Southern Lakes NZDA upcoming events

Sept 21-30 - Greenstone/Steele Creek working Bee. Hunting, Trapping, Firewood, track clearing. (21 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Trap Checking and Maintenance, RHA Ballot Hunting, firewood and Track Clearing

This is another great chance for new or inexperienced members to come along and learn with experienced club members. The primary focus of this trip is to do several trap monitoring rounds including 5-minute bird call counts.

There are two Dangerous dead trees to remove (need arborists for these please) a large tree windfall to clear towards steel Creek track, track marker maintenance and track hand clipping of regrowth, Trap checks and rebaiting, and some geese and dear to put in the freezer. The 26th is the start of the school holidays so bring the kids for some school holiday outdoor education.

This is a great chance to get to know fellow club members over a whisky/beer/wine or juice round the table at night.

These trips are always a popular and fun event .

The club has the Steele Creek RHA Ballot as part of our management agreement with DOC so there is ample opportunity for hunting as well, when the work is done. There are some limitations on the number of rifles per day and we would coordinate that when we have final numbers so get in early.

Costs

Walk in - Free

Heli in and out - Adult $400, Child (<15) $100

Heli one way only - Adult $200, Child (<15) $50

No firearms licence?

You are more than welcome to come along too - these are perfect opportunities to learn more in a safe and professional environment in a relaxed learning setting.

Work planned
We plan to achieve the following during this working bee

Checking/baiting the traps along the greenstone bush edge and Steele Creek valley
relocate some of the AI Traps to new killing grounds.
Splitting firewood from dead windfall and refilling teh wood sheds.
minor track clearing up and downstream of the hut to clear some minor windfall.
Eat, drink and be merry..
be social and have some fun and do some Takehe observing

It is pretty casual, and we aim to make it social and it's a great place to de-stress by being in the backcountry :-).

Hunting opportunities
The club has the Steele Creek RHA Ballot over this time so if you are keen, we try our best to share these out among everyone helping out. So everyone gets a hunt in if they want one. there are two ballot periods 21-25 and 26-30 available for club members. You are not bound to be present for the entire period- you can come for a day or two as well.

See here for hunting info
(We will sort the hunting permits on your behalf, but we do need your Firearms Licence and contact details in the registration)

Getting there
Ideally walking in is preferred however we can arrange to fly in and out at reduced rates for those that work on the working bee.

The Mid Greenstone hut would be our main base however the Steele creek hut is also available on a first in first served basis as well and a team can head up there for a few days if they wish.

The club subsidises the helicopter so it's $200 per adult each way and $50 per child (under 15) each way and $30 for gear one way if you want to walk and have your pack and gear flown in. (you will need to carry your rifle tho.)

We will co-ordinate flights for set days and times with full choppers coordinated there is a minimum of 4 pax per flight. so you will need to be flexible - This will be refined closer to the time if we do not have enough pax per flight then sorry we will be walking. Flight days and time will be confirmed based on numbers so you may need to have some flexibility on times and maybe days to make this work. Failing that you have legs and can walk....

Walking requires you to park at the Greenstone DOC carpark.

Flying is from the Glenorchy airfield on the other side of the lake. Carpooling is encouraged especially if you want to walk one way and fly another. As above, they leave from very different locations, that you cannot walk to/from.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

You must be a paid up current member of the NZDA to get this pricing prior to attending the event as it includes your insurance cover which is required for these trips.

New members/guests are welcome however they will need to join up as member of the club to get this pricing, or be an affiliate of SLBNZDA via another NZDA branch. If not then the cost of Heli flights at full non discounted rate and a daily hut accommodation fee will apply and they will need to arrange their own general liability insurances prior to attending the event.

Helicopter timings

Suggestions of helicopters heading in/out:- NOTE these are not confirmed yet and will be based on those attending and what works best. CLEARLY DETAIL your intentions/availability in the registration form so we can see what can be arranged and works best for everyone. So far based on current registrations the following flights are scheduled,

Sunday 20th or Monday 21st Sept.
Saturday 26th early Morning
Late Wednesday the 30th
PLEASE be clear on your registration if other days are more suitable or you are flexible as we can rearrange the flights to suit if needed.
and remember you can walk in anytime.

What time does the heli fly?
as above the rough time frame is provided - Once we get closer to the time and have confirmed numbers we will email the times of the helicopters and further details. Again let us know if you are restricted on certain dates and times in your registration comments

What do I bring?
Your hunting gear, boots, hut shoe/slippers, gun and transporting firearms security bits, food for you, clothes, towel, toiletries, sleeping bag/under sheet, working gloves, tools (will be advised closer to the time). A willingness to have fun, get involved and enjoy being in the bush with like-minded people.

