Siberia

Red deer and chamois are present in the Siberia hunting block.

Animals present are red deer and chamois, in low to moderate numbers.

This block includes the lower Siberia Valley and Gillespie Stream, part of the popular Gillespie Pass Circuit, as well as the upper Siberia Valley and Crucible Lake. There are extensive grassy flats as well as areas of beech/tawhai forest and steep alpine snowgrass and rock slopes.

This block is balloted for the roar period during the months of March and April.

See Wanaka roar block system.

There are three ways of accessing the Siberia block:

• Air access to the airstrip in Siberia Valley
• Commercial jetboat access to Kerin Forks, and walking access from there. Private jetboats can use Wilkin River by notifying Wilkin River Jets prior.
• Walking access from either end of the Gillespie Pass Circuit – up the Wilkin Valley or over Gillespie Pass from the Young Valley

There will often be other people in this area on and off track, including volunteers clearing traps.

Check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where you intend to hunt using the pesticide summary map Pesticide Summary

The use of shotguns, shotgun-rifle combos, .22 calibre and rim-fire firearms are prohibited on public conservation land unless stated otherwise.

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.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

NZTopo50 series: BZ12

Dogs are not allowed in this block as it is part of Mount Aspiring National Park.

Siberia Hut

Note: Siberia Hut needs to be booked from Labour Weekend (late October) until 30 April. Outside of these dates the hut works on a first come first served system. Fees still apply.