About this hunting block

General information

The Wakamarina Valley, the smaller cousin of the neighbouring Pelorus Valley, encompasses around 12,000 ha of forested land around the headwaters of the Wakamarina River. The river drains the northern slopes of mounts Fishtail, Royal and Sunday.

The area around Fosters Creek was extensively worked for gold in the latter parts of the 19th century and there are still a number of open shafts that could create a hazard to the unwary.

Much of the Richmond Range in this area is heavily forested with the highest peak, Mt Fishtail, reaching over 1600 metres. Vegetation is mostly beech forest with podocarp forest at lower altitude and small areas of tussock around the high points of Mts Fishtail, Royal, Baldy and Sunday along the top of the range. There is a large area of regenerating forest around the gold workings near Fosters Creek.

There are several tributaries of the Wakamarina River and ridges and spurs that can give access to the interior of the Richmond Range.

Low numbers of red deer can be found throughout the area at any time of the year. Goats and feral pigs are relatively common throughout.

Access

The Wakamarina Track is reached at the end of the Wakamarina Road (turn off SH6 at Canvastown). There is a standard camping area (Butchers Flat) here. The section of track from Butchers Flat carpark is no longer accessible to 4WD vehicles. Track users must park at the carpark and either walk or cycle to the track start.

Alternatively the Blenheim end of the track is reached off the Northbank Road then following Onamalutu Road to its end and finally 5 km up Kiwi Road to the car park. There are two huts on this track, Devils Creek and Foster Clearing Hut.

Access to the Blenheim end of this track passes through commercial pine plantations. This road may be closed from time to time to allow for harvesting operations in the forest. Before planning to use this access, always check the status of this track.

The Doom Creek track is a short loop track off the Wakamarina Track that can provide access into the Doom and Fosters Creeks. This track is reached 1.5 km from Butchers Flat.

The Mt Royal route is an unmaintained route that connects Devils Creek Hut on the Wakamarina Track to Mt Royal.

Landholders

No information is currently available.

Map

NZTopo50 BQ27

Dogs

Hunting dogs are allowed with a permit from DOC Picton Field Base.

Huts

• Butchers Flat Campsite
• Devils Creek Hut
• Fosters Hut

Rivers and streams

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

Additional information

No additional hunting restrictions apply.