About this hunting block

Red deer and fallow deer are present.

Hunting is confined to the Pomahaka Conservation Area and is not permitted in the River Reserve sections. In this area summers tend to be mild and winters are cold with frequent frosts.

Moderate rainfall throughout the year is mostly from the southwest and fog is common at any time of year. The higher country is subject to snow during the winter months and some sections may be subjected to avalanche danger.

Rivers in this region can rise rapidly, take care when crossing these. Be prepared.

Roar ballot

This block is balloted for the roar period (4 weeks from the third Monday in March to the third Sunday in April).

• Ballot applications close 31 October. 
• There 2 blocks – available for parties for any weekend, or up to 3 consecutive days during the week, over the period. The boundaries of these blocks are shown on attached map.

Application form

Download the ballot map and application form (PDF, 174K) or (Word, 62K).

To apply for the ballot, you will need to complete an application form and submit it via email to invercargill@doc.govt.nz.

Key dates and fee waiver

• The new system will launch in the first quarter of 2026.
• No admin fees will be charged for ballot applications during the transition, including the 2026 roar ballot. Fees will be reinstated when the new system is live, and we’ll keep you updated when that will happen.
• If you’ve already paid a fee, you’ll receive a refund. We’ll contact you directly in this case.

Block access and maps

Access for block 1 is the regular public access up the hill from the Gem Lake cattleyards – use of this access requires the normal courtesy of notifying the Gem Lake manager Liam Park 027 276 3388.

Access for block 2 is less straightforward and requires following the marginal strip downstream from Junction Hut or following a track through Glenary Station from the Waikaia Bush Road.

• Pomahaka hunting blocks (one and two) access map (JPG, PDF 3,600K)
• Pomahaka hunting block two access map (JPG, 1,340K)

Hunters need to know where private land and block boundaries are. They need to respect these boundaries – failure to do so jeopardises future hunting for everyone. Hunting is expressly forbidden on Gem Lake Station, Whitecoomb, Whitecomb and Glenary pastoral leases.

Access

There are various entry points on gravel road from SH8 to the Pomahaka Conservation Area. From Ettrick the most direct is following Moa Flat road (opposite Turners and Growers warehouses) right onto MacKay Road and finally right onto Aitchenson Runs Road.

The Pomahaka bridge marks the start of the 4.7km 4WD road access to the carpark at the Cattle Yards. The road from the bridge to the carpark with road slumps and two fords is more suited for 4WD vehicles. This road passes through a working farm.

Those using the road need to be mindful of farming operations, and it is recommended people avoid using the road over the lambing/calving period. This lasts from 20 October to 20 November.

Walking and mountain biking access is available from the carpark, follow the marked route up the hill for approximately 2.5 km to the hunting block. This route crosses private land. Respect the landowner's livestock and property:

• stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land
• leave gates as you find them, and
• use stiles where provided.

Livestock can be unpredictable – keep your distance at all times/go around if necessary. The route is steep, rutted and very slippery in wet conditions.

Map information

NZTopo50 series: CD13 Roxburgh, CD12 Piano Flat

Pomahaka Conservation Area hunting map (JPEG, 4012K)

Pomahaka hunting blocks (one and two) access map (PDF, 3,600K)

Pomahaka hunting block two access map (JPG, 1,340K)

Dogs

Hunting dogs are permitted in the main conservation area but need permission from Gem Lake Station.

Contact the station to enter via the easement track. Dogs must be dosed against sheep measles and a certificate must be supplied.

How to obtain a sheep measles certificate.