About this hunting block

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

General information

This block consists of several catchments draining the McKerrow Range eastwards to Lake Hawea, just below the Hunter River mouth.

Generally the lower slopes above the lake are pastoral lease land and excluded from the hunting block. The lower reaches of the major creeks are all badly gorged, for this reason access is mainly by air.

Further up the creeks there are some easier areas of beech/tawhai forest, as well as mānuka/kānuka, subalpine shrubland, tussock and alpine gravel and rock.

During the roar period in the months of March and April, the block divides into four separately balloted portions, according to its four major creeks – Terrace Creek, Fast Burn, Big Hopwood and High Burn. The boundaries generally follow the ridges between these catchments.

See Wanaka roar block system.

Private property

Hunter Valley Station landowners do not permit hunter access through their property. You must always remain on public conservation land.

Access

The terrain in the High Burn Block is steep and difficult to access. Only a small portion of the valley floor is public conservation land. Please refer to the topographic map above before planning your trip.

Helicopter access is required for the other three Lower Hunter blocks as the valleys are deeply gorged and unsuitable for foot access. Unless you are flying with an authorised aircraft operator, you must obtain an aircraft landing permit.

For information on permits, visit: Aircraft activities: Running your business or activity.

Feedback: we welcome feedback on your access experience. Please email your comments to wanakavc@doc.govt.nz. 

Maps

NZTopo50 series: BZ13, CA13

• Terrace Creek hunting block map (PDF, 2,208K)
• Fast Burn hunting block map (PDF, 2,210K)
• Big Hopwood hunting block map (PDF, 1,880K)
• High Burn hunting block map (PDF, 1,501K)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed only if using air access. No separate permit required.

Huts

Big Hopwood Burn Hut

All other huts in the area belong to Hunter Valley Station, and you must obtain permission to use them.

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely, and be prepared for if or when you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, or you cannot find safe entry and exit points or you're unsure it's safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

See Niwa's latest river flow forecast video for a national overview and region-specific river flow forecasts.
How to cross rivers safely

Pesticide information

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

Prohibited firearms

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