About this hunting block

Animals present are fallow deer, red deer and chamois.

General information

The Lower Caples block includes most of the bush and faces on the true left of the Caples, from the creek draining Mt Bonpland down to the confluence of the Greenstone and Caples Rivers. It also includes the area of bush on the true right, behind Mid Caples Hut.

The Lower Caples block is restricted and is only available from 1 April to 30 September. You need to get a permit specifically for this block, issued from the local DOC office by way of 2 ballot draws.

Access

From the Greenstone road end take the Caples Track up-valley to Mid Caples Hut. From here you can access both parts of the block.

Landholders

The Caples Valley floor is private land, owned by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. No hunting is permitted on or within 100 metres of the river flats. Access agreements allow for walking and carrying firearms up the valley. 

Hunters who are allocated a block in the ballot draw must advise the farm manager before entering the valley. Contact Routeburn Station, Stuart Percy, ph +64 3 442 9901.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CB09, CB10

Lower Caples hunting block map (PDF, 1,060K)

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted in this block, or in any part of the Greenstone/Caples Recreational Hunting Area (RHA).

Huts

• Mid Caples Hut
• Home Hill Hut

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.