DOC hunting area

Sinclair Range

Open29,318haCanterbury

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Boundaries

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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.

Species

Chamois, Deer - Red, Tahr, Wallabies

Permit requirements

A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online.

Dog access

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.

About this hunting block

This block covers the eastern faces of the Two Thumb Range sloping down towards the upper Rangitata catchment. Tahr, red deer, chamois and wallaby are the key recreational hunting species present.

General information

The Sinclair Range, which includes the South Opuha hunting block, is west of the Rangitata River and forms part of Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park. The area is about 29,823 hectares. It adjoins the Havelock to the north and Two Thumb Range to the west.

Access

Sinclair Range area

Turn inland off the Geraldine Arundel Road onto Peel Forest Road. 1 km past Peel Forest township, turn right onto the Rangitata Gorge Road. Follow this road for 47 km to Mesopotamia Station.

Foot access is up Forest Creek or Bush Stream to the public conservation land.

South Opuha area

Turn off the SH8 (Fairlie-Tekapo Road) onto Stoneleigh Road. From end of the public road it's about a 3 hour walk or 1 hour 4WD to the conservation land.

Foot access is via the unformed legal road or river bed. Vehicle access is conditional on obtaining permission from Stoneleigh Station.

Helicopter landings may be approved provided an appropriate landing permit is obtained.

Topo map

NZTopo50 map sheets: BX17 Mt Sibbald, BY17 Lake Tekapo, BX18 Lake Clearwater, BY18 Ashwick Flat

Dogs

Sinclair Range area

Dogs are permitted.

South Opuha area

Dogs are not permitted.

Huts
Additional information

Check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where you intend to hunt.

Weather

Forecast near the middle of the block