Karamea River to Radiant Range hunting

General information

This large area includes the Kakapo and Little Wanganui Rivers, Stormy Ridge, the true left Karamea River and coastal forests south to the Radiant Range and Karamea Bluffs.

Forests are a mix of silver beech, podocarp and broadleaf with small areas of open tops in the headwaters. Many lower parts of the valleys are cutover forest.

There are extensive limestone formations in the Karamea Bluffs and extra care is needed if travelling in these areas.

Access

There are several points of access. Foot travel up the Karamea River and into Kakapo River is difficult. There is an old non-maintained track that provides access into the upper Kakapo from the Little Wanganui River but this can be difficult to follow. The Wangapeka track provides easy access up the Little Wanganui River. Access into Captain Creek and Blue Duck Creek require crossing private land and permission must be obtained.

There is access to the lower forested areas off Granite Creek, Kongahu Swamp and Wangapeka roads. Many access points require crossing private land and permission is required. Radiant Range and Karamea Bluffs can be accessed directly off the main road. There is a track that provides access to the Six Mile Creek flats.

There is a track to Stormy Ridge that starts on private land at Arapito road. You need to get permission Daryl Simkin, +64 3 782 6809.

There is a helicopter service available at Karamea.

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

Landholders

There is private land at access points for Captain and Blue Duck Creeks, Arapito and at Corbyvale.

Maps

NZTopo50 BQ22, BQ23.

Dogs

All areas are prohibited to dogs except where authorisation has been granted by DOC. People wishing to take a dog into this area should seek authorisation from the local DOC office.

Huts

There are two DOC huts in the area:

• Kakapo
• Little Wanganui (Belltown)

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.
• Chamois are found mainly in the alpine areas in low numbers.
• Possums are controlled by AHB in the forested areas close to farmland.
• Feral pigs are localised throughout the area but goats are uncommon.
• Note: there is no hunting allowed 1 km either side of Wangapeka track between 15 December until after Waitangi weekend. 

Additional information

Report any goat sightings in the area to DOC.

Be careful of sink holes when walking through limestone areas in Karamea Bluffs.