Paparoa Range West hunting

General information

This area covers the western side of the Paparoa Ranges from Fox River south to Canoe Creek. There are numerous access points into this area. Access up the Fox River is along a track that starts at the Fox River carpark. This track also links with the inland pack track that runs south to the Pororari and Punakaiki Rivers and back to SH6. Upstream of the Ballroom camping area travel is in the river bed. Spur and ridge travel is reasonable on the ranges but travel through the karst landscapes is difficult and often dangerous.

There is road access up Bullock Creek to a gate at the entrance to the old farm and junction with the inland pack track. A walking track from the upper end (true right) of the open paddocks leads up a steep ridge to Mt Bovis and provides access to the Paparoa tops.

A walking track up the Pororari River links with the inland pack track. Hunters can carry on up the Pororari River along a poorly marked route on the true right of the river into the upper valley.

Access up the Punakaiki River is directly up the river bed to the first gorge (1 hour) where a short section of track on the true right leads to open river bed travel that continues to the head of the river. Access up Canoe Creek is via the creek bed from SH6.

The limestone karst landforms around Paparoa contain many sinkholes (tomo) and care should be taken when travelling through these areas.

Landholders

There is private land in the lower Punakaiki Valley.
The other main access points do not cross private land.

Maps

Topo50 maps BT19, BT20, BS19, BS20.

Dogs

This area is mostly in a national park and dogs are not permitted. In other areas dogs are prohibited 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 this area. The Ballroom overhang up the Fox River provides sheltered camping.

Hunting

Red deer, goats and occasionally pigs can be found throughout the area at any time of the year. Chamois are present but uncommon on the Paparoa Range. Possums are controlled by DOC and the AHB 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.