Paul

Most of my hunting was in the Alps from the West Coast side, a short chopper ride and you can set up in a DOC (Dept. of Conservation) hut and set out on daily jaunts from there. You can make it as easy or as hard as you like depending on how high you want to climb or how much bush you want to bash. The tahr and chamois are up in the heads of the rivers and in the side creeks, sometimes seen from the hut or from your tent camp.

You can hunt these areas without a guide, you just need a hunting permit, free from DOC. There are no blocks as such and plenty of places a chopper will drop you off at. The local pilots know the area and will pick you up again at a prearranged time, or you can walk out as you should have used up your supplies by then although it can be a bit of a slog after a weeks hunt.

It is rugged and beautiful country but be aware the weather can change quickly and it may not be so comfortable if tenting. Tahr, chamois and red deer can be found in all the watersheds along the Southern Alps.

If you get a copy of one of the NZ hunting magazines they all have contacts for choppers. PM me if you want more help and scans of contacts etc.