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Introduction

All year season for hunting red deer, chamois, and the very occasional thar.

Species

  • Chamois
  • Deer - Red
  • Tahr

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.

Dog access

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.

Brochures

Map of Rakaia/Mathias hunting block (PDF, 532K)

Permit conditions
  • This block contains prohibited areas, as shown on the map:
    • Hunting is prohibited in the red areas – above Manuka Point Station and on the river flats.
  • Dogs are not allowed on easement across Manuka Point Station land – they are allowed on the hunting block.

About this hunting block

General information

This area is at the head of the Rakaia and Mathias Rivers, about 98 km northwest of Rakaia township.

The area covers rugged mountain terrain with extensive scree fans. Glaciers are present at the heads of most valley systems.

The block covers about 31,298 hectares and adjoins the Clyde/Lawrence hunting block to the south, the Franz Josef/Waiau and Hokitika to the west, and the Wilberforce to the north. 

Access

There are three access points to this hunting area:

Manuka Point

From Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road (SH77) at Mount Hutt, follow Blackford Road, then Double Hill Run Road. Cross the Rakaia River towards Manuka Point. The marked public 4WD track across Manuka Point Station provides access to the public hunting area. The hunting area starts at Totara Stream in the Rakaia and approximately Hut Stream in the Mathias.

No hunting or dogs are allowed on the public 4WD track. Spotlighting is prohibited.

Upper Lake Heron Station

At Mt Somers township, follow Ashburton Gorge Road to Hakatere, then follow Hakatere Heron Road past Lake Heron where the public road ends at Upper Lake Heron Station. Permission must be obtained from Upper Lake Heron Station.

Mt Algidus Station

Follow the Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road (SH77) to Windwhistle, then follow Coleridge Road. Turn right onto Homestead Road and left onto Harper Road. Access to the Mathias River is through Algidus Station. Landholder permission is essential. 

Helicopter landings may be approved provided an appropriate landing permit is obtained. 

River crossing

Crossing the Rakaia River is only recommended for experienced parties with suitable vehicles.

  • Always treat rivers with respect - never cross a dirty or flooded river.
  • River currents are often stronger than they appear.
  • Water levels can rise rapidly due to rain in the headwaters; it does not need to be raining at the crossing place.
  • Braids of the river can shift and there may be soft sinking sand.
  • If in doubt, stay put until conditions improve or turn back.

Topo maps

NZTopo50 map sheets: BW18 Whitcombe Pass, BW19 Taylors Camp, BV19 Lake Kaniere 

Huts

Know before you go

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on the hunting block but not on the public 4WD track across Manuka Point Station.

Help control wallabies in this area by reporting sightings

Wallabies can displace other species, affect pastures and native species' habitats.
They also potentially impact production and native ecosystems.

Report your sighting online – it only takes a few minutes.

You can also report wallaby sightings by calling 0800 80 99 66.

More about why wallabies are a problem.

Contacts

Raukapuka / Geraldine Office
Phone:   0800 275 362
Email:   info@doc.govt.nz
Address:   13 – 15 North Terrace
Geraldine 7930
Postal Address:   PO Box 33
Geraldine 7956
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