Aoraki/Mount Cook hunting

Within the park, recreational hunting for tahr and chamois is permitted throughout the year in three blocks – Upper Godley, Murchison and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Hunters should sign in their intentions at the visitor centre when entering the park. For up-to-date information on access, conditions and animal numbers, contact the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre.

Tahr inhabit bluff areas and adjacent sub-alpine shrublands and alpine grasslands. To reduce the negative impacts tahr can have on the park's outstanding natural values, aerial control is carried out annually by the department covering all known tahr habitat. This aerial control is generally done during winter, from July to October.

Tahr were introduced into the area in 1904 and chamois in 1907. These animals spread rapidly and now provide ample hunting opportunities for hunters with alpine experience.