Upper Wairau - South Marlborough Conservation Land/Reserves

General information

The Upper Wairau catchment runs from the top of the St Arnaud Range through to the top of the Raglan Range and south to Island Pass. The area has a variety of habitats ranging from vast open tops dropping in to forested side catchments which feed into the braided river catchments of the Rainbow and Wairau Rivers.  

Moderate red deer numbers occur throughout the area.

Pig numbers have increased over the last few years but are still at low densities.

Goats can be found on the Raglan range but are low in numbers. We would appreciate hunters shooting any they encounter.

Chamois are also in low to moderate numbers on the tops and some good heads have been taken out of the area.

Access

Access to the Raglan Range can be gained off the Rainbow Road by crossing the Wairau River at safe crossing sites. There is also a suspension bridge across the Wairau which gives access up in to Lees Creek.

Access can also be gained from the eastern side of the range via the Branch Creek Road and track systems.

Access to the St Arnaud range can be gained anywhere along the Rainbow Road. Routes are marked up the Hamilton River, Connors Creek, Begley Creek and Paske Creek.

Landholders

Permission must be gained from the Rainbow Station manager (see Rainbow Station website) for access across private land between the Rainbow Road and conservation land.

Map information

NZTopo50 BR25 & BS25

Dogs

Hunting dogs are allowed by permit only and are allowed to be overnight in the area on the Raglan Range side of the road but are prohibited on the St Arnaud Range side.

Dog permits are available from the local DOC office.

Hut information

Western Raglan Range

• Lees Creek Hut

Eastern St Arnaud Range

• Connors Creek Hut
• Begley Hut
• Paske Hut

Additional information

This is rugged, steep country in many places and very dry and hot in the summer. Good backcountry skills are necessary for an extended stay in this environment.