Upper Caples RHA
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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 - Fallow, Deer - Red
A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by a 'restricted area permit'. Contact the DOC office managing the hunting area.
No hunting 1 October to 31 March in Greenstone/Caples RHA.
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
The Upper Caples hunting block offers opportunities to hunt fallow deer, red deer and chamois.
Animals present are fallow deer, red deer and chamois.
General information
The Upper Caples block includes the Fraser and Kay Creek catchments, the Caples from just below Upper Caples Hut up to McKellar Saddle, and the slopes of Jean Batten Peak and Mt Bonpland.
The Upper Caples block is restricted and is only available from 1 April to 30 September. You need to get a permit specifically for this block, issued from the local DOC office by way of 2 ballot draws.
Access
Follow the Caples Track up valley, entering the block where the bush closes in about 1 km below Upper Caples Hut. From the hut, tracks lead up all three main tributaries of the block: Kay Creek, Fraser Creek and the Caples River itself.
Landholders
The Caples Valley floor is private land, owned by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. No hunting is permitted on or within 100 metres of the river flats. Access agreements allow for walking and carrying firearms up the valley.
Hunters who are allocated a block in the ballot draw must advise the farm manager before entering the valley. Contact Routeburn Station, Stuart Percy, ph +64 27 204 3693.
Maps
NZTopo50 series: CB09
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted in this block, or in any part of the Greenstone/Caples Recreational Hunting Area (RHA).
Huts
- Kay Creek Hut
- Upper Caples Hut is managed by the NZ Deerstalkers' Association. Book the hut.
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.
Additional information
- From 1 October to 31 March the Greenstone/Caples RHA is closed to hunting.
- Commercial or guided hunting is not permitted in this block.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block