Leslie/Karamea, Wangapeka/Mt Owen hunting

General information

The Leslie/Karamea and Wangapeka River catchments are isolated and rugged requiring a greater level of skill and confidence in the outdoors. There are large river valleys with many side creeks that can cause problems after heavy rain.

Much of the Karamea was badly devastated during the 1929 Murchison earthquake, resulting in numerous slips and rock falls to negotiate. Tracks are well marked and serviced by an excellent range of huts in both valley floor and alpine margins.

Hunters need to be well equipped and fit to cope with testing conditions.

The interior of Kahurangi National Park is primarily beech forest that is steep and rugged in places. The bush line is generally at around 1,300 m. The highest peak in the park is Mt Owen at 1,875 m.

Westerly driven weather systems arriving from the Tasman Sea are common and can cause the weather to change very quickly. Heavy rain will flood rivers that can become dangerous to the unwary. Most of the larger river crossings are bridged but care needs to be taken at all times. Annual rainfall is around 3,000 mm per year.

Snow can fall above the bush line at any time of the year and visitors need to be well equipped.

Wasps in beech forest during the summer months can be a hazard and visitors need to be well prepared.

Trout are common in most of the rivers and a Fish and Game licence is required.

Red deer, goats and pigs are present in low numbers. Good hunting on the open tops is possible for those who are prepared to search for prime feeding and resting zones near water in summer.

Access

Vehicle access to this hunting area is via the Baton Road and Wangapeka Valley Road via the Tadmor Saddle. There is a concrete ford across the Dart River that cannot be crossed after heavy rain.