Upper Dart
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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, Deer - White-tail, Goats
A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online.
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
Animals present in the Upper Dart hunting block are goats, chamois, whitetail and red deer.
Animals present are goats, chamois, whitetail and red deer.
General information
This block takes in the Dart catchment above Daleys Flat, with the Forbes Mountains to the south, Barrier Range to the north and Cascade Saddle to the east at the head of the valley.
Beech/tawhai forest is confined to the terraces and lower slopes in the valley, with the catchment head predominantly sub-alpine and alpine vegetation.
On the true right of the Dart River, hunting is prohibited between McBride Burn and the Beans Burn catchment – this is Te Korokā (Dart/Slip Stream) Specially Protected Area, entry by special permit only.
Hunting is also prohibited within 500 m of the Dart Valley Track.
Access
There are three access routes:
- To Daleys Flat on the Dart Track which begins at Chinamans Bluff, 76 km from Queenstown via Glenorchy
- Cross from the West Matukituki via Cascade Saddle
- Cross from the Rees via Rees Saddle
Maps
NZTopo50 series: CA10
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed in this block as it is part of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Huts
Takahē conservation in Rees Valley
18 takahē were released into the Rees Valley in February 2025.
You may see takahē as you walk, hunt or stay at the hut in Rees Valley. They may disperse into other areas. There are around 500 in the total takahē population as of 2024.
At a glance, people may mistake the takahē for a pūkeko. Takahē are a large bird with deep blue and green colouring, sturdy red legs and beak.
The chicks are black and small, as they grow, they will grey out. The juveniles will go from grey and muted blue and green, to the striking colours as they mature. Find information about takahē conservation: Takahē Recovery.
If you see a takahē
To keep takahē safe in their new home:
- keep a respectful distance to reduce stress on the birds
- don't share any food with takahē as human food can make them sick
- report any sightings (particularly outside the Rees Valley). Try to note details such as location, number of birds and leg band colours.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block