Hooker/Landsborough and Adams Wilderness Areas Tahr Ballot

Only one application per party, minimum of 2, maximum of 6 hunters and a maximum of 5 sites will be accepted.

**Applications not containing all party members names and dates of birth will be considered invalid**

Important Notice – Adam’s Flat Conservation Programme
Please be aware that DOC has an active conservation programme underway in the Adam’s Flat area, including monitoring of kiwi pukupuku. DOC staff may be camping and working in the area during the ballot period. We will do our best to inform successful ballot holders of planned work and staff presence prior to each period changeover. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Sites are allocated for a 7 day period:
  • period 1 - Saturday 25 April to Friday 01 May
  • period 2 - Saturday 02 May to Friday 08 May
  • period 3 - Saturday 09 May to Friday 15 May
  • period 4 - Saturday 16 May to Friday 22 May
  • period 5 - Saturday 23 May to Friday 29 May
  • period 6 - Saturday 30 May to Friday 05 June
  • period 7 - Saturday 06 June to Friday 12 June
  • period 8 - Saturday 13 June to Friday 19 June
  • period 9 - Saturday 20 June to Friday 26 June
 
Important Dates:
  • Applications open: 9am, Thursday 09th October
  • Applications close: 4pm, Friday 31st October
  • All applicants notified of Ballot outcome by 13th November
  • Confirmation close: 4pm, Thursday 27th November
  • Second chance draw: 9am, Wednesday 03rd December
  • Open to all: 9am Thursday 11th December
Start Date
Adults
Children
Infants
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(01) Baker Creek Lower — Weekly Permit

Very popular and productive area. Most creek systems holding tahr, but steep to access. Good sheltered campsite options. Nice upper basin with rock bivvy (Baker Creek) in good weather conditions. Suitable for hunting parties of 4 persons. River/creek water supply.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to two designated landing sites only during ballot period.
Baker Creek landing site: NZTM2000 E1344828-N5144719
Alternative Upper Baker landing site: NZTM2000 E1346308-N5142874
Road access point: Karangarua or Landsborough.
Foot access: It is possible to walk in from outside the wilderness area boundary at Kea Flat

Block specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BY14

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(02) Upper Zora — Weekly Permit

Large campsite, but can be very exposed in bad weather. Reasonable foot access around most of area. Tahr on both sides of Zora Creek. Suitable for parties of 4 hunters. Creek water supply.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1344552-N5147269
Road access point: Karangarua or Landsborough
Foot access: Very difficult, several days walk

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BY14

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(03) Opposite Percy — Weekly Permit

Access up creeks to the tops. In low flow, the river can be crossed. Suitable for parties of 2-3 hunters. River water supply.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1346649-N5145441
Road access point: Landsborough road end.
Foot access: Very difficult.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BY14

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(04) Hinds Tarn — Weekly Permit

Exposed campsite. Limited area to hunt, but very scenic. Tarn water supply. Suitable for small hunting parties (2 persons).

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1344480-N5145629
Road access point: Landsborough road end.
Foot access: Very difficult.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BY14

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(05) Shelter Hollow — Weekly Permit

Sheltered campsite in the trees. Good creek access to the tops. Generally lots of tahr living in bush. Suitable for parties of 4. Creek water supply.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1349017-N5147575
Road access point: Karangarua or Landsborough
Foot access: Very difficult, but possible from Kea Flat

Block specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BY15

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(06) Arbor Rift — Weekly Permit

Nice, sheltered campsite under the trees. Limited tent space. Access around block pretty good although upper slopes very steep. Suitable for parties of 4. River/creek water supply.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to the designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1348833-N5147579
Road access point: Karangarua or Landsborough.
Foot access: Very difficult, from Kea Flat one long day.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BY15

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(07) Mahitahi Lower — Weekly Permit

Mahitahi: Sheltered camps with space for two tents. Scrubby country with creek access. Suitable for groups of 4 hunters. Creek water supply.

Mahitahi Upper: Exposed camp higher up the valley. Easy hunting access. Suitable for groups of 4. Creek water supply.

Tahr found throughout, with highest numbers on the upper true left. Popular area during ballot period.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period
Mahitahi landing site: NZTM2000 E1340802-N5151054
Alternative Mahitahi Upper landing site: NZTM2000 E1342807-N5149954
Road access point: Mahitahi or Landsborough
Foot access: 2-3 days walk from SH6

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BY14

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(08) Edison River — Weekly Permit

Camp in the gully by the creek. This site is at a higher altitude, and can be very cold. Large flat area for camping. Suitable for parties of 4 hunters. Creek water supply.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1339072-N5148289
Road access point: Mahitahi road end (State Highway 6).
Foot access: Very difficult. Access via Mahitahi and Edison river valleys.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BY14

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(09) Jacobs Upper — Weekly Permit

Jacobs Upper: Large, open and exposed campsite. Scrubby country but with good access. Suitable for groups of 4 hunters. Creek water supply.

