About this hunting block

Animals present are fallow deer, red deer and chamois.

General information

The Upper Caples block includes the Fraser and Kay Creek catchments, the Caples from just below Upper Caples Hut up to McKellar Saddle, and the slopes of Jean Batten Peak and Mt Bonpland.

The Upper 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

Follow the Caples Track up valley, entering the block where the bush closes in about 1 km below Upper Caples Hut. From the hut, tracks lead up all three main tributaries of the block: Kay Creek, Fraser Creek and the Caples River itself.

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

Upper Caples hunting block map (PDF, 1,465K)

Dogs

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

Huts

• Kay Creek Hut
• Upper Caples 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.