If someone wants to come in and be camp cook who sorts the dinners/ lunches/breakfasts for the team or you are fine with a communal meal structure we can coordinate that as well. Let Dave know if you are keen

So book your annual leave with work and register to secure your place on what will be another very fun and rewarding trip. it would be cheaper to bring the kids in for a few days rather than daycare!!!

There will be a teams meeting briefing session on Thursday the 17th Sept at 7pm to finalise transport and flight day details etc.

Full details and reminders about the online meeting will be emailed nearer the event
REGISTER HERE

Committee Meeting (8 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 06:30:00 GMT

Our committee meetings are open to all members, and we encourage anyone interested in helping to organise and support the club to come along.

These meetings are where we plan upcoming events, discuss conservation projects, and make decisions that keep the branch running smoothly.

Members are encouraged to contribute ideas or propose events for the committee to consider. To keep meetings efficient, we ask that any proposals be submitted by email 7 days in advance so they can be circulated to the committee before the meeting.

For more information or to submit a proposal please email info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz.

Voting on decisions remains the role of committee members.

When: 2nd Thursday of every month, 7:30pm
Where: Online via Zoom
How to join: A Zoom link will be shared with members on registration

Stewart Island Hunting Trip – 10–18 October 2026 (10 Oct 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

REGISTER HERE

Stewart Island Hunting Trip – 10–18 October 2026

This is a unique opportunity to hunt, fish, dive and relax down on Stewart Island.

One of our club members has secured access to two hunting blocks — South West Arm and Fred’s Camp.

We are looking for expressions of interest, with a maximum of 10 people across the two blocks. Places will be first in, first served.

When: 10–18 October 2026
Cost: Approx. $500 per person (TBC), with a $300 deposit
What’s included: Ferry/flight to Oban, hut fee, dinghy hire and some self-catered food
What to bring: Food, rifle, dive gear, bedding and camping equipment. A more detailed gear list will be provided closer to the trip.
Numbers: Maximum 10 people across the two blocks
Trip leader: Jason Reid

If you would prefer a shorter trip, this may be possible. We can confirm the exact arrangements with those who register their interest.

The trip is open to current members and potential new members.

Permits: DOC permits will be required before departure. Jason will organise these with those who register.

If you're interested, please get in touch with Jason Reid on 021 156 1049. You can also come along to the next club meeting if you'd like to have a chat about the trip.

Spaces are limited, so get in quick!

REGISTER HERE

2026 HUNTS course (Hunter National Training Scheme) (17 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Hunter National Training Scheme

Get started on your hunting journey with HUNTS

We're now at the point of firming up participant numbers and would appreciate hearing from those who are still keen to take part, having seen the proposed course dates and cost outlined below.

The NZDA HUNTS Course is New Zealand's nationally recognised hunter training program and has helped generations of hunters develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge required to hunt safely, ethically, and responsibly in New Zealand's outdoors. Whether your goal is to harvest your first animal, develop your bushcraft skills, improve your marksmanship, or simply gain confidence in the hills, this course provides a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced hunters while meeting like minded hunters from around the Southern Lakes region. The program combines classroom learning, practical training, range time, and a mentored hunting experience, providing a solid foundation for a lifetime of hunting and outdoor adventures.

No firearms licence is required—just a keen interest and a reasonable level of fitness.

Course Overview

17-18 October | Queenstown (NZ)

Build the foundations of safe, ethical, and successful hunting while developing the knowledge and decision-making skills every hunter should have before heading into the field. The weekend concludes with a practical game meat care and butchery session, teaching participants how to make the most of their harvest.

31 October - 1 November | Queenstown and Cardrona Valley Shooting Range

Continue developing practical hunting skills before spending the day on the range, building confidence in firearm handling, marksmanship, and safe shooting techniques under experienced instruction.

14-15 November | Hunt Weekend (Location TBA)

Put everything you've learned into practice during an overnight hunting experience, applying your new skills in a real-world environment alongside experienced hunters. The weekend also includes river crossing skills training and development.

Backup Hunt Weekend: 21-22 November (if required).

Course Contents:

Hunting techniques
Species knowledge
Game utilisation (skinning, butchering, etc)
Firearm safety in a hunting context
Practical shooting and hunting ballistics
Essential bush skills
River safety

Participants must have a reasonable level of physical fitness and access to personal tramping equipment.

Cost per person $600 (Incl GST)

Includes:

Southern Lakes NZDA membership through to March 2027
Public liability insurance cover required for participation on approved private hunting properties
NZDA HUNTS course fees and manuals
Accommodation during the hunt component
Stoney Creek high visibility vest and cap
Course completion certificate

Weekend 1

Saturday, all day, start time 8:30am

Location: Queenstown

Welcome, housekeeping, and introductions. Bring a pen/pencil and paper for taking notes, and your lunch. Tea, coffee, biscuits, and manuals will be provided.

