02 - Hackett River

Hunt moderate numbers of red deer and low numbers of chamois in the Cascade to Hackett area.

This area covers the Jerry and Hackett Rivers, Durwards Stream and Ryan Creeks south to the boundary with Southland at the Pyke and Awarua Rivers. Apart from the southern end of the Red Hills Range it is an area of mostly moderate hill country with beech forests inland and more mixed hardwood forests near the coast. The streams are of a moderate size with small river flats along their length. There are no huts or tracks in the area.

Travel within the area is straightforward. The streams provide reasonable access and spurs and ridges are generally open except near the coast where you will encounter dense vegetation and especially kiekie.

For information like the weather and road report contact the Haast Visitor Centre.

The area has 5 restricted access roar blocks from March to April. These are balloted through the Haast Visitor Centre.

These roar blocks are:

• Block 16 – Callery River
• Block 15 – Spoon River
• Block 09 – Gorge River
• Block 08 – Ryans Creek
• Block 02 – Hackett River

More information and how to apply for the roar ballot.

Access to the area is best by helicopter although it is possible to walk in from either the Hollyford road end or the Cascade road end. It’s a two day walk one way from either end.

Helicopter

Helicopter landings into public conservation land are by DOC approved aircraft concessionaires only.

No helicopter landings are allowed in the Olivine Wilderness Area.

There is no need to cross any pastoral lease or privately owned land to access this area.

NZTopo50 BZ09

There are no huts in this area.

There are red deer throughout the area. Hunting is good at any time of the year however the roar is most popular season.

Chamois are found throughout in low numbers.

Check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where you intend to hunt. Use the pesticide summary map.

The use of shotguns, shotgun-rifle combos, .22 calibre and rim-fire firearms are prohibited on public conservation land unless stated otherwise.