The South Westland District covers a vast area of land that extends from the Waitaha River to Big Bay and from the sea to the Main Divide. There is about 500,000 ha of public conservation land within this District and it includes parts of Tititea/Mount Aspiring and Westland Tai Poutini National Parks, as well as many small reserves and large areas of stewardship land.
Most species have a preferred hunting season. Feral pigs and goats are uncommon.
Franz Josef is about 1.5 hr south of Hokitika. Haast is about 2 hr north of Wānaka. State Highway 6 traverses much of the District from north of Franz Josef to the Haast Pass. The Haast-Jackson Bay Road starts near Haast and provides access to Jackson Bay and the Martyr River.
Climate
The climate is wet at times with over 3000mm of rain each year with westerly winds predominating. In winter several falls of snow can be expected that will blanket the tops and upper forested slopes. Spring to autumn is mild with regular spells of fine weather.
| Awarua/Haast Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 750 0809 |
| haasthuntingballot@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | Haast Junction Corner SH6 and Jackson Bay Road Haast 7886 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |
| Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 752 0360 |
| westlandnpvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 69 Cron Street Franz Josef Glacier 7856 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |