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Introduction

Red deer are in moderate numbers throughout the Sabine/D'Urville area, frequenting the open tops and river flats. Chamois may also be encountered on the tops.

Species

  • Chamois
  • Deer - Red

Permit requirements

A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.

This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online or from a DOC office.

Seasonal restrictions

Hunting closed in some areas between 22 December and 9 February.

Dog access

No dogs

About this hunting block

General information

The Sabine and D’Urville Rivers run into the southern end of Lake Rotoroa. The Sabine Valley is part of the popular Travers-Sabine tramping circuit, and as such trampers will be frequently encountered on the tracks and in the huts. The D’Urville Valley is less frequented by trampers and is a popular destination for hunters.

Vegetation is mainly beech forest with the lower slopes dominated by red beech, silver beech, and kanuka at sites with poor drainage, and upper slopes by silver and mountain beech grading to pure mountain beech at tree line.

This beech forest ecosystem is transitional from Lake Rotoiti/Travers Valley, which has the drier beech forests of western Marlborough, through to Lake Rotoroa and the Matakitaki where the mixed beech-podocarp forests of North Westland become more prevalent.

The park is steep and rugged and can experience severe weather conditions in any season. Heavy rain will flood rivers that can become dangerous to the unwary. Care needs to be taken at all times.

Red deer are in moderate numbers throughout the area, frequenting the open tops and river flats more in the early morning and late evening. Chamois may also be encountered on the tops.

Access

Lake Rotoroa, via the water taxi, private boat or walking around the eastern edge of the lake, are the primary access points for both valleys. Some other access points to the area are the Speargrass and Cedric routes, Poukirikiri/Travers Saddle, Moss Pass and Tiraumea Saddle.

Travers-Sabine Circuit

On the track between the Sabine and D'Urville huts a bridge (GR E1571366 N5359831) has been removed. Trampers will have to cross a stream which is approximately 1 m deep at normal flow. After rain the stream may not be safe to cross.

Hunting is closed in the following areas between 22 December and 9 February: 500m within the shores of Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa, upstream on the Sabine River as far as the Sabine Gorge and upstream on the D’Urville River as far as Bull Creek.

Landholders

All in Nelson Lakes National Park.

Map information

NZTopo50 BS24

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed in Nelson Lakes National Park

Hut information

Additional information

Wasps are usually in high numbers from mid to late summer so hunters need to be prepared for this hazard especially if allergic to stings.

Both valleys have high usage by trampers especially during the summer months.

Some good trout fishing can be had in the lake and both rivers (Fish & Game licence required - see Fish & Game Council).

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.

More about the Teetotal sighting-in range permit

Contacts

Rotoiti / Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre
Phone:   +64 3 521 1806
Email:   nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz
Address:   View Road
St Arnaud
Postal Address:   PO Box 55
St Arnaud 7053
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