Upper Cromel and Islands Huts Eyre mountains

Mid/late Jan i am looking at walking into either of the above huts for a few days hunting.
I was meant to spend a week with a mate with access through a station in the Lewis Pass but unfortunately that has fallen through due to mates work schedule.
More going to see some new country and maybe find an animal or 2.
Does anyone know the approx walking times to either?
Will be travelling from Gore as I'll be down staying with the folks for 4 weeks over Xmas
Is there likely to be a few animals about? I'm assuming reds and Chamois? pigs also?
Feel free to PM me if you like

Thanks
Bryce

Great country, its been a long time since I was up there . . . But Im sure there will be quite a few reds and a few chamois about. Its an interesting place, rhe shingle screes under the Helen Peaks are the only ones Ive seen where they have go over a bluff at the bottom, and you can't see the drop off from the top. Mental note to self, dont take the easy way down!

Times, we used to drive to the Mt Bee huts and it was a very easy 2-3 hour walk to the Comel Biv.

Thanks Tentman.
looks beaut country alright have hunted in the Eyres a wee bit with mixed success.
Be a good change from scrambling around the Ruahine bush for sure

I have heard that the gate is locked going to the mt Bee huts, Think it is only a matter of ringing the cocky to get access,
Sorry don't have his name but DOC will have it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HUNTY

I have heard that the gate is locked going to the mt Bee huts, Think it is only a matter of ringing the cocky to get access,
Sorry don't have his name but DOC will have it.

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It is. Ben Walling, sorry don't have a number. Might be Waling.

PSA. Ben doesn't suffer fools. Be polite and do exactly as he requests.