About this hunting block

General information

These areas of public conservation land are managed by the local DOC offices.

The conservation land to the west of Rai Valley consists of more than 6,000 ha of the forested northern end of the Bryant Range. Much of the land surrounding this area is managed for commercial forestry production and the higher country is covered in mature beech forest. Patches of stunted vegetation appear on small areas of ultramafic rock. The highest points are Saddle Hill at 1,214 metres and Mt Duppa at 1,133 metres. 

The Bryant Range to the north of SH6 is untracked.

Low numbers of red deer can be found throughout the area at any time of the year. Goats and feral pigs are relatively common throughout. Fallow deer are known from the Brown River Reserve.

Access

There are two tracks into this area. The Saddle Hill route leaves the Maungatapu Saddle (off the 4WD Maungatapu Track) running past the telecommunications tower and following the ridge until the summit of Saddle Hill.

The Mt Duppa track leaves from Hippolite Road in the Graham Valley on SH6 between the Rai and Whangamoa Saddles.

There is an unmaintained route along the ridge between Mt Duppa and Saddle Hill.

Access is also possible off SH6 near Brown River, off the Whangamoa Saddle, off the Ronga Road near the Ronga Saddle and the Tinline Road off the Pelorus Valley Road. There are no formal tracks at any of these sites.

The Bryant Range near Rai Valley is surrounded by commercial forestry operations. Many of the forestry roads could provide access onto public conservation land. Permission must be obtained from the relevant forest managers before using these roads.

Landholders

No information is currently available.

Maps

NZTopo50 BQ27 and BP27

Dogs

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

Huts

There are no huts in this area.

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