Lochnagar hunting

Located in the Otago region

Lochnagar hunting block offers opportunities to hunt red deer, chamois and goats.

About this hunting block

Animals present are red deer, chamois and goats.

General information

The Lochnagar block lies in the northern Richardson Mountains between the Rees and Upper Shotover Rivers, joining Mount Aspiring National Park near Mt Tyndall. The terrain is steep tussock, scree and rock, cut by deep gorges and snow-covered in winter. The block encircles Lochnagar, a steep sided lake formed by a massive slip to the north.

The Lochnagar block is restricted during the roar period from 10 March to 31 May. Bookings will be made subject to availability. A maximum of eight rifles will be allowed in the block at any one time for a maximum permit duration of seven days. To obtain a permit contact the local DOC office. 

Access

Access to this block is from the Shotover through Branches Station, or from Rees Saddle on the Rees/Dart Track. From the Shotover, landholder permission is required. Both access routes require a high level of backcountry skills and experience.

For helicopter access into the Lochnagar hunting area the helicopter company may be required to apply for a one-off landing permit from the Department of Conservation depending on the location.  One-off landing permits take up to five days to process.

Landholders

For access through Branches Station contact:

Gene Bryce
Phone: +64 3 441 8421

Gaining a hunting permit to hunt the Lochnagar hunting area does not give rights to hunt on Branches Station.

For access through Rees Valley Station contact:

Kate Scott
Phone: +64 3 442 9908.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CA10, CA11

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this block with a hunting permit. If accessing the block over private land, you must have landholder permission to take your dog.

There may be avalanche danger

Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.

If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:

  1. Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
  2. Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
  3. Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.

Takahē conservation in Rees Valley

18 takahē were released into the Rees Valley in February 2025. 

You may see takahē as you walk, hunt or stay at the hut in Rees Valley. They may disperse into other areas. There are around 500 in the total takahē population as of 2024.

At a glance, people may mistake the takahē for a pūkeko. Takahē are a large bird with deep blue and green colouring, sturdy red legs and beak. 

The chicks are black and small, as they grow, they will grey out. The juveniles will go from grey and muted blue and green, to the striking colours as they mature. Find information about takahē conservation: Takahē Recovery. 

If you see a takahē 

To keep takahē safe in their new home:

  • keep a respectful distance to reduce stress on the birds
  • don't share any food with takahē as human food can make them sick
  • report any sightings (particularly outside the Rees Valley). Try to note details such as location, number of birds and leg band colours.