Heaphy hunting

General information

The Heaphy area is centred on the areas accessed via the popular Great Walks Heaphy Track between the eastern boundary at the Aorere River/Brown River and extending to the Gouland Downs. This includes the popular Shakespeare Flat area adjacent to the Aorere River.

Mixed podocarp/beech extends from 150 m altitude at the Heaphy Track start to the rata/beech forests at the treeline at 1500 m. The Gouland Downs provide the only large open tussock lands with occasional extensive areas of dense subalpine scrub above the treeline.

The major rivers (Aorere River and Brown River) do not contain significant areas of grassed flats but the forested river flats, such as Shakespeare Flat, harbour the highest deer numbers in the area.

Red deer are present in moderate numbers at the eastern (lower altitude), particularly along the Aorere River flats and Flanagan’s Creek area, becoming less abundant towards the Gouland area.

Feral pigs and goats are occasional at the eastern regions.

Access

The Heaphy Track starts at the Aorere River/Brown River confluence and is accessed by the Aorere Valley Road 30 km from Collingwood township.

Shakespeare Flat is reached after about a one and a half hour walk from the Heaphy Track start via a side track.

The Heaphy Track penetrates into the core of the area with the Perry Saddle reached after 4 hours and the Gouland Downs a further 1 hour.

Landholders

The area lies entirely within Kahurangi National Park with no access constraints.

Map

NZTopo50 BP23

Dogs

Dogs are strictly prohibited from the area because of the presence of kiwi.

Huts

• Brown Hut
• Perry Saddle Hut
• Gouland Downs Hut
• Saxon Hut

Additional information

No hunting is permitted within 500 m either side of the Heaphy Track at all times.