Havelock
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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, Tahr
A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online.
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
About this hunting block
Hunt red deer, thar and chamois in the Havelock.
General information
This area forms part of the catchment of the Havelock River and the upper Rangitata River. The terrain comprises rugged mountains with extensive scree fans. Glaciers are present at the head of some valley systems.
This area is approximately 24,941 hectares and adjoins Clyde/Lawrence to the east, Sinclair Range to the south and Godley/Macaulay, Upper Godley and Franz Josef/Waiau to the west.
Access
There are two 4WD access points:
- Bush Stream: 70 km north west of Geraldine. Near Coopers Creek Bridge turn inland off Geraldine Arundel Road onto Peel Forest Road. 1 km past Peel Forest township turn right onto Rangitata Gorge Road. Follow this road to the DOC car park at Bush Stream; Access from here is up the Rangitata River.
Both access points involves difficult and lengthy riverbed travel and is conditional on river levels. Crossing the Rakaia and Havelock rivers is only recommended for experienced parties with suitable vehicles.
- Always treat rivers with respect - never cross a dirty or flooded river.
- River currents are often stronger than they appear.
- Water levels can rise rapidly due to rain in the headwaters; it does not need to raining at the crossing place.
- Braids of the river can shift and there may be soft sinking sand.
- If in doubt, stay put until conditions improve or turn back.
Helicopter landings may be approved in certain areas provided an appropriate landing permit is obtained.
Topo 50 maps
NZTopo50 map sheets: BX17, BX18, BW17
Hut information
Know before you go
Help control wallabies in this area by reporting sightings
Wallabies can displace other species, affect pastures and native species' habitats.
They also potentially impact production and native ecosystems.
Report your sighting online – it only takes a few minutes.
You can also report wallaby sightings by calling 0800 80 99 66.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block