61 - Lower McFarlane
61 - Lower McFarlane is a 5,120 ha balloted Roar block in the South Westland - Weheka permit area. Elevations run from 63 m on the valley floor to 2,056 m on the tops, with a median around 816 m.
The block works as a mix of bush and tops, with about 24% of the country above the 1,200 m bushline and 9% in alpine ground above 1,500 m. Dominant aspect is south-west, so the upper slopes face into the prevailing weather and the lower bush sits in shade for much of the day.
It holds red deer, tahr and chamois — a classic South Westland combination from the bush margins through to the high faces.
Open 61 - Lower McFarlane on the interactive map
Boundary, huts, terrain, tracks and 1080 zones — all layers, one map.
Terrain & elevation
Based on a sample of 16,954 DEM points inside the block.
- Elevation range
- 63–2,056 m
- Median elevation
- 816 m
- Middle 50%
- 456–1,176 m
- Above bushline (1,200 m)
- 24%
- Alpine (1,500 m+)
- 9%
- Dominant aspect
- south-west-facing
63–2,056 m, a mix of bush and tops, leaning south-west-facing.
What you can hunt here
This is a balloted roar block — the red deer roar peaks from late March into April, and competition for the block is highest then.
Access & getting there
Air access is not permitted on this block, so parties are committed to walking in from the valley road end. WARO is permitted, so the block sees commercial helicopter operations outside the ballot period.
No huts or campsites are listed within the block, so plan to fly camp or tent up on suitable river flats and work the spurs and faces from there.
Permits & rules
You need a DOC hunting permit to hunt this block. It is classed as a Balloted Roar block block in the South Westland - Weheka permit area, with a hunting status of Permitted.
Commercial wild-animal recovery (WARO) operates over this area — expect helicopter activity and pressured game.
A DOC hunting permit is required. This is a Balloted Roar block in the South Westland ballot — apply through the South Westland - Weheka ballot for roar dates, otherwise the block is Permitted on a standard permit. Carry your permit in the field.
1080 & pesticide status
- Pesticide (1080 or similar) has been laid in or near this block — check current dog and carcass restrictions before you hunt.
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