Wilberforce

This hunting area is located 100-120 km west of Christchurch between Lake Coleridge and the Wilberforce and Rakaia rivers. Pigs, red deer and chamois are present.

This hunting area is located 100-120 km west of Christchurch between Lake Coleridge and the Wilberforce and Rakaia rivers. It comprises a number of forested areas in the Wilberforce River catchment and includes the Mt Algidus ecological area.

The terrain is moderate to very steep. The vegetation is mainly beech forest, scrub and tussock with some podocarp and cedar forest.

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

This is a remote sub alpine/alpine area near the main divide. River crossings on foot or in a vehicle are inherently dangerous as rivers can rise quickly, particularly the Wilberforce River which can be quite deceptive. Take care. Other hunters and trampers may be encountered. Take precautions and identify your target.

From the Harper Diversion, the easiest vehicle access to the Wilberforce hunting areas is either through Glenthorne Station on the true left or Mt Algidus Station on the true right of the Wilberforce River. Landholder permission is essential.

The Wilberforce riverbed provides alternate foot or vehicle access but is very slow and difficult. Helicopter access is also an option but a landing permit will be required.

Landholder permission is required for vehicle or foot access if planning to cross Glenthorne or Mt Algidus stations.

NZTopo50 maps BV19, BW19, BV20, BW20

Dogs are not permitted in the Wilberforce river hunting block as kiwi are present.

• Park Morpeth Memorial Hut
• Weka Burnet Bivvy
• Unknown Stream Hut
• Moa Stream Hut
• Urquharts Hut

Note: The Fanghill and Moa huts on the true right of the Wilberforce are private huts and not available for public use.

Before you go check the:

• avalanche terrain in this area.
• avalanche danger on the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.