at any time of year. The higher country is subject to snow during the winter months and some sections may be subjected to avalanche danger.

Rivers in this region can rise rapidly, take care when crossing these. Be prepared.

Roar ballot

Applications for the 2027 roar ballot will be managed online through the DOC hunting permit system. Applications will open on 1 October 2026.

These hunting blocks make up part of the Murihiku ballot group.

Blocks are allocated through a ballot draw and are allocated for a two or three day period.

The balloted period is 15 March to 18 April 2027.

Applications will only be accepted through the online hunting permit system.
Applications will open on 1 October 2026.
Applications close on 31 October 2026.
Applications are limited to 5 choices.
You can submit only one application per party.
All party members must be listed on the application.
No individual may be part of more than one application.

Successful applicants will be notified automatically following the draw on 4 November 2026. This notification will include a link to confirm the allocated block.

Blocks must be confirmed by 18 November 2026. Permits will be sent automatically following confirmation.

Reallocation of blocks

Any remaining blocks after the initial draw will be automatically reallocated to unsuccessful applicants where possible.

After the reallocation process is completed, any remaining leftover blocks will be made available online on a first-come, first served basis.

Administration fee

At this stage, no administration fee will be charged for the roar ballot. But this fee may be introduced in future ballots to cover the costs associated with administering the roar block system.

Block access and maps

Access for block 1 is the regular public access up the hill from the Gem Lake cattleyards – use of this access requires the normal courtesy of notifying the Gem Lake manager Liam Park 027 276 3388.

Access for block 2 is less straightforward and requires following the marginal strip downstream from Junction Hut or following a track through Glenary Station from the Waikaia Bush Road.

Hunters need to know where private land and block boundaries are. They need to respect these boundaries – failure to do so jeopardises future hunting for everyone. Hunting is expressly forbidden on Gem Lake Station, Whitecoomb, Whitecomb and Glenary pastoral leases.

Access

There are various entry points on gravel road from SH8 to the Pomahaka Conservation Area. From Ettrick the most direct is following Moa Flat road (opposite Turners and Growers warehouses) right onto MacKay Road and finally right onto Aitchenson Runs Road.

The Pomahaka bridge marks the start of the 4.7 km 4WD road access to the carpark at the Cattle Yards. The road from the bridge to the carpark with road slumps and two fords is more suited for 4WD vehicles. This road passes through a working farm.

Those using the road need to be mindful of farming operations, and it is recommended people avoid using the road over the lambing/calving period. This lasts from 20 October to 20 November.

Walking and mountain biking access is available from the carpark, follow the marked route up the hill for approximately 2.5 km to the hunting block. This route crosses private land. Respect the landowner's livestock and property:

stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land
leave gates as you find them, and
use stiles where provided.

Livestock can be unpredictable – keep your distance at all times/go around if necessary. The route is steep, rutted and very slippery in wet conditions.