The Stack Conservation Area

Located in Cardrona Glenorchy Shotover hunting in the Otago region

Animals present in The Stack Conservation Area are red deer and chamois, in low to moderate numbers.

About this hunting block

Animals present are red deer and chamois, in low to moderate numbers.

General information

The Stack Conservation Area covers much of the slopes of Roys Peak and Mt Alpha, which form the skyline to the west of Wanaka. The terrain is steep snow tussock with patches of alpine scrub. Faces on both the Motatapu Valley and Lake Wānaka side are steep and exposed; take care if traversing these. The terrain is prone to low cloud and is not recommend during the winter months or in poor weather conditions.

This block is balloted for the ROAR period during the months of March and April.

See Wanaka roar block system

Access

Hunting access to the Stack Conservation Area is either by helicopter or foot access.  Foot access tracks cross private land and carriage of firearms is only permitted via the Fern Burn. For helicopter access, you must obtain a landing permit for one of three designated sites from the Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre:

  • North Stack Saddle E1286500, N5040360
  • Lower Steels Spur E1286570, N5037090
  • Southern Stack Ridge E1284010, N5033710

Within the block there are some farm roads and a poled ridgeline track from Mt Alpha over to Roys Peak.

Landholders

The hunting block borders farmland – hunters need to be familiar with the boundaries and stay within them.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CB12

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this block with a hunting permit. Dogs are not permitted via the Fern Burn access track.

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.