About this hunting block

Description

This site includes the west side of the Mataketake Range from the Whakapohai River south to the Haast River.

Hunting ballots

There are three balloted roar blocks for western parts of the Mataketake Range between March and April. These are generally accessed via the Haast-Paringa Cattle Track.

The roar blocks are:

• Block 72 – Coppermine Creek
• Block 71 – Waita
• Block 70 – Whakapohai

More information and how to apply for the roar ballot.

The Bald Hill, Lower Whakapohai, Maori River and Mosquito Hill areas are open blocks all year round.

Access

Access to the area is off SH6. The area is approached on SH6 by either travelling north from Haast which is 5 to20 minutes. You can also track 80 minutes sound from Fox Glacier.

The main access points are at the Whakapohai River which gives easy walking access from the bridge.

The Waita River end of the Haast-Paringa Cattle Track is a well formed track and leads to Coppermine Creek Hut then traverses the north western flank of the Mataketake Range to Maori Saddle Hut

Numerous access points off SH6 provide direct access to side creeks around Knights Point and the forested plains of Haast, Waita and Ship Creek areas. However, wetland and dune lake areas near the highway can make forest travel in some areas difficult. Forests in areas around Knights Point can be challenging with areas of supplejack and kiekie, particularly near the coast.

Helicopters

Aircraft landings and helicopter landings are for DOC approved aircraft concessionaires only. Landing sites are available at Blowfly, Maori Saddle and Coppermine Creek Huts. Helicopters based at Haast and Karangarua are frequently used to provide access to permitted landing sites.

Landholders

If you keep to the marked track in the Coppermine Creek area, there is no need to gain permission to cross any pastoral lease or privately owned land to access this area. An area of privately owned land is south of Coppermine Creek Hut, and there are privately owned buildings on this land. To go on this land you need Landowner permission.

Contact Haast Visitor Centre for landholder contact details.

Maps

NZTopo50 BY12, BY13

Huts

• Maori Saddle Hut
• Coppermine Creek Hut

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. The Mataketake tops are also popular in the summer.

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.