D'Urville Island hunting

General information

There are almost 6,000 ha of public conservation land through the central portion of D’Urville Island. The island has exceptional ecological values as it is free of possums, feral goats and ship rats.

The public conservation land stretches from coast to coast and includes regenerating farmland, coastal broadleaf forests and beech forests. There are large areas of stunted ultramafic vegetation where the chemical make up of the soil stunts all growth.

There are no DOC maintained walking tracks in this area, although the public conservation land has public roads (mainly 4WD) running through it.

A small area of public conservation land also exists in the south-eastern corner of the island (Current Basin). To hunt this area a specific permit must be obtained from the Sounds office.

Red deer and feral pigs are common and can be found throughout the area at any time of the year. A population of fallow deer are currently found in the south of the island on private land.

Access

D’Urville Island is only accessible by boat or aircraft. There are a number of commercial boat operators that will take passengers, freight and vehicles to the island from either French Pass or Havelock. There is also a public airstrip ($10 landing fee) in Moawhitu, Greville Harbour/Wharariki although there are no scheduled services and aircraft would need to be chartered. There is no vehicle access to the airstrip. Gear needs to be carried at least 500m to the locked gate or 1km to the campsite.

There are no DOC maintained walking tracks on the island, although retired farm tracks do exist at Moawhitu which can be walked or mountain biked (locked gates prevent access by vehicles beyond the campsite and former house site, and to the airstrip),  within Greville Harbour. The final 2 km of gravel road to Moawhitu from Kapowai are steep, narrow and winding. The surface can be slippery after rain and there are steep drop offs.  It is essential that you have a 4WD vehicle and experience for this portion of road.

There are many kilometres of gravel roads that provide access to much of the rest of the island. There is little traffic on these roads and they are becoming popular with mountain bikers. They are narrow and winding so it pays to be prepared for oncoming traffic. 4WD vehicles and experience are recommended on the island.

Moawhitu is exposed to high winds and rough seas so extreme care needs to be taken when leaving boats and aircraft overnight.

Landholders

Many of the landowners surrounding the public conservation land have strong views on illegal hunting on their land. Unless you have permission from relevant landowners ensure you stay within the reserve boundaries.

Map information

NZTopo50 BN28, BN29 and BP28

Dogs

Hunting dogs are allowed with a permit from DOC.

Hut information

There are a number of private accommodation opportunities available on D’Urville Island.

Note: Moawhitu House was destroyed by fire on 20 June 2012 so is no longer available as accommodation. The Moawhitu campsite at the other end of the lagoon is still available.

Backcountry campsites:

• Moawhitu (Greville Harbour)

Basic boat access campsites:

• Mill Arm (Greville Harbour)
• South Arm (Port Hardy)
• Lucky Bay
• Penguin Bay

A community hall is also available for public accommodation just south of the Port Hardy Road turn-off. For bookings please contact 03 576 5170 or savvyspatch@farmside.co.nz

Additional information

DOC public conservation land in the Marlborough Sounds is closed to hunting annually from sunset on 22 December to sunrise on 9 February.