Thomas - Roaring Billy - Macfarlane hunting

Description

The Thomas – Roaring Billy – Macfarlane are the main catchments of the lower true right of the Haast valley.

There are three distinct valleys to visit, as well as the more easily accessed flats and faces of the true right, north side, of the Haast Valley.

True left of the South Haast Valley hunting.

The forests are mostly silver beech with some areas of podocarps in the lower valleys. There are extensive tussock tops although they can be difficult to access on foot.

Hunting ballots

There are seven balloted roar blocks between March and April covering this area.

More information and how to apply for the roar ballot.

Access

The area is approached on SH6 from either Haast or Wanaka, but requires crossing of the Haast River which is best done by boat or helicopter.

The major barrier to access of this area is the Haast River, however many visitors and locals use the river to access the area by jet boat or kayak.

The upper reaches of these valleys are most commonly accessed by helicopter.

Foot access

Crossing the Haast River on foot is possible only rarely during unusually low flows and in only a handful of locations. Crossing on foot is not recommended.

The Thomas Valley and Roaring Billy Valleys both have rough walking tracks in the lower sections that finish at the huts in each valley. Travel times are about 4 hours to the Thomas Hut and 4 hours to the Roaring Billy Hut. However, these tracks receive little use and are not regularly maintained so travel times can be longer. The Macfarlane Valley has no tracks or huts however the valley head has good access upstream of the top flats.

Landholders

The Haast Valley river flats are held under a grazing licence, permission is required to hunt these areas. Contact Department of Conservation, Haast Visitor Centre for further information.

Maps

NZTop50 BY12, BY13

Huts

There are two huts in this area:

• Thomas River Hut
• Roaring Billy Hut

Helicopter landing sites are available at both huts. Tracks to huts are not regularly maintained.

Hunting

Moderate numbers of 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.

Chamois can found throughout in low numbers.

Tahr are occasionally seen in the head of the Macfarlane.

The Haast and Thomas Rivers are popular trout fishing areas during the season.

Get a fishing licence to fish.

Know before you go

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

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