Rock 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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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, Deer - White-tail
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
Rockburn hunting block consists of the Beans Burn and Rock Burn catchments with opportunities to hunt chamois, whitetail and red deer.
Animals present are chamois, whitetail and red deer.
General information
This block consists of the Beans Burn and Rock Burn catchments, and contains beech/tawhai forested valleys and terraces with subalpine and alpine vegetation on the tops. Both valleys have a number of large boulders and rock overhangs that can be used as shelters.
Hunting is not permitted:
- within 500 m of the Routeburn Track, and rifle bolts must be removed while in the Routeburn Valley, and
- in the area bordered by the Dart River, the Route Burn and Lake Sylvan due to it being a high-use tramping area.
This hunting block borders Te Korokā (Dart/Slip Stream – Dart side of Cosmos Peak). This is a 'Specially protected area' and entry is by special permit only. Hunting is prohibited in this area.
Access
Access to the Beans Burn is via the Routeburn-Kinloch Road to Weka Flat, then by track to Lake Sylvan and continuing north through open beech/tawhai terraces along the Dart to the Rock Burn. A bridge crosses an impressive canyon above the hut. From here, sidle the hill and follow the Dart River to the Beans Burn.
Access to the Rockburn is as above, or by following the Routeburn Track for 15 minutes before turning up Sugarloaf Stream and entering the block at Sugarloaf Pass.
Another alternative is a commercial jet boat from Glenorchy to the mouth of the Rock Burn or Beans Burn.
Maps
NZTopo50 series: CA09, CB09, CB10
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.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block