Red deerRed deer are the most widespread and numerous of introduced game animals in New Zealand. They are widely spread throughout forested areas and open high country, and thrive particularly where forest, scrub and grassland lie in close proximity.

During winter, red deer generally remain in forest cover. They then move to the forest edge and in the open to feed in spring. If undisturbed, they remain in the general area of forest edge, moving between forest, scrub and grassland.

PigsWild pigs are found Snowdon Forest, but only in low numbers and generally in localised pockets around the margin of the forest.

PossumsPlease advise neighbouring landowners when undertaking possum control in Snowdon Forest. A permit must be obtained from the Department of Conservation office in Te Anau (available Monday to Friday only).

Fishing

The Mararoa, Whitestone and Upukerora Rivers offer good fishing for brown and rainbow trout (fly fishing only is permitted in the Upukerora River) – a current fishing licence is required . Permission must be obtained before crossing private land to access rivers.

Published by Department of Conservation Southland Conservancy PO Box 743 Invercargill, New Zealand June 2011

Snowdon ForestA guide to recreational activities in Snowdon Forest

Southland Conservancy

Te Wähipounamu – South West New Zealand

World Heritage Area

South West New Zealand is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. Known to Māori as Te Wāhipounamu (the place of greenstone), the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area incorporates Aoraki/Mt. Cook, Westland /Tai Poutini, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks, covering 2.6 million hectares.

World Heritage is a global concept that identifies natural and cultural sites of world significance, places so special that protecting them is of concern for all people.

Some of the best examples of animals and plants, once found on the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, live in the World Heritage Area.

Introduction

Snowdon Forest is a picturesque area with open, grassed valleys. It offers a variety of year round recreational opportunities suitable for family groups, trampers, fishermen and hunters.

Access

Snowdon Forest is flanked to the west by State Highway 94, running along side Lake Te Anau toward Te Anau Downs and Milford Sound. The township of Mossburn lies to the south, and Mavora Lakes Park and the Livingstone Mountain are to the east.

Access to parts of Snowdon Forest is across private land, so permission must be obtained from adjoining landowners beforehand. Otherwise, use legal roads or riverside marginal strips. Most marginal strips are suitable only for walking access.

Please respect private property, taking care not to litter, and close all gates.

Contact details for access

Te Anau Downs Station – Ph. (03) 249 7562The land to the east of the Milford Road beyond Te Anau Downs is part of Te Anau Downs Station. Permission to cross this property to access Snowdon Forest will depend on farming operations at the time.

Takaro Lodge – Ph. (03) 249 0161Permission must be obtained to use the existing 4WD access through to Upukerora Valley, conditional use between 8 am and 5 pm only.

Glenn Echo Station – Ph. (03) 249 9242Permission must be obtained to cross part of Glen Echo Station, located between the Whitestone River marginal strip and Snowdon Forest. It takes 3.5 to 4 hours to walk from the road end to the legal access point in Snowdon Forest (vehicle access across Glenn Echo Station is not permitted).

Landcorp propertiesTo gain access through Landcorp properties listed below, permission must be gained from the relevant Farm Manager.

Dale Farm – Ph. (03) 249 7281Permission must first be gained from Takaro Lodge (see above), then phone for permission to cross Dale Farm to access the Upukerora River.

Eweburn Station – Ph. (03) 249 8055 or 0274880869Permission must first be gained from Takaro Lodge (see above), then phone for permission to cross Eweburn Farm to access the Upukerora River.

Haycocks Station – Ph. (03) 249 8055Fishing access to the Mararoa River is available through this farm at marked points along the Mavora Lakes Road. This is walking access only.

Fires

A permit is required to light a fire in some areas of Snowdon Forest. Refer to the Southern Rural Fire district (www.sfrd.org.nz) for further information. Note that permits can take up to 10 working days to be issued.

Portable stoves can be used in huts and campsites.

Hunting

Deer, pigs and possums are all found in Snowdon Forest. A hunting permit is essential and must be obtained in advance. Visit www.doc.govt.nz to apply for a permit and view conditions and restrictions for the area.

Hunting dogs are permitted in the forest between December and August only. A permit for these is required and can be obtained from the Department of Conservation (no charge). All dogs should be caged or secured while crossing private land and please avoid disturbing stock.