Jacobs Lower: Large, exposed, flat camp. Scrubby country with limited hunting options. Suitable for parties of 2. River water supply.

Tahr found throughout, with highest numbers on the upper true left. Popular area during ballot period.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to two designated landing sites only during ballot period
Jacobs Upper Landing site: NZTM2000 E1343272-N5154505
Alternative Jacobs Lower Landing site: NZTM2000 E1341012-N5155874
Road access point: Jacobs River (SH 6)
Foot access: 2-3 days walk from SH6

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BX14

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(10) Upper Otoko — Weekly Permit

Good sheltered camp. Access up creeks through the scrub. Tahr usually up high. Creek/river water source. Suitable for parties of 4.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1333584-N5144470
Road access point: Paringa road end.
Foot access: Very difficult. Access via the Paringa and Otoko river valleys.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BY14

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(11) Dechen Creek — Weekly Permit

Large open camp. Access to tops via ridges. Creeks very steep. Suitable for parties of 4 hunters. Creek water supply.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1341760-N5142340
Road access point: Landsborough road end.
Foot access: Very difficult.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BY14

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(12) Bubble Creek — Weekly Permit

Nice flat campsite. East tops access on both sides of the river. River water supply. Campsite suitable for parties of 4 hunters.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1351830-N5150004
Road access point: Landsborough or Karangarua road end.
Foot access: Very difficult.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map:Topo50 BY15

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(13) Rubicon Rock Biv — Weekly Permit

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1353393-N5151428

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map:Topo50 BY15

Hooker-Landsborough landing sites (JPG, 1084K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams1) Adams Flat — Weekly Permit

Most tahr are predominately scrub dwellers. Highest tahr numbers on faces opposite Adams Flat and above the bushline on the true right of Eblis Gorge and true right Alpheus Creek, the true left of Athene Creek, and at the head of Boulderpool Creek. Low deer numbers, mainly downstream of Eblis Gorge. Good chance to see a deer/chamois down along the faces of Speculation Range.

Large camp on river flats. Good access to hunting, some scrub lower down but clear slips and creeks. Suitable for 4 hunters. River water supply.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1412314-N5205900
Road access point: Wanganui road end.
Foot access: Very difficult. River access problems in Eblis /Adams River Gorge from Hunters Hut.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW17
Additional species: Chamois and red deer

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams2) Lord River — Weekly Permit

Best tahr hunting is along scrub/bush-line. If weather allows then hunters should consider camping above the bush-line. Good tahr numbers around Devastation Creek, Crumbling Spur and Poker Gully. Good numbers of chamois also present, especially around Blue Lookout.

Lord River campsite: Large campsite. Lots of open country to hunt - suitable for groups of 4 hunters. River water supply.

Lord Range alternative campsite: Campsite on exposed tussock knob. High camp in good hunting and glassing country. Suitable for small groups of 2-3 hunters. Tarn water supply in close proximity.

Access information
Helicopter access: Available all year except outside of the Adams Wilderness Area boundary.
Restricted to two designated landing sites only during the ballot period within the boundary.
Lord River landing site: NZTM2000 E1423272-N5208058
Alternative Lord Range landing site: NZTM2000 E1421807-N5208091
Road access point: Wanganui road end.
Foot access: Difficult. Via the Wanganui river valley and Hunters or Smyth huts.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW18

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams3) Poerua Lower — Weekly Permit

Tahr concentrated on true left bluffs and faces of the Poerua River . Many areas are difficult to access due to the steep terrain. Tahr predominately scrub dwellers. Low numbers of chamois.

Lower Poerua site: Small camp in the scrub. Surrounding faces are scrubby but with good access via the creeks. Suitable for groups of 2-3 hunters. River water supply.

Upper Poerua site: Small sheltered camp. Good tops access with plenty of hunting options. Lots of scree. River water supply. Suitable for groups of 2-4.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Poerua Lower landing site: NZTM2000 E1404285-N5206046
Alternative Poerua Upper landing site: NZTM2000 E1406072-N5204608
Road access point: Poerua road end.
Foot access: Very difficult

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map:Topo50 BW17

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams4) Abel Lake — Weekly Permit

Tahr numbers concentrated on the true left of the Perth River and frequent the scrub areas. Low numbers can also be found in Adverse Creek and round the Great Unknown. Foot access into the upper Perth is possible from Scone Hut but is difficult and is best attempted when the river is low.

