Arawhata
Alerts
Boundaries are approximate and not suitable for accurate boundary definition. Check current DOC permit conditions before hunting. Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.
Chamois, Deer - Red
A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online.
Before lighting a fire on public conservation land, check it's alright to light. Extinguish all fires before leaving huts and campsites. How to minimise the risk of fire.
No dogs
About this hunting block
Hunt red deer and chamois in the Arawhata hunting block, which lies within the Olivine Wilderness Area, so there are no huts, tracks or bridges, and no aircraft landings are permitted.
General information
This block takes in the part of the Arawhata catchment within Mount Aspiring National Park, including the Joe River, the Five Fingers Range, and the Olivine Range. As well as the major peaks and alpine zone, terrain includes some very large grassy flats. Being on the western side of the Main Divide, the block has typical Fiordland/West Coast weather and vegetation.
The block lies within the Olivine Wilderness Area there are no:
- huts
- tracks, or
- bridges
- and no aircraft landings are permitted.
Access
Access to this block is difficult. Possible routes include the Arawhata Valley, Arawhata Saddle from the West Matukituki, or alpine crossings from the Dart Valley.
Maps
NZTopo50 series: CA09, CA10
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed in this block as it is part of Mount Aspiring National Park.
There may be avalanche danger
Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.
If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:
- Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
- Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
- Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.
Additional information
For information relating to parts of this block north of Ten Hour Gorge, contact the DOC Haast Visitor Centre.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block