Okuru - Turnbull hunting

Located in South Westland Weheka hunting in the West Coast region

Introduction

The Okuru and Turnbull valleys are both alpine valleys with large grassed river flats and steep glacial formed faces. Hunt hares, moderate numbers of red deer and low numbers of chamois.

About this hunting block

Description

The Okuru and Turnbull valleys are both alpine valleys with large grassed river flats and steep glacial formed faces. The vegetation is mostly silver beech with some areas of podocarp and hardwood forest. Cattle are grazed in both valleys.

Hunting ballots

There are seven balloted roar blocks available between March and April.  

These roar blocks are:

  • Block 48 – Okuru Head
  • Block 47 – Ngatau River
  • Block 46 – Upper Okuru
  • Block 45B – Middle Creek Okuru
  • Block 45A – Lower Okuru
  • Block 44 – Lower Turnbull
  • Block 43 – Upper Turnbull

More information and how to apply for the roar ballot.

Access

The Okuru and Turnbull valleys are approached on the Haast-Jackson Bay Road south of Haast, or by helicopter.

Access to both valleys is off the Haast-Jackson Bay Road at Okuru, following the  Turnbull Road on the north bank of the Turnbull River. A locked gate at 6 km restricts vehicle access beyond this point. Contact the landowner for access through this area. Both valleys are leased for grazing cattle in the lower to mid reaches. Access to the valleys follow stock tracks.

The upper valleys have areas of open river flats alternated with heavily forested sections. Travel up the valleys is reasonable throughout much of the area but the valley sides are very steep.

Helicopters

Helicopter Landings into Mount Aspiring National Park and Public Conservation Land are permitted by DOC Approved Aircraft Concessionaires only.

Landholders

Grazing license and privately owned land will need to be crossed in order to gain ground access to this area. You must contact the landowners to gain permission.

Contact Haast Visitor Centre for landowner contact details.

Maps

NZTopo50 BY11, BY12, BZ11, BZ12.

Huts

There are no DOC huts in this area.

Hunting

Moderate numbers of red deer can be found throughout the area at any time of the year however spring hunting on the grass flats and the roar is most popular.

Chamois are found throughout in low numbers.

Hares are found throughout.

Know before you go

Check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where you intend to hunt using the pesticide summary map West Coast pesticide map.

The use of shotguns, shotgun-rifle combos, .22 calibre and rim-fire firearms is prohibited on public conservation land unless stated otherwise.