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 grey mane.
A dominant bull tahr is the undisputed, alpine king of New Zealand's mountains. The first sight most visiting hunters have of one is that of a grizzly-bear-like animal peering down upon them from a lofty crag. An alpine breeze ripples his mane, and his short, sturdy horns sweep........(continued)
