Pomahaka Conservation Area hunting

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

In response to issues encountered in 2021, with too many hunters trying to use the Pomahaka Conservation Area over the same period, DOC has moved to a ballot system over the roar period (four weeks from 21 March) for this block.

The system is very similar to that used at nearby Leithen Bush and Waikaia Bush. It is administered by the DOC Invercargill Office. We anticipate this year will be a trial run and we will review arrangements ahead of next year, including aligning the timing of the ballot with the other Southland hunting areas.

• Ballot applications close on 23 February. We expect to advise applicants of the outcome by 28 February 2022.
• There are two 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.
• The cost of an application is $11.50. Note this is a drawn ballot and there is no guarantee of obtaining a block.

Block access and maps

Access for block one 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.

Access for block two 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.

Application form

Download the ballot map and application form (PDF, 107K) or (Word, 44K).

To apply for the ballot, you will need to complete an application form and either post, email or drop it off to the Invercargill office.

If you post your application, you will need to include credit card or debit card details for payment. If you would like to email your application you will need to phone the Invercargill Office to pay, we can not accept credit card or debit card details via email. Alternatively, you can pop into the Invercargill Office and pay by credit card, debit card, EFTPOS, or cash over the counter.

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 manager Sean O’Boyle +64 276 323 855 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.