Upper Otoko
Upper Otoko is a 3,366 ha balloted Roar block in the South Westland - Weheka permit area. Elevations climb from 445 m on the lower edges to 2,395 m on the tops, with a median around 1,353 m.
This is predominantly alpine country — 64% of the block sits above the 1,200 m bushline and 36% pushes into ground above 1,500 m. The dominant aspect is west, so the main faces catch the prevailing weather and the afternoon sun.
The block carries red deer, tahr and chamois, with the alpine species on the higher ground and reds through the lower bush.
Open Upper Otoko on the interactive map
Boundary, huts, terrain, tracks and 1080 zones — all layers, one map.
Terrain & elevation
Based on a sample of 11,107 DEM points inside the block.
- Elevation range
- 445–2,395 m
- Median elevation
- 1,353 m
- Middle 50%
- 1,009–1,633 m
- Above bushline (1,200 m)
- 64%
- Alpine (1,500 m+)
- 36%
- Dominant aspect
- west-facing
445–2,395 m, mostly above the bushline, leaning 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 commit to a climb out of the bush. WARO is permitted on the block.
No huts or campsites are listed within the block. Plan to tent up high to work the basins and faces on foot.
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. As a Balloted Roar block, prime roar dates require entry through the South Westland - Weheka ballot. Outside the roar the block runs as Permitted on a standard permit.
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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