The Stack Conservation Area
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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
A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online.
Dogs with a DOC permit only. More information below or contact the relevant DOC office.
About this hunting block
Animals present in The Stack Conservation Area are red deer and chamois, in low to moderate numbers.
Animals present are red deer and chamois, in low to moderate numbers.
General information
The Stack Conservation Area covers much of the slopes of Roys Peak and Mt Alpha, which form the skyline to the west of Wanaka. The terrain is steep snow tussock with patches of alpine scrub. Faces on both the Motatapu Valley and Lake Wānaka side are steep and exposed; take care if traversing these. The terrain is prone to low cloud and is not recommend during the winter months or in poor weather conditions.
This block is balloted for the roar period during the months of March and April.
Access
Hunting access to the Stack Conservation Area is either by helicopter or foot access. Foot access tracks cross private land and carriage of firearms is only permitted via the Fern Burn. Helicopter access is by DOC approved aircraft concessionaires. Contact local helicopter operators for more information.
A landing permit must be obtained for one of three designated sites from the Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre:
- North Stack Saddle E1286500, N5040360
- Lower Steels Spur E1286570, N5037090
- Southern Stack Ridge E1284010, N5033710
Within the block there are some farm roads and a poled ridgeline track from Mt Alpha over to Roys Peak.
Landholders
The hunting block borders farmland – hunters need to be familiar with the boundaries and stay within them.
Maps
NZTopo50 series: CB12
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in this block with a hunting permit. Dogs are not permitted via the Fern Burn access track.
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.
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