Mackley-Orikaka-Ngakawau hunting

General information

The Mackley-Orikaka-Ngakawau is a large area of hill country and elevated terraces that extends from Mt Rochfort and the Mt Williams Range east to New Creek and the Buller River, and north to Seddonville. The only large river system is the Mackley that flows into the Buller River near Rahui.

Further north the Ngakawau Basin is accessed from Seddonville. Forests are a mix of beech and podocarp with large areas of low stature forest and scrub in the upper reaches of the main rivers where the terrain is less hilly.

Access

This area can be approached from the Denniston plateau by gravel road that ends at the Mackley River or from the east along a transmission service line road from New Creek (Iron Bridge).  This latter road crosses private land.

It is possible to 4WD the entire road length however the Mackley River crossing is difficult and should not be attempted when water levels are above normal. You can also access the Cascade Creek area off the Mt Rochfort road.

The Ngakawau basin can be accessed from Seddonville following the Charming Creek road then veering east along rough forest roads for a few kilometres. Alternatively, hunters can cross the Buller River by boat at many points.

Landholders

There is no private land within this area except at the New Creek access.

Maps

Topo50 maps BR21, BS21.

Dogs

Dogs are prohibited in all areas 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 no huts in the area.

Hunting

• Red deer can be found throughout the area at any time of the year. 
• Chamois are uncommon. 
• Possums are controlled by AHB in parts of the area. 
• Feral pigs and goats can be found throughout most of the area.

Additional information

Hunters are advised to check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where they intend to hunt.

The use of shotguns, shotgun-rifle combos, .22 calibre and rim-fire firearms is prohibited on public conservation land unless stated otherwise.