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SOUTH CANTERBURY
Special
Feature: Classic alpine hunting for big game species
New Zealand’s most elevated hunting grounds are found in the
Mt Cook National Park in South Canterbury.
This breathtaking glacial park has the greatest concentration of
3000 metre high peaks in the country. Lesser peaks fan out in an
endless snow-capped panorama with rock-studded slopes falling
precipitously into the headwaters of the Rakaia, Rangitata and
Waitaki river systems.
Red deer inhabit the forest slopes up to the 1000 metre bush line
and make nocturnal forays onto the alpine pastures. They are
widespread throughout all the elevated inland areas of South
Canterbury but are kept under control by helicopter venison
recovery operations.
Chamois have thrived in this classic alpine habitat and can be
sighted on high rocky bluffs and faces in the Cook, Rolleston,
Ohau and Leibig ranges. Thar congregate in herds more than
chamois because of their gregarious nature. The snow tussock and
alpine herb fields are threatened with extinction by severe
grazing. Drastic control measures have been taken to reduce
numbers in their main stronghold between the Dobson and Rangitata
rivers and on the Cook Range.
Wild pigs are not so prevalent in this region being limited to
the scrub and fern covered foothills of the Alps. Goats are
relatively scarce and wild sheep have colonised the Waianakarue
River. Wallaby have their own special haven in the Hunter’s
Hills, 30 km from Timaru. These Australian imports are the
Bennett’s wallaby, which find good concealment in the rough
gullies choked with snowgrass and flax. Successful shooting in
this Recreational Hunting Area calls for careful viewing from the
high ridges to pinpoint these bouncing balls of energy.
Mallard, grey and shoveler duck and Paradise shelduck are common
throughout the region along with Canada geese and black swan,
with good populations on Lake Ellesmere. Pheasant, quail and
chukar are present in moderate numbers.
Guided red deer, thar and chamois hunting is available in Tekapo.
Trophy hunting for red stags, fallow bucks, thar, chamois, goats,
rams and wallabies can be organised in Christchurch, Ashburton
and Fairlie.
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