Large camp on river flats which could be exposed. Both sides of the valley are accessible to hunt. Suitable for groups of 4. River water supply.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1408850-N5198507
Road access point: Whataroa road end
Foot access: Difficult, via Perth river and Scone Hut

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW17

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams5) Barlow River — Weekly Permit

Large flat camp with some shelter. East access to tops via tussock faces or creeks. Suitable for parties of 4. River water supply.

Tahr mainly concentrated in side creeks off Mt Barlow and around The Great Unknown. There is also a population around Mt Adams.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1404891-N5203065
Road access point: Whataroa road end.
Foot access: Very difficult. Take care in river crossings.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW17

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams6) Willberg Upper — Weekly Permit

Upper site is a large open camp in the tussock. Easy tops access. Smaller huting area with most animals downstream. Suitable for hunting parties of 2-3 persons. River water supply. In times of heavy rain camping advised at Upper Willberg site.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Upper Willberg landing site: NZTM2000 E1407259-N5207133
Lower Willberg landing site: NZTM2000 E1406124-E5208746
Road access point: State Highway 6
Foot access: Very difficult.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW17

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams7) Speculation Creek — Weekly Permit

Open high camp, with lots of guts. Generally easy hunting. Creek water source. Campsite suitable for 3-4 hunters.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1408963-N5208229
Road access point: Wanganui road end.
Foot access: Very difficult.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW17

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams8) Poker Gully — Weekly Permit

Campsite at landing area is in a steep creek bed and is quite rocky. Easy hunting access, but water access is questionable. Suitable for groups of 4.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Poker Gully Lower landing site: NZTM2000 E1422838-N5211018
Alternative Poker Gully Upper landing site: NZTM2000 E1423190-N5211363
Road access point: Poerua road end.
Foot access: Very difficult

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW18

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams9) Eblis Tops — Weekly Permit

Aciphylla Creek campsite is high up in the tussock. Plenty of hunting options with some easier country. Suitable for 3-4 hunters. Creek and tarn water sources.

Alternative Eblis Tops campsite information to be provided soon. Check back from late January.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Aciphylla Creek landing site: NZTM2000 E1414182-N5205497
Alternative Eblis Tops landing site: NZTM2000 E1415610-N5207796
Road access point: Wanganui road end.
Foot access: Very difficult.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW17

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams10) Teichelmann Creek — Weekly Permit

High campsite. Best early on when there is not too much snow. Quite exposed. Easy hunting access. Front face of the Perth can be accessed. Suitable for parties of 2-3 hunters. Creek water supply.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1408310-N5197116
Road access point: Whataroa road end
Foot access: Very difficult. Access via Perth river and Scone Hut.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW17

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams11) Perverse Creek — Weekly Permit

High campsite which would be better when there is not too much snow. Quite exposed. Easy hunting access, front faces of the Barlow can also be accessed. Suitable for parties of 2-3 hunters. Creek water source nearby.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1403164-N5200010
Road access point: Whataroa road end.
Foot access: Very difficult. Via Perth river.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW17

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams12) Adams Range — Weekly Permit

High, open campsite. Easy hunting. Creek and tarn water supply. Suitable for parties of up to 4 hunters.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1402468-N5206082
Road access point: Poerua road end.
Foot access: Very difficult.

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW17

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams13) Lambert River — Weekly Permit

Tahr can be found on the steep faces near the head of the Lambert River. Best hunting is in the side creeks and gullies on the true right side, between Glacier and Hende Cliffs and steep faces around into first side creek down stream on true left. Rocky campsite in the scrub. Quite a steep block.

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1418874-N5206831
Road access point: Wanganui road end
Foot access: Very difficult

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW17

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams14) Elizabeth Stream — Weekly Permit

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1403099-N5197505

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW17

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  

(Adams15) North Barlow — Weekly Permit

Access information
Helicopter access: Restricted to designated landing site only during ballot period.
Landing site: NZTM2000 E1400980-N5203091

Site specific information
Permissions: DOC hunting permit required
Map: Topo50 BW17

Adams Landing Sites (JPG, 1140K) (opens in new window)  
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Tahr control
There are a number of areas where tahr populations need to be reduced to minimise effects on the environment

General information
Updates and changes for Tahr Ballot.
Please read the DOC webpage for updates.

Applications will only be accepted through the new online application form.
Applications open and close from the dates specified.
A one-off non-refundable fee of $60 will be charged for each application regardless of whether the applicant is successful or not.
All correspondence for the tahr ballot must be sent to haasthuntingballot@doc.govt.nz.
Additional aerial access for recreational hunters
Recreational tahr hunting is also one of the primary means of tahr control for most of these areas.

