Gamack
Gamack is a 16,128 ha public hunting block in the Gamack Conservation Area, in the Canterbury permit area. Elevations run from 587 m on the valley floors up to 2,533 m on the tops, with a median of 1,573 m.
This is predominantly alpine country — around 75% of the ground sits above the bushline and 57% is in true alpine country above 1,500 m. The block is open tussock tops, scree, bluffs and head basins with shrubland and beech in the lower faces. Slopes lean west, so the block carries afternoon sun on its dominant aspect.
The species list is unusually wide: red deer, fallow deer, tahr, chamois and wild pig. The combination of serious alpine ground, fallow alongside reds and the chance at tahr and chamois on the same block makes Gamack a strong destination for a multi-species trip.
Open Gamack on the interactive map
Boundary, huts, terrain, tracks and 1080 zones — all layers, one map.
Terrain & elevation
Based on a sample of 52,687 DEM points inside the block.
- Elevation range
- 587–2,533 m
- Median elevation
- 1,573 m
- Middle 50%
- 1,195–1,846 m
- Above bushline (1,200 m)
- 75%
- Alpine (1,500 m+)
- 57%
- Dominant aspect
- west-facing
587–2,533 m, predominantly alpine, leaning west-facing.
What you can hunt here
Access & getting there
Both fixed-wing and helicopter air access are permitted on Gamack, which matters on a block this size — getting into the head basins on foot is a serious commitment. WARO is also permitted, so commercial helicopter operators may be working the block.
Two huts sit inside the block. Green Point Hut has mattresses, a non-flush toilet and stream water. Jollie Hut has heating, mattresses, a non-flush toilet and a tap water supply. Neither is bookable. With two huts spread across 16,000-plus hectares, most parties hunting away from them will need to fly camp or carry a tent.
Huts & campsites
Mattresses, Toilets - non-flush, Water from stream, Water supply
Heating, Mattresses, Toilets - non-flush, Water from tap - not treated, boil before use, Water supply
Mattresses, Toilets - non-flush, Water from stream, Water supply
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 to hunt Gamack. It's an Ordinary block with a Permitted status, so permits are issued through the standard Canterbury permit system rather than a ballot. Permits are free but must be carried while hunting.
1080 & pesticide status
No current, planned or proposed pesticide operations intersect this block in our data. Always confirm with DOC before taking a dog in.
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