Safety

Your safety is your responsibility. Plan properly for your trip and ensure your group has a capable, experienced leader. Fiordland’s weather changes rapidly and it can become wet and cold very suddenly and at any time of the year. Before departing, please check out current track and weather conditions at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau.

It is strongly recommended that you carry a Personal Locator Beacon and/or Mountain Radio.

Topographical maps covering Snowdon Forest are recommended for navigation. Topo50 Maps CC08 – Welcome Point, CC09 – North Mavora Lake, CD08 – Te Anau and CD09 – South Mavora Lake are available for purchase from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre.

Further information

For more information about tracks in Snowdon Forest please contact:

Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Department of Conservation PO Box 29, Te Anau, New Zealand. Tel (03) 249 7924, Fax (03) 249 0257 Email: fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz

www.doc.govt.nz

Swingbridge over the Mararoa River (DOC)

Cover – Snowdon Forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities suitable for people of all ages (H Dodson)

Red deerRed deer are the most widespread and numerous of introduced game animals in New Zealand. They are widely spread throughout forested areas and open high country, and thrive particularly where forest, scrub and grassland lie in close proximity.

During winter, red deer generally remain in forest cover. They then move to the forest edge and in the open to feed in spring. If undisturbed, they remain in the general area of forest edge, moving between forest, scrub and grassland.

PigsWild pigs are found Snowdon Forest, but only in low numbers and generally in localised pockets around the margin of the forest.

PossumsPlease advise neighbouring landowners when undertaking possum control in Snowdon Forest. A permit must be obtained from the Department of Conservation office in Te Anau (available Monday to Friday only).

Fishing

The Mararoa, Whitestone and Upukerora Rivers offer good fishing for brown and rainbow trout (fly fishing only is permitted in the Upukerora River) – a current fishing licence is required . Permission must be obtained before crossing private land to access rivers.

Published by Department of Conservation Southland Conservancy PO Box 743 Invercargill, New Zealand June 2011

Snowdon ForestA guide to recreational activities in Snowdon Forest

Southland Conservancy

Te Wähipounamu – South West New Zealand

World Heritage Area

South West New Zealand is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. Known to Māori as Te Wāhipounamu (the place of greenstone), the South West New Zealand World Her i tage Area incorporates Aoraki/Mt. Cook, Westland /Tai Poutini, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks, covering 2.6 million hectares.

World Heritage is a global concept that identifies natural and cultural sites of world significance, places so special that protecting them is of concern for all people.

Some of the best examples of animals and plants, once found on the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, live in the World Heritage Area.

Introduction

Snowdon Forest is a picturesque area with open, grassed valleys. It offers a variety of year round recreational opportunities suitable for family groups, trampers, fishermen and hunters.

Access

Snowdon Forest is flanked to the west by State Highway 94, running along side Lake Te Anau toward Te Anau Downs and Milford Sound. The township of Mossburn lies to the south, and Mavora Lakes Park and the Livingstone Mountain are to the east.

Access to parts of Snowdon Forest is across private land, so permission must be obtained from adjoining landowners beforehand. Otherwise, use legal roads or riverside marginal strips. Most marginal strips are suitable only for walking access.

Please respect private property, taking care not to litter, and close all gates.

Contact details for access

Te Anau Downs Station – Ph. (03) 249 7562The land to the east of the Milford Road beyond Te Anau Downs is part of Te Anau Downs Station. Permission to cross this property to access Snowdon Forest will depend on farming operations at the time.

Takaro Lodge – Ph. (03) 249 0161Permission must be obtained to use the existing 4WD access through to Upukerora Valley, conditional use between 8 am and 5 pm only.

Glenn Echo Station – Ph. (03) 249 9242Permission must be obtained to cross part of Glen Echo Station, located between the Whitestone River marginal strip and Snowdon Forest. It takes 3.5 to 4 hours to walk from the road end to the legal access point in Snowdon Forest (vehicle access across Glenn Echo Station is not permitted).

Landcorp propertiesTo gain access through Landcorp properties listed below, permission must be gained from the relevant Farm Manager.

Dale Farm – Ph. (03) 249 7281Permission must first be gained from Takaro Lodge (see above), then phone for permission to cross Dale Farm to access the Upukerora River.

