Fox Glacier to Karangarua hunting

No hunting allowed in the Fox Glacier Valley below the 500 metre above sea level contour. This is because of the high visitor numbers.

Access

Access to the area is off SH6. Foot access up several short valleys is possible directly off the highway. Access is easy lower down but very steep higher up. Access up the TR Cook River along riverbed and bush terraces is possible but above the Balfour River travel becomes more difficult. There are no approved helicopter landing sites in the Cook River valley.

Landholders

There is no need to cross any leased or privately owned land to access this area.

Maps

NZTopo50 BX14, BX15

Dogs

Parts of this area are Westland Tai Poutini National Park and dogs are not permitted. All other 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.

Hunting

Red deer can be found throughout the area in low numbers. Chamois are throughout the area and are relatively easy to find both at low and higher altitudes. Hunting slips and open stream beds is often successful. 

There are Tahr in the upper Cook valley. There is a population of Goats in Havelock Creek.

Know before you go

Check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where you intend to hunt. Use the West Coast pesticide summary map.