Mt Mantel/Sphinx hunting
Located in Nelson Lakes hunting in the Nelson/Tasman region
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Introduction
This hunting block runs north-south from Murchison between the Maruia and Matakitaki Rivers. Large numbers of feral goats along with red deer, pigs and chamois are present.Species
- Chamois
- Deer - Red
- Goats
- Pigs
Permit requirements
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online or from a DOC office.
Dog access
About this hunting block
General information
Mt Mantel/Sphinx runs north-south from Murchison between the Maruia and Matakitaki Rivers.
Mud and limestone substrate and lower westerly altitude country is covered in mixed vegetation, from podocarp forest through red and lowland beech forest, to mountain beech forest and the open tussock tops of Mt Mantel with its two large basins.
There are many reminders of the Murchison 1929 earthquake, with large slips and earthquake lakes throughout. Caves and hidden holes are also scattered within.
Red deer are in medium numbers within the area.
Large numbers of feral goats are present right throughout, favouring the broken slip country with big mobs gathering out in the open tussock tops of Mt Mantel over the summer months. This area is not part of the Nelson Lakes goat control programme, so numbers are high and good hunting opportunities exist.
Pigs are also widespread over the area, providing great sport over some very difficult terrain.
Chamois are present on Mt Mantel, the high goat population tending to restrict their numbers.
Access
SH65, SH6, Matakitaki West Bank Road and Maruia Saddle Road all provide points of access where the conservation boundary meets them.
Johnsons Creek walking track and Skyline Walkway, on the Matakitaki West Bank Road, are the only maintained walking tracks. A marked route is also present climbing from the Maruia Saddle Road up a leading spur and on to the tussock tops of Mt Mantel.
Landholders
Any access through private land to the area requires the landowner’s permission.
Maps
NZTopo50 BR22, BR23, BS22, BS23
Dogs
Hunting dogs are allowed by permit only and are allowed to be overnight in the area.
Dog permits are available from the local DOC office.
Huts
There are no Department of Conservation huts within this area.
About Teetotal sighting-in range
Teetotal sighting-in range is located off Teetotal Road in the Teetotal Recreation Area approximately 3.3km northwest of St. Arnaud.
Hunters can safely check their rifle sightings at the Teetotal sighting-in range facility before heading into nearby parks and conservation land to hunt.
To use the sighting-in range you must have a Teetotal sighting-in range permit, or be under the supervision of a Range Officer. This is a legal requirement under the Arms Act 1983 from 1 July 2023.
Contacts
| Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 521 1806 |
| nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | View Road St Arnaud 7072 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |
