Rees hunting

Located in Mount Aspiring National Park east of the Divide hunting in the Otago region

Rees hunting block consists of the true right of the upper Rees Valley. You can hunt goats, chamois, whitetail and red deer.

About this hunting block

Animals present are goats, chamois, whitetail and red deer.

General information

This block consists of the true right of the upper Rees Valley, bounded by a line between Lennox Falls and Black Peak to the south and the Forbes Mountains as far as Mt Cunningham to the northwest.

Much of the area is subalpine and alpine vegetation and terrain. Beech/tawhai forest is confined to the lower slopes of Hunter Creek and Cattle Slip faces, alongside the Rees River.

Hunting is prohibited within 500 m of the Rees Valley Track.

Access

To access this block, use the Rees Valley Track, which starts at the Muddy Creek car park, 68 km from Queenstown via Glenorchy. Until you reach the Park boundary at a swingbridge some four hours up the valley, you are crossing private land and you need permission for hunting access.

Rees-Dart Track

Landholders

For hunting access on the true left of Rees River, contact Iris Scott, Rees Valley Station, ph +64 3 442 9908.

For hunting access on the true right of Rees River, contact Geoff Thomson, Mt Earnslaw Station, ph +64 3 442 5268.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CA10

Dogs

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

Huts

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.

Takahē conservation in Rees Valley

18 takahē were released into the Rees Valley in February 2025. 

You may see takahē as you walk, hunt or stay at the hut in Rees Valley. They may disperse into other areas. There are around 500 in the total takahē population as of 2024.

At a glance, people may mistake the takahē for a pūkeko. Takahē are a large bird with deep blue and green colouring, sturdy red legs and beak. 

The chicks are black and small, as they grow, they will grey out. The juveniles will go from grey and muted blue and green, to the striking colours as they mature. Find information about takahē conservation: Takahē Recovery. 

If you see a takahē 

To keep takahē safe in their new home:

  • keep a respectful distance to reduce stress on the birds
  • don't share any food with takahē as human food can make them sick
  • report any sightings (particularly outside the Rees Valley). Try to note details such as location, number of birds and leg band colours.