Lower Greenstone hunting
Located in Greenstone/Caples Recreational Hunting Area (RHA) in the Otago region
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Introduction
The Lower Greenstone hunting block offers opportunities to hunt fallow deer, red deer and chamois.Species
- Chamois
- Deer - Fallow
- Deer - Red
Permit requirements
This hunting area is covered by a 'restricted area permit'. Contact the DOC office managing the hunting area.
Seasonal restrictions
No hunting 1 October to 31 March in Greenstone/Caples RHA.
Dog access
About this hunting block
Animals present are fallow deer, red deer and chamois.
General information
This block consists mainly of bush on either side of the Greenstone, from the Greenstone/Caples River junction up to the Greenstone/Steele Creek junction.
The Lower Greenstone block is restricted and is only available from 1 April to 30 September. You need to get a permit specifically for this block, issued from the local DOC office by way of two ballot draws.
Access
From the Greenstone road end follow the Caples River for 30 minutes and then cross the swingbridge just above the junction with the Greenstone. The hunting block starts about 2 km up the Greenstone Valley.
Landholders
The Greenstone Valley floor is private land, owned by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. No hunting is permitted on or within 100 metres of the river flats. Access agreements allow for walking and carrying firearms up the valley.
Hunters who are allocated a block in the ballot draw must advise the farm manager before entering the valley. Contact Routeburn Station, Stuart Percy, ph +64 3 442 9901.
Maps
NZTopo50 series: CB09, CB10, CC09
Lower Greenstone hunting block map (PDF, 1,420K)
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted in this block, or in any part of the Greenstone/Caples Recreational Hunting Area (RHA).
Huts
- Greenstone Hut
- Slip Flat Hut
- Steele Creek Hut
- Mid Greenstone Hut is managed by the NZ Deerstalkers' Association. Book the hut.
Additional information
- There are two ballot draws per year - one for April/May (the roar) and the other for June to September. Find out more about the ballots and ballot process.
- From 1 October to 31 March the Greenstone/Caples RHA is closed to hunting.
- Commercial or guided hunting is not permitted in this block.
Takahē conservation
18 takahē (9 breeding pairs) were returned to the Greenstone and Caples areas in August 2023.
While the releases were mainly on Greenstone Station, takahē are known to range widely. You may see takahē as you walk, on bush edges and over time, they may disperse into other areas such as hunting blocks.
At a glance, people may mistake the takahē for a pūkeko. Takahē are a large bird with deep blue and green colouring, sturdy red legs and beak. The chicks are black and small, as they grow, they will grey out. The juveniles will go from grey and muted blue and green, to the striking colours as they mature. For more information, visit Takahē Recovery
If you see a takahē
To keep takahē safe in their new home:
- keep a respectful distance to reduce stress on the birds
- don't share any food with takahē as human food can make them sick
- report any sightings (particularly outside the Greenstone Valley) at birdbanding.doc.govt.nz/sightings. Try to note details such as location, number of birds and leg band colours.
Contacts
Whakatipu-wai-Māori / Queenstown Office | |
Phone: | 0800 275 362 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | queenstown@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
Cavells Building 1 Arthurs Point Road Queenstown 9371 |
Postal Address: |
PO Box 811 Queenstown 9348 |
Full office details |