Kakanui Conservation
Kakanui Conservation covers 5,982 hectares of upland country in the Kakanui Range, sitting just inside the Canterbury hunting administration but covered by the Coastal Otago (north of the Catlins) permit area. Elevations run from 623 m to 1,621 m with a median of 1,129 m. About 36% of the block sits above the 1,200 m bushline and only 2% is alpine, putting it firmly in mix of bush and tops territory weighted to broad rolling tussock ridges.
The block leans south-east-facing, with a fairly even spread across south-east, north and east aspects. Open snow tussock and bluffs dominate the higher ground, with shrub and rough pasture on the flanks.
Two species are listed here: red deer and wild pig. The rolling open country suits long-glass stalking on calm mornings and quiet evenings.
Open Kakanui Conservation on the interactive map
Boundary, huts, terrain, tracks and 1080 zones — all layers, one map.
Terrain & elevation
Based on a sample of 20,490 DEM points inside the block.
- Elevation range
- 623–1,621 m
- Median elevation
- 1,129 m
- Middle 50%
- 988–1,263 m
- Above bushline (1,200 m)
- 36%
- Alpine (1,500 m+)
- 2%
- Dominant aspect
- south-east-facing
623–1,621 m, a mix of bush and tops, leaning south-east-facing.
What you can hunt here
Access & getting there
Helicopter access is permitted on the block, which is useful given the rolling nature of the country and the limited road network on the range. Wild Animal Recovery Operations (WARO) are not permitted here, keeping commercial pressure low.
There are no DOC huts inside the block and no listed campsites. Plan on day trips from a vehicle base on the surrounding range roads, or take a fly camp.
Permits & rules
You need a DOC hunting permit to hunt this block. It is classed as a Ordinary block in the Coastal Otago north of the Catlins permit area, with a hunting status of Permitted.
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, drawn against the Coastal Otago north of the Catlins permit area. The block is Ordinary with Permitted hunt status, so no ballot applies.
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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