About this hunting block

Animals present are fallow deer, red deer and chamois.

General information

This block consists of bush in the Steele Creek catchment, including bush on the true left of the Greenstone between Steele Creek and Pass Burn.

The Steele Creek 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

Follow the Greenstone Track up valley about 2 km beyond Greenstone Hut. From here until Steele Creek the bush on the true left of the river is part of the block. About an hour further on there is a swingbridge and a track up Steele Creek giving access to the rest of the block.

Landholders

The Greenstone 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, CC09

Steele Creek hunting block map (PDF, 1,160K)

Dogs

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

Huts

• Steele Creek Hut
• Mid Greenstone Hut is managed by the NZ Deerstalkers' Association. Book the 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.