About this hunting block

General information

This block takes in the part of the Arawhata catchment within Mount Aspiring National Park, including the Joe River, the Five Fingers Range, and the Olivine Range. As well as the major peaks and alpine zone, terrain includes some very large grassy flats. Being on the western side of the Main Divide, the block has typical Fiordland/West Coast weather and vegetation.

The block lies within the Olivine Wilderness Area there are no:

• huts
• tracks, or
• bridges
• and no aircraft landings are permitted. 

Access

Access to this block is difficult. Possible routes include the Arawhata Valley, Arawhata Saddle from the West Matukituki, or alpine crossings from the Dart Valley.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CA09, CA10

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed in this block as it is part of Mount Aspiring National Park.

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.

Additional information

For information relating to parts of this block north of Ten Hour Gorge, contact the DOC Haast Visitor Centre.