General information
Recreational hunting for tahr and chamois is permitted all year round in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is located deep within the Southern Alps. The land is heavily glaciated is mostly steep mountain ranges covered in scree slopes, moraine and tussock grasslands. Weather can change rapidly with little warning.
Hunters should be experienced at alpine travel and must sign in their intentions at the visitor centre when entering the park. For up to date information on access, conditions and animal numbers, contact the Aoraki Visitor Centre.
Access
Godley valley
There is 4WD access to the east side of the Godley valley but you need to cross the Macaulay River. A route is marked past Lilybank Lodge; vehicle use ends at Separation Stream.
Tasman valley
Vehicle use ends at Blue Lakes car park on Tasman Valley Road (4WDs may be able to continue on to Husky Flat). From Blue Lakes it is 2-3 hours walk to Ball Hut.
Another option is to take a boat across Tasman Lake (operates between November and April).This gives access to Tasman faces and Gorilla Stream. Contact Glacier Explorers phone +64 3 4351641.
Hooker valley
Hooker valley is reached via White Horse Hill car park, Hooker Valley Road. The East Hooker route is recommended for hunting.
Access to the Sealy Range is from White Horse Hill car park.
There is foot access up all major streams off State Highway 80.
Aircraft access
There is helicopter access to both Liebig and Onslow huts. Check that the helicopter operator has the relevant permissions to land at these sites.
Always call in to the Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre to sign in your intentions and to check the latest weather and avalanche conditions.
Maps
Topo50 - BY15, BX15, BX16, BY16, BX17.
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Huts
Pay hut fees at Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre.
Additional information
Hunters are advised to check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where they intend to hunt. Summaries are published every four months.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has a human waste pack out policy. For more information please contact the Visitor Centre in Aoraki/Mount Cook village.
