About this hunting block

Back Ridge Hut provides great access to the central and western areas of Kaweka Forest Park.

Location

Back Ridge Hut is located in the mid-central area of the Kaweka Forest Park, west of the main Kaweka Range from Makahu Saddle Carpark. Situated at the foot of a longer spur below “Kaweka J”, the highest point in Kaweka Forest Park, the surrounding area can experience strong to gale northwesterly winds or very cold southerly changes, with high levels of precipitation including snow. The surrounding terrain is rocky sub-alpine, steep and heavily eroded, with pockets of mountain beech forest beneath the imposing slopes of the main Kaweka Range.

Access

The sub-alpine tops in the vicinity of Back Ridge Hut provide access to the  creek heads and small clearings that run steeply away from the ridges and spurs. Glassing with binoculars can provide a big advantage to hunters. Deer is very likely to be seen on the sub-alpine tops during early morning and late evening periods.

Day hunts are better focussed on the forested creek gullies that flow away from the adjoining open tops. Below the open tops, the surrounding terrain tends to be open scree slopes with pockets of steep mountain beech forest surrounded by open rocky areas. There are some larger grassy clearings around Back Ridge Bivouac and also further south along Back Ridge that are well worth prospecting for browsing deer.

Making the best use of main tracks when planning a hunting adventure will help ensure a safe and easy return.

Dogs

Only registered, avian aversion certified hunting dogs, guide dogs, companion dogs (certified by the Top Dog Companion Trust) and dogs used for special services (including conservation management activities) are permitted in the park. All other dogs are banned.