Routeburn North Branch
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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
Animals present in Routeburn North Branch hunting block are chamois, whitetail and red deer.
Animals present are chamois, whitetail and red deer.
General information
This block takes in the Routeburn North Branch catchment, which branches off at Routeburn Flats. The mid section of the valley is beech/tawhai forest, the rest is mainly open flats, giving way to alpine gravel and rock at the head of the valley.
The valley has 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.
Access
Access is via the Routeburn Track as far as Routeburn Flats, two hours from the shelter and roadend. From Routeburn Flats Hut cross the Route Burn and follow the track up the true right of the North Branch.
Maps
NZTopo50 series: CB09
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