Remarkables Wye Creek hunting

Located in the Otago region

The Remarkables Wye Creek hunting block offers red deer, chamois and goat hunting.

About this hunting block

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

Be prepared for extreme conditions

In summer, very hot and dry conditions are common so make sure you carry plenty of water and have enough 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.

Restricted zones

There are three no-hunting zones next to this block. You can pass through these areas with your firearms, but you must not discharge your firearms in these zones (see map).

Additionally there is no hunting access allowed via:

  • Staircase Creek.
  • Two Mile Creek.
  • Private land off SH6 between Wye Creek and Kingston township.

The land surrounding this hunting block is made up of active farms. Know the boundaries and always stay within the block. Be mindful that workers, stock and hunters or other authorised recreators may be on the neighbouring private land at any time. 

Access

Access to the hunting block is only permitted via one of the routes listed below.

  1. Remarkables Skifield Road (walking access): 2 km south of Frankton on SH6. Drive up Remarkables Skifield Road to the carpark. Walk via Lake Alta Track to the ridge. From the ridge, the hunting block lies immediately south.
  2. Wye Creek Track (walking access): 15 km south of Frankton on SH6. Park a few hundred metres before Wye Creek bridge. Follow Wye Creek Track to the hunting block boundary. Don’t cut across private property.
  3. Coal Pit Saddle Road (4WD, then walking access): 28 km east of Queenstown on SH6. Turn onto Coal Pit Saddle Road and drive to the carpark at the top. Walk via Glenroy Water Race Track to the block boundary. Sections of Coal Pit Saddle Historic Reserve Track are deeply rutted and can be difficult to negotiate. This access is only suitable for experienced drivers with the ability to support themselves in difficult conditions.
  4. Via Nevis Road (walking access with seasonal restriction): Nevis Road provides direct access to the south-eastern corner of the block. Commissioners Creek to Southland District Boundary is closed to motor vehicles annually from the Tuesday after Kings' Birthday each June, until 30 September.
  5. Ryders Track off Nevis Road (walking access with seasonal restriction): 4.5 km walk to conservation boundary. Closed annually 15 October to 30 November for lambing.
  6. Gibbston-Nevis Track via Nevis Road (walking access): Entry points include Dark Elliots and Sunny Elliots Tracks.
  7. Dark Elliots Track: 7 km walk to conservation boundary. Closed annually 15 October to 30 November for lambing.
  8. Sunny Elliots Track: 12 km walk to conservation boundary.

Huts

  • Raceman’s Hut
  • Two Mile Hut – familiarise yourself with the location and photos before you go. There is a private hut not too far from Two Mile Hut on private property that is not for public use. Camping is permitted in the conservation area.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CC11

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this block but must always be under control on a leash when travelling on the easement tracks. 

Fires prohibited

No fires are permitted in this area.