Eweburn Station – Ph. (03) 249 8055 or 0274880869Permission must first be gained from Takaro Lodge (see above), then phone for permission to cross Eweburn Farm to access the Upukerora River.

Haycocks Station – Ph. (03) 249 8055Fishing access to the Mararoa River is available through this farm at marked points along the Mavora Lakes Road. This is walking access only.

Fires

A permit is required to light a fire in some areas of Snowdon Forest. Refer to the Southern Rural Fire district (www.sfrd.org.nz) for further information. Note that permits can take up to 10 working days to be issued.

Portable stoves can be used in huts and campsites.

Hunting

Deer, pigs and possums are all found in Snowdon Forest. A hunting permit is essential and must be obtained in advance. Visit www.doc.govt.nz to apply for a permit and view conditions and restrictions for the area.

Hunting dogs are permitted in the forest between December and August only. A permit for these is required and can be obtained from the Department of Conservation (no charge). All dogs should be caged or secured while crossing private land and please avoid disturbing stock.

Safety

Your safety is your responsibility. Plan properly for your trip and ensure your group has a capable, experienced leader. Fiordland’s weather changes rapidly and it can become wet and cold very suddenly and at any time of the year. Before departing, please check out current track and weather conditions at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau.

It is strongly recommended that you carry a Personal Locator Beacon and/or Mountain Radio.

Topographical maps covering Snowdon Forest are recommended for navigation. Topo50 Maps CC08 – Welcome Point, CC09 – North Mavora Lake, CD08 – Te Anau and CD09 – South Mavora Lake are available for purchase from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre.

Further information

For more information about tracks in Snowdon Forest please contact:

Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Department of Conservation PO Box 29, Te Anau, New Zealand. Tel (03) 249 7924, Fax (03) 249 0257 Email: fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz

www.doc.govt.nz

Swingbridge over the Mararoa River (DOC)

Cover – Snowdon Forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities suitable for people of all ages (H Dodson)

Didymo

Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) is an unwanted invasive freshwater alga. It has affected many rivers and lakes around the South Island of New Zealand. Didymo cells are invisible until large colonies form, resulting in thick growths of whitish brown mats. To ensure that didymo does not spread, all equipment and clothing, including wet socks and footwear, must be disinfected and dried before moving between waterways.

For further information, visit www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo or call 0800 80 99 66.

Huts and hut tickets

The Department of Conservation provides and maintains huts in Snowdon Forest.

Fees are charged per person per night. Hut tickets should be purchased in advance from a DOC office.

Hut Bunks Heating Water Toilet Fees

Kiwi Burn Hut

12 Yes Tank from roof

Yes Standard

Army Hut 4 Yes River, 20 metres

from hut

Yes Free

Track guide

The tracks in Snowdon Forest are used infrequently; many are marked routes only. Those to South Mavora Lake, Kiwi Burn Hut and the Whitestone River are checked and cleared once a year. The others are checked for markers yearly and cleared every three years. Some sectors can be very wet underfoot. Trampers and hunters should be well equipped.

Mavora Road Swingbridge to South Mavora Lake

2 hr 30 minCross the swingbridge over the Mararoa River, at the entrance to the forest near Hikuraki Station. The track follows the Mararoa River upstream to a swingbridge at the outlet of South Mavora Lake. This is mainly flat walking, with some muddy sections.

Mavora Road Swingbridge to Kiwi Burn Hut

1 hr 30 minCross the swingbridge over the Mararoa River at the entrance to the forest, near Hikuraki Station. The track follows the Mararoa River downstream to the Kiwi Burn. It then follows the Kiwi Burn upstream for 15 minutes to a large clearing. The Kiwi Burn Hut is situated near the edge of the clearing and is an ideal overnight stay for families with younger children.

Kiwi Burn Loop

3 hr 30 minThis track is not as well marked as the other Kiwi Burn options and is easier to follow anticlockwise.

CheCk, CleAn, Dry

Stop the spread of didymo and other freshwater pests.

Remember to Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and

when moving between, waterways.

