Shotover Saddle 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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.
Chamois, Goats
A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online.
The access tracks are closed annually 17 October to 7 November for lambing.
No dogs
About this hunting block
Shotover Saddle Faces hunting block consists of challenging, steep terrain covered by tussock grass, scree and rock faces. You can hunt chamois and goats.
Animals present are: chamois in moderate numbers and goats in low numbers.
General information
Be aware that there may be other people in this area on and off track.
Identify your target before shooting.
This block overlooks the valley flats of the West Matukituki. The terrain is relatively steep with tussock, scree and rock. There is avalanche danger in this area during winter and spring.
From Brides Veil Waterfall, the marked route follows a leading ridge up towards the Shotover Saddle. The route initially negotiates patches of bracken before reaching higher tussock slopes.
Beyond the saddle there is no marked route, navigational skills are required. Landowner permission is required to exit this area via Branches Station
From the conservation boundary at Wishbone Falls the route is unmarked and leads into steep, bluffed territory. A high level of backcountry skills is required if entering the hunting area from this access point.
Access
The Matukituki Valley is an hour’s drive west from Wanaka.
There are two options on access to this area, both are steep and require a high level of backcountry skills and experience:
- 2.5km before Raspberry Creek car park is a sign at the access point to Wishbone Falls - from the conservation boundary the route into the hunting area is unmarked.
- From the road-end at the Raspberry Flat car-park up the West Matukituki Valley, a sign just past the prominent Brides Veil Waterfall indicates the start of the marked route.
Landholders
- For access through Branches Station, contact managers@thebranches.co.nz.
- For access via Shotover Saddle, contact Randall Aspinall, Mt Aspiring Station, phone +64 21 647 155.
Maps
NZTopo50 series: CA11
Dogs
No dogs
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.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block