Goats in the top of the South Island

For the new public holiday this June I am starting to plan a short tramping trip in the top of the South Island. We are going with some friends that are interested to see what the hunting thing is all about so I will take the rifle and hope to shoot a goat on one of the days to eat while on the tramp. Not keen to waste the better part of a deer as the logistics of getting the meat home to the NI preclude that idea. Just one small goat should feed the tramping group appropriately and with minimal waste.

We are looking at doing a two night tramp staying in huts with hopefully less than a six hour walk on any leg of the tramp. If anyone can offer any ideas of a tramp in the Upper South Island that fits these parameters and will also provide opportunity for a shot at a goat, this would be much appreciated. It goes without saying that I am not out to steal anyones good spot, I will not pass the information on and I will not exploit the resource. Feel free to PM me rather than post publicly.

I have a few spots in my part of the world and other places I have been that I am happy to recommend in return to anyone travelling this way.

Almost anywhere in Marlborough. Not Abel Tasman or Nelson Lakes. Mixed results in Kahurangi.

Shoot heaps.

On the left side of road heading from Picton to Blenheim.

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Originally Posted by erniec

On the left side of road heading from Picton to Blenheim.

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Aren't most of the huts on that tramp private?

Matiri Valley across from Murchison...

Just taking the micky.
Goats on the side of the road last week when getting on and off the ferry.
But I assume there would be plenty if you see them from the road.
Locals can chime in if they want.

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Hmmm - slim pickings. I was bought up at Canvastown (so 40 years since I hunted there). My cousin still has a forestry block near Pelorus Bridge and he says there are plenty of goats there still. With that in mind maybe the Wakamarina track would be worth a look, id be pretty sure you'd pick up goats once you hit slightly more open country. Or something similar.

Mount dupper, heaps in there in the cutover/native boundary

Wakamarina track or Pelorus area

Leatham and Branch rivers are worth a look goats, pigs, red deer and if you climb high chamois, plenty of huts.

Thanks everyone for the info, looks like I have a few good options now. Much appreciated.

Shoot as many as you can, and eat one on the trip. The bush thanks you.