Heaphy (Kōhaihai to Iwituaroa Range) hunting
Located in Buller hunting in the West Coast region
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Introduction
Red deer can be found throughout the Heaphy at any time of the year however spring hunting on river flats and the Roar is most popular.Species
- Deer - Red
Permit requirements
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online or from a DOC office.
Dog access
About this hunting block
General information
This is a large area that extends from the road end at Kōhaihai north to Kahurangi Point and includes the Mackay and Gunner Downs. The Heaphy River and track provides easy access into the heart of this area but elsewhere the beech and mixed broadleaf forests are dense and difficult to travel through especially near the coast. Limestone outcrops and coastal cliffs add to access difficulties.
Access
There is good foot access into the area along the Heaphy track that follows the coast for 17 km then travels inland up the Heaphy River and across Mackay Downs. Travel up the Heaphy River past the Lewis is reasonable but involves many river crossings. Access into the lower Gunner River is easy but from Ryans Creek the valley closes in.
The Bellbird Ridge track provides access from the Heaphy river mouth to Gunner Downs, but the track is not maintained and can be difficult to follow in places. Access onto the Iwituaroa Range and along the coast north of Heaphy is difficult.
Helicopter access is from Karamea.
Landholders
The area is all Kahurangi National Park.
Maps
Topo50 maps BP22, BN22, BP23.
Dogs
The area is a national park and dogs are prohibited.
Huts
Backcountry Hut Tickets and Backcountry Hut Passes are not valid for use on the Heaphy Track. Hut spaces need to be booked all year around. Book online
Hunting
Red deer can be found throughout the area at any time of the year however spring hunting on river flats and the Roar is most popular. The upper Heaphy and Gunner Rivers are popular hunting areas. Deer are often seen along the coastal margins. Chamois and pigs are uncommon. Possums are controlled by DOC every four years.
Note: No hunting within 500 m of Wangapeka and Heaphy tracks from 15 December to 8 February.
Additional information
Hunters are advised to check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where they intend to hunt. Pesticide summaries are published every four months.
There are stoat trap lines throughout the Heaphy Valley. Please do not disturb these traps.
The use of shotguns, shotgun-rifle combos, .22 calibre and rim-fire firearms is prohibited on public conservation land unless stated otherwise.
Report any goat sightings in the area to DOC.
Contacts
| Kawatiri / Westport Office | |
| Phone: | 0800 275 362 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | paparoavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Russell Street Westport 7825 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 357 Westport 7866 |
| Full office details | |
