Minaret Burn
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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.
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
About this hunting block
You have opportunity to hunt red deer and chamois in the Minaret Burn hunting block, which is is part of Mt Alta Conservation Area.
Animals present are red deer and chamois in low to moderate numbers.
General information
This block is part of Mt Alta Conservation Area, taking in the true right side of the Minaret Burn Valley, upstream of Slip Creek. The country is mostly open steep tussocklands, with a few areas of scrub.
This block is balloted for the roar period during the months of March and April.
Access
Take the Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road from Wānaka and turn right onto West Wānaka Road, about 5 km beyond Glendhu Bay. From the Homestead Bay car park at the end of this road, access is on foot and takes a full day.
As this access crosses a private deer farm, firearms must be carried with their bolt removed until in the hunting block.
Follow the track to Station Creek and Colquhouns Beach. At a junction about 2 km from Station Creek, continue on the main (right hand) track. After climbing out of the Rumbling Burn, take the left fork at another junction and follow the track up the true right of the Minaret Burn, before eventually reaching the hunting block boundary at a private hut by Slip Creek.
Aircraft access is by DOC permit only, contact local operators.
Landholders
James Cochrane, West Wānaka Station, ph +64 27 329 3315.
Maps
NZTopo50 series: CA12
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in this block with a hunting permit, and with access landholder permission.
Huts
The hut at Slip Creek is private and you must have landholder permission to use it.
Pesticides
Check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where you intend to hunt using the pesticide summary map.
Prohibited firearms
The use of shotguns, shotgun-rifle combos, .22 calibre and rim-fire firearms are prohibited on public conservation land unless stated otherwise.
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.
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block