Burnett
Burnett is an 8,335 ha public hunting block in Canterbury, sitting in the high country south-west of Lake Pukaki. Elevations range from 628 m up to 2,688 m, with a median of 1,454 m, so the average ground sits right around the bushline transition and the upper half pushes well into alpine terrain.
With 70% of the block above the 1,200 m bushline and 46% above the 1,500 m alpine line, this is predominantly alpine country — tussock basins, shingle slips and rock above bush remnants in the lower valleys. Slopes lean predominantly south-east, which keeps faces cooler and holds snow later through the season.
The species list reflects that high-country character: red deer, tahr and chamois. Reds in the bush margins and lower scrub, tahr and chamois on the bluffy faces and tops, with the kind of altitude range that lets a hunter target whichever species the day's weather suits.
Open Burnett on the interactive map
Boundary, huts, terrain, tracks and 1080 zones — all layers, one map.
Terrain & elevation
Based on a sample of 27,340 DEM points inside the block.
- Elevation range
- 628–2,688 m
- Median elevation
- 1,454 m
- Middle 50%
- 1,138–1,771 m
- Above bushline (1,200 m)
- 70%
- Alpine (1,500 m+)
- 46%
- Dominant aspect
- south-east-facing
628–2,688 m, predominantly alpine, leaning south-east-facing.
What you can hunt here
Access & getting there
Both fixed-wing and helicopter air access are permitted, which is the practical way into much of this country given the elevation and the absence of huts on the block. WARO is also permitted, so commercial recovery operations may be active on the same faces — worth confirming before flying in.
There are no DOC huts or campsites on Burnett, so hunters need to be set up to camp. Carry a tent rated for alpine conditions, layered clothing for the cold faces, and enough fuel and food for self-sufficient trips. Camp selection matters in this kind of open country, with shelter from the prevailing wind being the main consideration.
Permits & rules
You need a DOC hunting permit to hunt this block. It is classed as a Ordinary block in the Canterbury permit area, with a hunting status of Permitted.
Commercial wild-animal recovery (WARO) operates over this area — expect helicopter activity and pressured game.
This block sits within a DOC air-access zone — fly-in hunting and helicopter drop-offs may be permitted.
A DOC hunting permit is required for Burnett. The block is an Ordinary block with a Permitted status, so it falls under the standard Canterbury permit system rather than a ballot or restricted roar process. Permits are free and must be carried while hunting.
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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