From the swingbridge near Hikuraki Station, a marked route enters the forest and passes through several small clearings. A low ridge is crossed before descending to the Kiwi Burn. Continuing up the Kiwi Burn, an unmarked route leads to the Whitestone River or downstream, a marked route leads to the Kiwi Burn Hut and returns to the Hikuraki Station swingbridge, via the Kiwi Burn and Mararoa River.

Kiwi Burn Hut to Whitestone River

3 hr 30 min to 4 hrFrom the hut, the marked route to the Whitestone River Valley follows the Kiwi Burn upstream to a low saddle. An unmarked route then descends to the Whitestone River and follows it downstream. This is a pleasant walk, with good camping on the open river flats.

Whitestone River Valley to Upukerora River Valley

3 hr 30 min to 4 hr 30 minFollow the track from the Kiwi Burn downstream for about 45 minutes. A sign indicates private land and so please stay within 20 metres of the river. After another 20 minutes, track markers on the opposite side of the river show the start of a two hour bush track to the Upukerora River. This section of the track can be very wet and muddy. Army Hut (4 bunks) can be found about one hour further up the Upukerora River.

Milford Road to Boyd Creek Tops

2 hr 30 min to 3 hr 30 min(Contact Te Anau Downs Station for access.)

From the Boyd Creek picnic area, located on the Milford Highway, follow the vehicle track leading to Boyd Creek Lodge. After 10 minutes a walking track enters the bush and continues to the open tops. A large clearing marks the approximate halfway point. From the bush edge, there is a choice of unmarked routes, suitable for experienced and well-equipped trampers only. For more information about these, see the Moirs Guide South publication.

Track ClassificationsTramping track - challenging day or multi-day tramping. Backcountry skills and experience required.

Route - challenging multi-day tramping. Navigation and map reading skills, as well as a high level of backcountry experience required.

Kiwi Burn Hut (DOC)

Army Hut (DOC)

Mararoa Road entrance to Snowdon Forest (Erina Loe)

94

94

95

MAVORA LAKES ROAD

HILL

CENTREROAD

MAVO

RA

LAKE

S R

OAD

KAKAPO ROAD

Priva

te Ro

ad

ROAD

TAKA

RO

DALE RD

HIGH

WAY

MILF

ORD

TE

ANA

U

TE ANAU MOSSBURN HIGHWAY

N

Riv

er

Upukerora

DU

NT

ON

RA

NG

E

Mt Prospect

SNOWDON FOREST

MAVORA LAKES PARK

FIORDLAND NATIONAL

PARK

LI V

I NG

ST

ON

E

MO

UN

TA

I NS

Snowdon Peak

Rive

r

Whit

eston

e

Mar

aroa

River

Ore

ti

River

South Mavora Lake

North Mavora Lake

Bare Peak

Dunton Peak

Lake Te Anau

Kiwi

Burn

Boyd Creek

Army Hut

Kiwi Burn Hut

Takaro Lodge

Dale Hill

Dale Farm

Bald Hill

Te Anau Downs

Te Anau

Te Anau Downs Station

Glen Echo Station

Eweburn Station

Hikuraki Station

Haycocks Station

Mararoa River

Riv

er

Upu

kero

ra

TrackMarked Route

0 5 10 km

Didymo

Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) is an unwanted invasive freshwater alga. It has affected many rivers and lakes around the South Island of New Zealand. Didymo cells are invisible until large colonies form, resulting in thick growths of whitish brown mats. To ensure that didymo does not spread, all equipment and clothing, including wet socks and footwear, must be disinfected and dried before moving between waterways.

For further information, visit www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo or call 0800 80 99 66.

Huts and hut tickets

The Department of Conservation provides and maintains huts in Snowdon Forest.

Fees are charged per person per night. Hut tickets should be purchased in advance from a DOC office.

Hut Bunks Heating Water Toilet Fees

Kiwi Burn Hut

12 Yes Tank from roof

Yes Standard

Army Hut 4 Yes River, 20 metres

from hut

Yes Free

Track guide

The tracks in Snowdon Forest are used infrequently; many are marked routes only. Those to South Mavora Lake, Kiwi Burn Hut and the Whitestone River are checked and cleared once a year. The others are checked for markers yearly and cleared every three years. Some sectors can be very wet underfoot. Trampers and hunters should be well equipped.

