Lake Wanaka Faces
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.
Deer - Fallow, Deer - Red, Pigs
A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by a 'restricted area permit'. Contact the DOC office managing the hunting area.
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.
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
About this hunting block
Animals present are red deer, fallow deer and pigs in the Lake Wānaka Faces hunting block, part of of Matatiaho Conservation Area.
Animals present are red deer, fallow deer and pigs in low to moderate numbers.
Booking Lake Wānaka Faces and Mount Burke Creek hunting blocks
Bookings for the Lake Wānaka Faces and Mount Burke Creek hunting blocks for the period 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 (excluding the Roar period) are open, but there is limited availability remaining.
You can email wanakavc@doc.govt.nz or phone +64 3 443 7660 to enquire about availabilty.
We will be contacting hunters a month before their permit to confirm whether they still plan to use it. If they return the permit, those dates will become available for other hunters to book.
General information
This block consists of the western faces of Matatiaho Conservation Area, which overlook Lake Wānaka just to the north of Mou Waho Island. The terrain is steep and covered in scrub closer to the lake with tussock grassland higher up.
The Lake Wānaka Faces block is restricted. You need to get a permit (issued for three days at a time only) specifically for this block, from the DOC Wanaka Area Office. In addition, this block is balloted for the roar period during the months of March and April.
Safari hunting operates throughout the year on Glen Dene Station which borders to the north. Hunting outside the conservation land boundaries is prohibited.
Contractors for TBfree may undertake aerial monitoring work in this block for animal health inspections. The block will not be exclusive during this period and an effort to notify the permit holder will be made in advance of the work.
Access
This block is accessed by boat on the eastern shore of Lake Wānaka. Be aware that there is no mooring and the shoreline is exposed to strong winds. The climb from Lake Wānaka is difficult due to the steep slopes and thick scrub.
Firearms and dogs are not permitted on the Stewart Creek/Glen Dene Ridge Tracks.
Aircraft access is by DOC permit only, contact local operators.
Maps
NZTopo50 series: CA12
Prohibited firearms
The use of shotguns, shotgun-rifle combos, .22 calibre and rim-fire firearms are prohibited on public conservation land unless stated otherwise.
Pesticides
Check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where you intend to hunt using the pesticide summary map.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in this block with a hunting permit. If accessing the block over private land, you must have landholder permission to take your dog.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block