About this hunting block

General information

This hunting area is located 75 km north west of Christchurch between Oxford and Loburn on the northern side of Lees Valley.

The terrain is moderate to very steep. The vegetation is beech forest, scrub and tussock.

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

This is a comparatively remote sub alpine/alpine area in the headwaters of the Ashley River. Other hunters and trampers may be encountered. Take precautions and identify your target.

Access

Access is only possible from the Lees Valley Road and the Ashley River. From Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for 6 km. Turn into Lees Valley Road and follow this for 29 km to a sign and locked gate that indicates the track. It is foot access only from this point. Follow this marked track for 3.5 km to a locked gate, keep to the marked track as this is private farmland.

There is foot access only from the gate up the Ashley River to the DOC hunting area. This is the only access to Youngmans Stream Hut and Tarn Hut.

The Tarn Hut tracks are closed between 1 August and 30 September, and the entire month of April. The Youngman Stream Track is open during this time.

Landholders

Landholder permission is not required for vehicle access to the locked gate or walk access up the Ashley river track to Youngmans Stream hut.

Maps

NZTopo50 maps BV22, BV23

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted in the Puketeraki Forest hunting area as kiwi are present.

Huts

• Youngmans Stream Hut
• Tarn Hut

Additional information

Hunters are advised to check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where they intend to hunt.