Kokatahi-Toaroha hunting

General information

The Kokatahi-Toaroha valleys are popular areas for hunters and trampers. The two rivers are linked by a track through Zit Saddle and the upper Toaroha has a saddle with the Mungo River.

There are gorges in the lower reaches of both valleys but the middle and upper valleys are more accessible with small river flats in places. There is a good track up the Toaroha Valley.  The Lower Kokatahi track to Crawford Junction is not maintained and the going is rough.

These two moderate sized catchments have steep forested hillsides, dense alpine scrub near the bush line and tussock tops.

Carry a PLB or radio. Mobile phone coverage is often poor and should not be relied on.

Access

The Kokatahi and Toaroha road end is reached by taking a sign posted right-hand turn off the upper Kokatahi road. The Kokatahi Valley access starts just before the Kokatahi River bridge is reached. A track through farmland leads to the river which is followed for several kilometres up until the lower gorge is reached and the very rough route starts. The Upper Kokatahi Valley and Crawford Creek Valley are accessible by track. Access is via Lathrop or Zit Saddles. 

Continue along the road across the Kokatahi River bridge 2km to the Toaroha Track carpark near some sheds. Follow the track down onto the river flats and the marked track starts at the top end of these flats. It is 3 hours to Cedar Flats and another 3 hours to top Toaroha. There are four tracks that provide access to the open tops.

Alternatively use local helicopter services for access.

Access to the Toaroha Valley passes through farmland but foot access is allowed. Hunters should respect the farmer's property when crossing.

Do not disturb stock when passing through farmland.

Map

NZTopo50 BV19.

Dogs

All conservation land 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 DOC office. 

Huts

There are several standard or basic DOC huts in the area.

Kokatahi Valley:

• Boo Boo Hut
• Crawford Junction Hut
• Top Kokatahi Hut
• Top Crawford Hut (bivvy)
• Pinnacle Bivvy

Toaroha Valley:

• Cedar Flat Hut
• Yeats Ridge Hut
• Mullins Hut 
• Top Toaroha Hut
• Adventure Ridge Bivvy
• Crystal Bivvy
• Toaroha Saddle Bivvy

Hunting

Red deer can be found throughout the area at any time of the year however spring hunting on the grass flats and the Roar is most popular. There is some good hunting on the front faces and accessible streams near the road ends. 

Chamois are found mainly in the alpine areas in reasonable numbers. Hares are found throughout. Possums are controlled by TBfree in the lower parts of both valleys. Feral pigs and goats are uncommon.

Additional information

Avoid disturbing stock when crossing farmland.