Hunting
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the “Hunt Rakiura” page where we trust you’ll find helpful information on hunting opportunities on Stewart Island. This page should provide you with the necessary information you need to decide if you would like to take up the challenge of hunting whitetail (Virginian) deer on New Zealand’s Stewart Island within our RMLT Hunting Blocks. Stewart Island has for many years been a prized hunting spot for many local and international hunters.
The coastal location of the hunting blocks also provides the opportunity to take advantage of Stewart Island’s great fishing and diving opportunities available in the same area as the hunting blocks (daily M.A.F limits apply). Many hunting parties have been taking advantage of this opportunity to fish and dive during their hunting trips. The whitetail deer on Rakiura are the most southern herd in the world and the blocks provide access to good stocks in stunning locations.
MANAAKI O RAKIURA MAORI LANDS TRUST WHENUA
In 2001 Rakiura Māori Lands Trust agreed with the Crown to the Tutaikawetaweta Forest Act which essentially agreed to manage the forest of Lords River and Port Adventure “as if they were a National Park.”
Conservation and restoration of the Ngahere/forest of this special part of Rakiura is a critical focus of Rakiura Māori. The Rakiura Hunters huts and hunting blocks are a key mechanism to to help us reduce deer numbers, possums and cats and enable Rakiura Māori’s vision as kaitiaki to restore the mana of our land.
Our intention is to continue to focus on the restoration of the forests through enabling recreational hunting. It is not our intention to see kai moana of this special land depleted through our efforts to encourage increased hunting and predator control.
Rakiura Māori intend to invest further in the hut network to continue to lower deer and predator numbers. Rakiura Māori are requesting the following protocol in relation to all hunting blocks:
- All rubbish is removed
- No broadleaf trees are to be cut to attract deer
- No permit holder is to take set-nets to the blocks
- Permit holders respect kai moana and nature and not take generators, freezer’s or chainsaws to the blocks.
- All huts have 6 bunks (except Kaika with 8) and maximum party size per block is 12.
- From 1 October 2023 a charge of $200 per person per week over the hut capacity (6) up to a total on the block of 12 people will be required. This is to help fund the hut restoration and additional predator work.
- From 1 January 2024 fees of $1400.00/block for 6 persons per 7 days, and $200 per person above 6 persons – (8 at Kaika) persons to a maximum number of 12 to fund hut restoration and additional predator work.
We will welcome manuhiri/hunters involved in hut maintenance through Back Country Trust and help the control of cats, rats and possums while enjoying our hospitality on our whenua.
The Rakiura Māori Lands Trust welcome you to our Whenua, our manuhiri/hunters and we respect you and how you care for and give back to our Whenua by helping control deer and predators.
BLOCKS
The following is a list of hunting blocks operated by us on Stewart Island. The blocks are offered on a weekly rotation. You book the blocks on a per week basis with a rotation day specific to the block you choose. For example, a Saturday rotation means the block is booked from Saturday midday to the following Saturday midday.
While transfer times on and off the block between parties is based around transport logistics organised for your day of travel, you only have the right to shoot on the blocks with your permit from midday on your day of arrival, up to midday on the day of your departure.
The above means you book and pay for our blocks by the week but you may travel to and from the blocks on any day of your choice during the period you have booked and paid for the block. You may also choose to purchase multiple weeks to suit the duration on the block you require.
The following is a list of the blocks under RMLT control and the facilities available on each. The dates each block is available can be confirmed on application through the booking system.
Rates From 1/1/2024
| Block | Type | Sleeps | Rotation Day | 1 Week Price | 2 Week Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Kuri | Hut | 6 | Friday | $1,400 | $2,355 |
| Chew Tobacco | Hut | 6 | Saturday | $1,400 | $2,355 |
| Kaika | Hut | 8 * | Sunday | $1,400 | $2,355 |
| Little Kuri | Hut | 6 | Friday | $1,400 | $2,355 |
| North Lords | Hut | 6 | Friday | $1,400 | $2,355 |
| North Toi Toi | Campsite | – | Saturday | $1,000 | $1,643 |
| South Lords | Hut | 6 | Friday | $1,400 | $2,355 |
| South Toi Toi | Campsite | – | Saturday | $1,000 | $1,643 |
| Tikotatahi | Hut | 6 | Sunday | $1,400 | $2,355 |
* with space for an additional 2 on the floor
All prices include GST
FACILITIES
Here is an example of the Huts that are available on the serviced blocks, they sleep 6 people. The Huts include gas cooking rings along with a fire to heat the Hut, using coal and gas you have bought in yourself. Cutting of trees for fire wood is prohibited. Note: Parties need to supply all their own bedding other than mattresses along with all cooking utensils pots, pans, plates, etc.
BLOCK MAPS
