South Hurunui
South Hurunui covers 7,655 hectares of bush and tops country in north Canterbury, west of the Hurunui catchment. Elevations range from 639 m at the valley floor to 1,968 m on the peaks, with a median of 1,242 m. Fifty-five per cent of the block sits above the 1,200 m bushline and 21% is alpine — a clear mix of bush and tops, weighted slightly to the upper country.
The block leans north-facing, with strong north, north-east and east aspects. Sunny faces with snow tussock above and beech below tend to hold deer and chamois on the warm sidles through the day.
Three species are listed: red deer, chamois and wild pig. The combination of timbered drainages and open tops gives the block real flexibility for a foot-based party.
Open South Hurunui on the interactive map
Boundary, huts, terrain, tracks and 1080 zones — all layers, one map.
Terrain & elevation
Based on a sample of 24,434 DEM points inside the block.
- Elevation range
- 639–1,968 m
- Median elevation
- 1,242 m
- Middle 50%
- 1,020–1,461 m
- Above bushline (1,200 m)
- 55%
- Alpine (1,500 m+)
- 21%
- Dominant aspect
- north-facing
639–1,968 m, mostly above the bushline, leaning north-facing.
What you can hunt here
Access & getting there
Helicopter access is permitted and Wild Animal Recovery Operations (WARO) are also permitted, so commercial activity can occur in the upper basins.
One DOC hut sits inside the block — North Esk Hut in Lake Sumner Forest Park. The hut is listed as dilapidated, so do not rely on it for shelter; expect heating, non-flush toilets and stream water if usable, but plan to fly-camp or carry a tent.
Huts & campsites
Heating, Toilets - non-flush, Water from stream, Water supply
Heating, 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 for the Canterbury permit area. South Hurunui is classified Ordinary with Permitted hunt status, so no ballot applies — apply through DOC's online permit system before each trip.
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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