Mavora Road Swingbridge to South Mavora Lake

2 hr 30 minCross the swingbridge over the Mararoa River, at the entrance to the forest near Hikuraki Station. The track follows the Mararoa River upstream to a swingbridge at the outlet of South Mavora Lake. This is mainly flat walking, with some muddy sections.

Mavora Road Swingbridge to Kiwi Burn Hut

1 hr 30 minCross the swingbridge over the Mararoa River at the entrance to the forest, near Hikuraki Station. The track follows the Mararoa River downstream to the Kiwi Burn. It then follows the Kiwi Burn upstream for 15 minutes to a large clearing. The Kiwi Burn Hut is situated near the edge of the clearing and is an ideal overnight stay for families with younger children.

Kiwi Burn Loop

3 hr 30 minThis track is not as well marked as the other Kiwi Burn options and is easier to follow anticlockwise.

CheCk, Clean, Dry

Stop the spread of didymo and other freshwater pests.

Remember to Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and

when moving between, waterways.

From the swingbridge near Hikuraki Station, a marked route enters the forest and passes through several small clearings. A low ridge is crossed before descending to the Kiwi Burn. Continuing up the Kiwi Burn, an unmarked route leads to the Whitestone River or downstream, a marked route leads to the Kiwi Burn Hut and returns to the Hikuraki Station swingbridge, via the Kiwi Burn and Mararoa River.

Kiwi Burn Hut to Whitestone River

3 hr 30 min to 4 hrFrom the hut, the marked route to the Whitestone River Valley follows the Kiwi Burn upstream to a low saddle. An unmarked route then descends to the Whitestone River and follows it downstream. This is a pleasant walk, with good camping on the open river flats.

Whitestone River Valley to Upukerora River Valley

3 hr 30 min to 4 hr 30 minFollow the track from the Kiwi Burn downstream for about 45 minutes. A sign indicates private land and so please stay within 20 metres of the river. After another 20 minutes, track markers on the opposite side of the river show the start of a two hour bush track to the Upukerora River. This section of the track can be very wet and muddy. Army Hut (4 bunks) can be found about one hour further up the Upukerora River.

Milford Road to Boyd Creek Tops

2 hr 30 min to 3 hr 30 min(Contact Te Anau Downs Station for access.)

From the Boyd Creek picnic area, located on the Milford Highway, follow the vehicle track leading to Boyd Creek Lodge. After 10 minutes a walking track enters the bush and continues to the open tops. A large clearing marks the approximate halfway point. From the bush edge, there is a choice of unmarked routes, suitable for experienced and well-equipped trampers only. For more information about these, see the Moirs Guide South publication.

Track ClassificationsTramping track - challenging day or multi-day tramping. Backcountry skills and experience required.

Route - challenging multi-day tramping. Navigation and map reading skills, as well as a high level of backcountry experience required.

Kiwi Burn Hut (DOC)

Army Hut (DOC)

Mararoa Road entrance to Snowdon Forest (Erina Loe)

94

94

95

MAVORA LAKES ROAD

HILL

CENTREROAD

MAVO

RA

LAKE

S R

OAD

KAKAPO ROAD

Priva

te Ro

ad

ROAD

TAKA

RO

DALE RD

HIGH

WAY

MILF

ORD

TE

ANA

U

TE ANAU MOSSBURN HIGHWAY

N

Riv

er

Upukerora

DU

NT

ON

RA

NG

E

Mt Prospect

SNOWDON FOREST

MAVORA LAKES PARK

FIORDLAND NATIONAL

PARK

LI V

I NG

ST

ON

E

MO

UN

TA

I NS

Snowdon Peak

Rive

r

Whit

eston

e

Mar

aroa

River

Ore

ti

River

South Mavora Lake

North Mavora Lake

Bare Peak

Dunton Peak

Lake Te Anau

Kiwi

Burn

Boyd Creek

Army Hut

Kiwi Burn Hut

Takaro Lodge

Dale Hill

Dale Farm

Bald Hill

Te Anau Downs

Te Anau

Te Anau Downs Station

Glen Echo Station

Eweburn Station

Hikuraki Station

Haycocks Station

Mararoa River

Riv

er

Upu

kero

ra

TrackMarked Route

0 5 10 km