Remarkables Wye Creek hunting

Animals present are red deer chamois and goats

General information

This large 23,000 ha block in the Remarkables Conservation Area, covers the headwaters of Doolans Creek, all of the Wye Creek catchment and the headwaters of the Nevis Burn, Schoolhouse and Commissioner's Creeks. The terrain is mostly steep alpine tussock faces, with rock and scree outcrops.

In summer, very hot and dry conditions are common so make sure you carry plenty of water and have adequate protection against the sun. Alpine conditions may be experienced at any time of the year, with the higher country being subject to snow during the winter months. In winter, mountaineering experience is required along with knowledge of avalanche conditions. Rivers and streams in this region can rise rapidly. Take extreme care when crossing these, especially after rain.

The terrain is prone to low cloud, strong cold winds and deep snow. Travel is not recommended in poor weather conditions. Be prepared.

Camping is permitted in the conservation area.

Access

There are multiple access points:

• 2 km south of Frankton on SH6, drive up the Remarkables Skifield Road to the car park. From the car park there is walking access to the ridge via the Lake Alta Track. Once on the ridge, the Remarkables Wye Creek block lies immediately to the south.
• 15 km south of Frankton on SH6, there is a car park a few hundred metres before the Wye Creek bridge. From there follow the Wye Creek Track to the hunting block boundary
• 28 km east of Queenstown on State Highway 6, turn right up Coal Pit Saddle Road and drive to the car park at the top – sections of track in the Coal pit Saddle Historic Reserve are deeply rutted and often difficult to negotiate. Drivers should be experienced and able to support themselves in difficult conditions. From there follow the Glenroy Water Race Track to the hunting block boundary.
• The Nevis Road provides direct access to the south-eastern corner of the block. Commissioners Creek to the Southland District Boundary is closed to motor vehicles from the Tuesday after Queens Birthday in June until 30 September
• Ryders Track off the Nevis Road provides walking access 4.5 km to the conservation boundary – closed annually 15 October to 30 November inclusive for lambing.
• Walk from the Nevis Road on the Gibbston-Nevis track to various entry points including the Dark and Sunny Elliots Tracks.
• Dark Elliots Track, walking access 7 km to conservation boundary - closed annually 15 October to 30 November for lambing.
• Sunny Elliots Track, walking access 12 km to conservation boundary.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CC11

Remarkables Wye Creek hunting block map (PDF, 2,157K)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this block but must be under control at all times and on a leash when travelling on the easement tracks. If accessing the block over private land, you must have landholder permission to take your dog.