About this hunting block

General information

The Ferny Gair Conservation Area and Black Birch Reserve contain goats, pigs, red deer and chamois (in low numbers). It is a mix of open dry tops with some tussock, scree slopes and steep valleys with regenerating bush and podocarp forest remnants.

There are no WARO activities allowed in this area.

Ferny Gair Conservation Area is south of Blenheim.

There is only limited access available, most of it through private land. Be advised that landowners are not required to provide access.

Access points

South side via the Awatere Valley Road

Walking and mountain bike access is available into Black Birch Scenic Reserve off Awatere Valley Road. A small area for car parking is available just east of Black Birch Stream. From here, the marked track crosses private land to access the reserve. Hunters, on foot, may use this access. Dogs must have a permit and be on a lead while crossing this private land.

You can walk or mountain bike in to Ferny Gair Conservation Area and Black Birch Reserve using Black Birch Road. This road may be closed at any time due to safety risks, bad weather, forestry operations or threats to conservation or track.

Off-road vehicle access

Off road vehicle access is restricted to Black Birch Road 4WD track. Vehicles are to stay on the track at all times. The track crosses private property prior to reaching conservation land. Be considerate.

You no longer need to register for motor vehicle access to Ferny Gair Conservation Area and Black Birch Reserve.

Public vehicle access is generally unrestricted but can be closed at any time due to safety risks, bad weather, forestry operations or threats to conservation or track.

North side

Ferny Gair can be accessed via the Avon valley by obtaining permission to cross private land. Contact Bernard Mason phone +64 21 181 2281. Call or text Bernard before visiting his property. (Access is closed late winter/ early spring due to farming activities.) If permission is granted a key can be obtained from the Masons for a small donation.

From Avondale Road a 4WD track for 6 km through private property will take you to the Ferny Gair Conservation Area Boundary. From here a 2 hr 30 min walk on a marked track up the Tummil River takes you to Lake Alexander. 

No dogs are permitted through this private property due to risk of sheep measles.

Helicopter access 

Some areas are not accessible by road or track. Helicopter operators must have a landing concession.

Landholders

Access is through private land and requires permission from the landowners. DOC does not have a list of contacts for this area.

Maps

NZTopo50 – BR27, BR28

Dogs

Dogs are allowed with a dog permit from the Wairau / Renwick Office.

Permission to take dogs through private property must be obtained from the landowners.

Huts

The backcountry huts in the area are:

• Lake Alexander Hut (formerly Tummil Hut)
• Penk Hut
• Omaka Bivvy
• Black Birch Bivvy

Note: The Tummil Hut shown on the topo maps has been relocated to the head of Lake Alexander and renamed Lake Alexander Hut.

Additional information

No additional restrictions apply.

For further mapping and access information refer to Walking Access Aotearoa or DOC maps.