About this hunting block

General information

Mt Mantel/Sphinx runs north-south from Murchison between the Maruia and Matakitaki Rivers.

Mud and limestone substrate and lower westerly altitude country is covered in mixed vegetation, from podocarp forest through red and lowland beech forest, to mountain beech forest and the open tussock tops of Mt Mantel with its two large basins.

There are many reminders of the Murchison 1929 earthquake, with large slips and earthquake lakes throughout. Caves and hidden holes are also scattered within.

Red deer are in medium numbers within the area.

Large numbers of feral goats are present right throughout, favouring the broken slip country with big mobs gathering out in the open tussock tops of Mt Mantel over the summer months. This area is not part of the Nelson Lakes goat control programme, so numbers are high and good hunting opportunities exist.

Pigs are also widespread over the area, providing great sport over some very difficult terrain.

Chamois are present on Mt Mantel, the high goat population tending to restrict their numbers.

Access

SH65, SH6, Matakitaki West Bank Road and Maruia Saddle Road all provide points of access where the conservation boundary meets them.

Johnsons Creek walking track and Skyline Walkway, on the Matakitaki West Bank Road, are the only maintained walking tracks. A marked route is also present climbing from the Maruia Saddle Road up a leading spur and on to the tussock tops of Mt Mantel.

Landholders

Any access through private land to the area requires the landowner’s permission.

Maps

NZTopo50 BR22, BR23, BS22, BS23

Dogs

Hunting dogs are allowed by permit only and are allowed to be overnight in the area.

Dog permits are available from the local DOC office.

Huts

There are no Department of Conservation huts within this area.