Sounds Reserves hunting

General information

There are many thousands of hectares of additional public conservation lands that are available for hunting and are not described in any of the previous sections.

Much of this land is accessible only by boat such as Kenepuru Scenic Reserve, reserves on Arapawa Island and the headland reserves in the Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds. Others are accessible off the Kenepuru and French Pass Roads.

Often these reserves are relatively small but can contain good numbers of game animals. It is essential when hunting these areas that you are aware of the location of all relevant boundaries particularly with neighbouring private property.

Occasional red deer can be found throughout the area at any time of the year. Goats and feral pigs are common throughout.

Access

As these areas of public conservation land are widely distributed throughout the Marlborough Sounds access requirements will vary depending on each sites location. Generally access will be boat only. Contact the local DOC office if further information is required.

Landholders

No information is currently available.

Maps

NZTopo50 BQ28,29 and BP27-29

Dogs

Hunting dogs are allowed with a permit from DOC. Although dogs are only allowed at the following Sounds campsites:

• Aussie Bay
• Nikau Cove
• Picnic Bay
• Kenepuru Head

Huts

No additional huts are available other than those already mentioned for other Sounds hunting areas.

Additional information

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

No hunting on Foreshore Reserves, Pipi Beach and island reserves with the exception of the south western reserves of Arapawa (Ngaruru/Ruamoko).

There are many additional backcountry campsites within the Sounds that may be useful.