Central South Island > Hunting Access

PUBLIC LANDS

Many of Central South Island's larger riverbeds and lakes are public lands. Irrespective of this, it is important to advise the adjoining landowner when you wish to hunt these areas. That common courtesy often results in the farmer providing useful information and better access.

BALLOTED STANDS

Depending on water levels the council has between 9 and 13 stands available for hunting the opening weekend on wetlands it owns or manages. These are balloted annually and invitations to apply are advertised in local papers in February or early March.

NORTHERN REGIONAL BOUNDARY

The Rakaia River bed is not within the Central South Island Region. The northern boundary of the region adjacent ot the Rakaia River extends along Acton Road, Rakaia Barrhil Methven Road and rakaia river Road.

RANGITATA DIVERSION RACE

Hunting along the Rangitata Diversion Race is possible but only with the express permission of RDR Management Ltd (ph 03 3080828) and the adjoining landowners.

LAKE WAINONO AND WAINONO WETLANDS

Lake Wainono is near the township of Waimate and some 35 km south of Timaru. Adjacent to the coastal shingle beach barrier, the lake at its normal water level (1.0 m above sea level) covers about 350 hectares. The beach barrier, lake, and surrounding wetlands provide habitat for some 57 different bird species, many resident and others migratory.

Lake Wainono is a ''Conservation Area'' managed by the Department of Conservation (DoC). Hunting is permitted but a permit to carry a firearm is required. This can be obtained free of charge from the DoC Raukapuka Field Centre in Geraldine.

Adjacent to the southern boundary of Lake Wainono are the Wainono Wetlands which include a smaller lake known as Maori Lake. Once farmland, this area of 164 ha was purchased by CSIFGC in 1989 has been allowed to revert back to its original wetland state. This process has been hastened by the Wainono Management Committee planting wetland species and constructing islands. The wetland is afforded long term protection through a QE II National Trust Open Space covenant.

In late summer waterfowl counts on Lake Wainono and Wainono Wetlands typically show 12,000 - 18,000 gamebirds present of which 75% are Mallard ducks.

Within the Wainono Wetlands area, nine hunting stands are balloted each year. There is no ballot system for the lake and many of the existing stands are reserved to traditional hunters. Other than possibly during opening weekend there is still plenty of opportunity for visiting hunters.

Access to the lake and wetland is:

North side - via Hook Beach Road and then a 4WD track along the beach

Middle - via Wainono Lake Road; a grassed track opposite Waimate turnoff.

South side - via Foleys Road and then Poindestres Road over the Dead Arm bridge to the beach and then a track along the beach past Maori Lake and the Wainono wetlands.

ALL DAY BAY LAGOON

This small coastal lagoon, 11 ha in area, is located 15 km south of Oamaru on the Kakanui-Waianakarua coastal road. The area was purchased by CSIFGC in 1989. Planting of vegetation and the construction of a low level weir to maintain a stable water level has secured the lake as a wetland habitat for both waterfowl and wading birds. The lagoon and its birdlife are readily observed from the road. Visits from the occasional White Heron or Royal Spoonbill are not uncommon which add to the scenic attraction of the area. All Day Bay Lagoon is also protected by a QE II National Trust Open Space Covenant. Four hunting stands are balloted annually by CSIFGC.

DEVILS BRIDGE WETLAND

Owned by Mr Trevor Meikle, this 15 ha lake and associated wetland is situated on Devils Bridge Road some 6 km north west from Oamaru.

By agreement between the owner and CSIFGC, the area is managed by the Devils Bridge Management Committee. This small group of dedicated volunteers are credited with the construction work which has created the lake and island habitat, together with the major planting programme around the lake margins. The scenic setting and diverse birdlife has seen the area rapidly gaining visitors' interest and the area is now a recognised tourist attraction to Oamaru.

Three stands are balloted each year by CSIFG. Should you wish to hunt at the wetland then phone the owner first (ph 03 434 9476).

MID SUMMER DUCK SEASON

In February 2005 a 2-weekend summer duck hunting season was trialled on condition that it was to be monitored to ensure there was no adverse impact on the traditional May duck season opening before it was to be considered for more permanent application. It is now possible to recommend continuation of the season in 2007.

ON OR NEAR PUBLIC LAND

When hunting on or near public land be aware of two relevant sections of the Arms Act 1983. Section 45 states “Every person commits an offence who, except for some lawful, proper, and sufficient purpose carries; or is in possession of…any firearm.” and “…the burden of proving the existence of some lawful, proper, and sufficient purpose shall lie on the defendant.”

Section 48 states “Every person commits an offence ….who, without reasonable cause, discharges a firearm …in or near (a) a dwelling house; or (b) a public place, - so as to endanger property or to endanger, annoy, or frighten, any person.

The message is clear – be careful and considerate around other people and their property.