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MARLBOROUGH
Special
Feature: Red deer and chamois in a superb alpine setting
This sun-drenched region is synonymous with fine wines, gourmet
food and relaxing holidays in the beautiful labyrinth of
waterways known as the Marlborough Sounds.
High above the fertile valleys of the Wairau, Awatere and
Clarence rivers are alpine herb fields where golden tussocks sway
in the breeze and big game animals graze in relative peace.
Marlborough is a paradise for hunters who appreciate the beauty
of nature and are willing to climb for three hours to view it.
The rewards are enormous - breathtaking scenery and the thrill of
stalking very cunning and elusive game. The main areas are the
bush clad Richmond Range, the glorious St Arnaud Range, the rocky
ramparts of the Inland and Seaward Kaikouras and the heavily
bushed peninsulas of the Marlborough Sounds.
Red deer are to be found in all these locations in low to
moderate numbers. Access is relatively easy to DOC land in the
Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds and to native and exotic
forests in the Richmond Range.
Chamois have spread into much of Marlborough and currently occupy
almost one third of the South Island high country. They love the
rocky crags, massive scree slopes and lush alpine herb fields of
the Kaikouras and St Arnaud Range, which earns them top billing
on the DOC hit list.
Wild pigs are quite plentiful in the dense manuka scrub, bracken
and fern-choked gully's on the margins of the ranges. Moderate
populations can be found in some of the more isolated arms of the
sounds. Goats are common in the Kaikouras and the Richmond high
country where access is difficult. Wild merino sheep are
scattered through the hills, particularly in the Wairau and
Clarence valleys and on Arapawa Island.
Mallard, grey and paradise shelducks are common in the many
rivers, streams, estuaries and wetlands and there are excellent
hunting opportunities for Canada geese and black swans in the
Wairau Lagoons. Quail can be found scattered throughout the
Awatere, Wairau and Waihopai catchments.
Guided fair chase hunts for trophy red and fallow deer, chamois,
thar, wild pig, wild rams, goats and turkey on private land and
also in the Southern Alps, can be arranged in Blenheim.
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