In the ballot, recreational hunters will have some managed aerial access into the Hooker / Landsborough and Adams Wilderness Areas made available under the terms of the ‘Himalayan Thar Control Plan’, approved by the Minister of Conservation in 1993. This reflects the identification in the plan of recreational tahr hunting as one of the primary controls for tahr in particular areas.

Managed aerial access is being provided to position recreational hunters and will be for a limited period of April to July. This period was selected to limit effects on other wilderness users and to coincide with the tahr rut and the period when skins are at their best.

Recreational hunters are being given this access to help reduce tahr densities to the target levels set in the tahr control plan. While hunters' chief objective may be trophy bulls, the Department encourages all hunters to remove nannies and juveniles in the process, and to reduce group sizes to less than five animals.

Look after your opportunity
Aerial access to these areas is a privilege. Future access is reviewed annually and will depend on the way all parties involved co-operate to achieve the plan’s tahr density objectives. Access must be managed to minimise effects on the wilderness values that these areas have been set aside to protect. Effects on these values will take longer to determine.

Post-season inspections often locate hidden rubbish such as burnt tins, plastic, string, and poorly rehabilitated campsites. It is good to see an increasing number of sites are being left clean and tidy with minimum impact, as this is the key to continued hunting access.

Landing and hunting
Aerial operators are issued permits to fly hunters into these areas. Minimising human impact is a condition written into the landing and hunting permits. Department of Conservation staff inspect areas at the end of the hunting period to check that aerial operators and hunters have complied with permit conditions.

Landing sites are in areas within walking distance of tahr herds and often have reasonably sheltered campsites nearby. At some sites poor weather could prevent aircraft access. Careful planning and weather forecasting is essential. Ensure you have sufficient supplies to cope with delayed pickups. Although the designated landing sites are the only sites where parties may land (some sites have two options), hunters can also walk from these landing sites to their own chosen campsite if they wish. Hunters should be aware of natural hazards such as dead overhanging trees when selecting their campsite. There will be kea at some sites; do not feed kea, and ensure campsites are kept as tidy as possible so as not to attract their attention.

Tahr prefer to inhabit a formidable environment and hunters must be physically and mentally prepared for this. Normal tahr range in summer is from 800 to 2,200 metres; they often seek lower altitude scrub and bluffs during winter. They are usually found on or near steep rocky bluffs. Tahr usually set out to feed in the late afternoon, returning to cover the following morning. Hunting pressure may determine how urgently and how soon after daybreak they do this. Rifles with suitable calibre for shooting at long range are advised, along with good binoculars and spotting scopes.

Aerial operators
The right to fly recreational hunters into these sites will be issued to approved operators. A list of these operators will be sent with your hunting permit. Hunters are free to select a servicing operator from this list. Operators not appearing on the list may not be used.

Aerial-assisted trophy hunting using a helicopter will be permitted in the Wilderness Areas during part of the ballot period. Apart from this, no helicopter wild-animal carcass or live recovery for deer, chamois or tahr is allowed during the ballot period in the Wilderness Areas. If you see any of this happening, record as much information as possible including helicopter registration (numbers and letters displayed on the machine) photos or video footage, and report this to the nearest Department of Conservation office as soon as possible so there can be an investigation.

Check-In Time

Between 2:00 pm and 10:00 pm

Check-Out Time

10:00 am

Reception Hours

8am - 6pm

Payment Policy

Ballot applications not abiding by rules will be withdrawn and party leaders and all party members named on the application will not be considered for the next two years ballot. Payment of $NZ 60 per party ballot application fee is payable at time application is submitted.

All information provided will be used by DOC solely for purposes for which it is gathered in accordance with the Privacy act 2020. By submitting this form the Applicant consents to the disclosure of their name, contact details and the dates of any permits issued to other hunters holding permits who may request this information from DOC for purposes of co-ordinating transport arrangements to and from authorised hunting sites.

A maximum of 6 hunters/ minimum 2 as named on the application and permit may be in the site for the time period allocated.

Party leaders are reminded of their hunting permit conditions, by accepting the right to hunt on a site you agree to abide by the terms and conditions set out in the permit and as Party leader you are responsible for your party members adherence.
Remove all rubbish and camping gear when leaving the area.

All persons hunting must have valid firearms licence.

Only approved aerial concessionaires can be used for aerial access the Wilderness Areas for the balloted period.

No dogs are permitted into wilderness areas.

Hunting during the hours of darkness is prohibited.


To encourage full utilisation of the hunting opportunities, any applicants who do not wish to use their balloted permit are asked to cancel it by contacting Haast Hunting Ballots.

Cancellation Policy

$NZ60 application fee is non refundable.