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Introduction

Hunt red deer, fallow deer, goats and feral pigs in Pelorus Valley hunting block, Mt Richmond Forest Park.

Species

  • Deer - Fallow
  • Deer - Red
  • Goats
  • Pigs

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 with a DOC permit only. More information below or contact the relevant DOC office.

About this hunting block

General information

The Pelorus Valley, formed by the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River, encompasses around 30,000 ha of one of the larger river systems in the Richmond Range. It stretches from the summit of Mt Richmond to the confluence of the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River and Rai rivers.

The Te Hoiere/Pelorus River is very beautiful with emerald green pools and dramatic smaller gorges. Brown and rainbow trout are present in the river. There are a number of tracks that provide access into the area.

The Richmond Range is heavily forested with open tops to over 1,700 metres. Vegetation is mostly beech forest with podocarp forest at lower altitude and areas of tussock along the top of the range. On the Bryant Range are areas of stunted ultramafic vegetation.

There are numerous tributaries of the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River and ridges and spurs that can give good access to the hinterland of the Richmond Range.

Low numbers of red deer can be found throughout the area at any time of the year with fallow deer being found on the western side of the valley. Goats and feral pigs are relatively common throughout.

Access

The Pelorus Track can be reached at the end of the Maungatapu Road (turn off SH6 at Pelorus Bridge) which follows the valley floor. The track at this point crosses private land for the first 2 km so there is no hunting allowed for 2 km from the end of the Maungatapu Road. Alternatively the Nelson end of the track is reached from the Hacket picnic area off Aniseed Valley Road, near Richmond.

Access is also available from Brook Street in Nelson by various routes to Rocks Hut and then on to the central portion of the Pelorus Track.

A walking track also leaves Maungatapu Track (4WD route) at Maungatapu Saddle heading south along the Bryant Range and joins the Pelorus Track at Tōtara Saddle. There is one hut (Rocks Hut) on this track.

The Mt Fell Route leaves the Pelorus Valley near Middy Hut and gives access to the alpine tops of Mts Fell and Richmond. This route has many fallen trees. To use this route hunters must be prepared to navigate off track for periods of time. You need to be competent in off track travel and navigation and allow extra travel time.

Landholders

No information is currently available.

Maps

NZTopo50 BQ26, BQ27, BR26 and BR27

Dogs

Hunting dogs are allowed with a permit from DOC Picton Office.

Huts

Rivers and streams

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

Contacts

Waitohi / Picton Office
Phone:   0800 275 362
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   picton@doc.govt.nz
Address:   Port Marlborough Building - Level 2
14 Auckland Street
Picton 7220
Postal Address:   PO Box 161
Picton 7250
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