Where is the best place to hunt tahr on foot in New Zealand? That’s the question often discussed by Kiwi hunters over a backcountry cup of tea. There are a number of excellent properties, all with unique features that make them top hunting destinations. All have sizeable animal populations and quality trophy bulls. All are subject to relatively stable weather patterns and offer magnificent scenery. And all have terrain that a fit hunter can climb. The one extra point that would put one property a notch ahead of the rest would be accessibility.
On the East Coast of the South Island, one property in particular meets that criteria. It’s located in the heart of tahr country, where a number of large sheep and cattle ranches operate in the high country mountain ranges inland of the small rural towns of Geraldine, Fairlie, Tekapo and Twizel. It’s called Dry Creek Station. This property encompasses 33,000 acres of mountain/valley terrain and consistently produces high-scoring bull tahr trophies. What sets it apart, however, is the incredible, internal access created by 155 miles of 4wd tracks. These tracks allow guided hunters to drive up a mountain and hunt downward for bull tahr trophies rather than slogging up to them from the valley floor. The tracks also mean that all parts of the property can be accessed.
Dry Creek Station is a three-hour drive from Christchurch and 3½ hours from the tourist town of Queenstown. Located in the Two Thumb mountain range, the terrain is alpine and consists of moderate to steep hill country, clothed in hardy shrubs and tussock. The winter months of June to August can experience heavy snow, but this cold provides the conditions that make bull tahr grow their magnificent dark pelt and long black or gray mane......