Modules covered:

Ethics, Ecology & Regulations
Game Animal Species in New Zealand
Meat, Skins & Trophies
Hunting Techniques
Firearms Selection, Safety & Marksmanship

Sunday, start time 8:30am (done by early afternoon)

Location: Local hobby farm – details provided Saturday

Hands-on butchery session and knife sharpening

Weekend 2

Saturday, all day, start time 8:30am

Location: Queenstown

Course modules covered:

Equipment & Food
Travel & Navigation
When Things Go Wrong (Emergency management)

Sunday, most of the day, start time 8:30am

Location: Cardona Valley Shooting Club

Full day using a range of different firearms
Firearms safety
Sighting in
Shooting positions and techniques
Firearms maintenance and cleaning

Weekend 3

Friday

Meet at pre-arranged accommodation (within 2 hours from Queenstown) at 7:00pm. Bring all required gear—we’ll send out a gear list ahead of time.

Saturday

Full day hunt plus bushcraft and navigation skills.

Sunday

River safety and river crossing exercises — be prepared to get wet!

Travel home in the afternoon.

Graduation

Successful participants will be invited to attend a Southern Lakes NZDA club meeting to receive their certificate of completion.

October Club Night - DOC Wakatipu Operations and Good Hunting Areas with David Butt (29 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 06:00:00 GMT

October Club Night - DOC Wakatipu Operations and Good Hunting Areas with Davit Butt

Join us on Thursday 29 October at the Arrowtown Bowling Club for another great NZDASL club night.

This month we're pleased to welcome Davit Butt, Operations Manager for DOC Wakatipu area, who will be speaking about operations across the local area. We will also hear input from key club members as part of a practical discussion around good hunting areas.

This promises to be an informative and worthwhile evening, combining local knowledge, practical insight, and discussion relevant to hunters in our region. It will be a great opportunity to hear about the Wakatipu area from a DOC perspective while also learning from club members with firsthand experience in the field.

Whether you're interested in local hunting opportunities, land access, regional operations, or picking up useful knowledge from experienced members, this will be a valuable night to be part of.

Can't make it in person? Join us via Microsoft Teams:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/45052446816124?p=b7nPnd0pahWjaQNW9G

When
Last Thursday of the month
Bar opens at 7:00pm for social catch-up
Meeting starts at 7.30pm

Where
Arrowtown Bowling Club
6 Hertford St, Arrowtown
(next to the Arrowtown Fire Station)

All members and interested guests are welcome. Come along for a relaxed social catch-up, hear from a great guest speaker, and be part of another enjoyable club night.

New member?
Join us for social drinks before the meeting and meet the members. New faces are always welcome.

November Club Night - Great Times & Tall Stories (26 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 06:00:00 GMT

November Club Night – Great Times & Tall Stories

Join us on Thursday 26 November at the Arrowtown Bowling Club for another great NZDA Southern Lakes club night.

This month we’re keeping things a bit more relaxed, with three of our club members sharing some of their favourite hunting stories, experiences and photos from the field.

Expect plenty of good stories, questionable decisions, memorable hunts and hopefully a few impressive animals along the way. It’s a chance to hear from members about their experiences, learn a few things, and have a good laugh with the club.

Whether you’ve been hunting for years or are just getting started, come along for a social evening and hear what some of our members have been up to in the hills.

Can't make it in person? Join us via Microsoft Teams:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/45052446816124?p=b7nPnd0pahWjaQNW9G

When
Last Thursday of the month
Bar opens at 7:00pm for social catch-up
Meeting starts at 7.30pm

Where
Arrowtown Bowling Club
6 Hertford St, Arrowtown
(next to the Arrowtown Fire Station)

All members and interested guests are welcome. Come along for a relaxed social catch-up, hear from a great guest speaker, and be part of another enjoyable club night.

New member?
Join us for social drinks before the meeting and meet the members. New faces are always welcome.

Committee Meeting (10 Dec 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 06:30:00 GMT

Our committee meetings are open to all members, and we encourage anyone interested in helping to organise and support the club to come along.

These meetings are where we plan upcoming events, discuss conservation projects, and make decisions that keep the branch running smoothly.

For more information or to submit a proposal please email info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz.

December Club Event - NZDA Picnic at the NZDA Range (12 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 11:00:00 GMT

December Club Event - NZDA Picnic at the NZDA Range

Join us on Saturday TBC December for our NZDA Picnic at the NZDASL Range as we round out the year together.

For December, we'll be taking a slightly different approach with a relaxed club picnic at the NZDA range. This will be a great chance to catch up, enjoy the summer atmosphere, and celebrate the year with fellow members, friends, and guests.

It promises to be an easygoing and enjoyable event, focused on good company, conversation, and finishing the year on a positive note.

Further details about timing, what to bring, and any picnic arrangements can be confirmed closer to the event.

When
Time details to be confirmed

Where
NZDASL Range

All members and interested guests are welcome.

Family-Friendly 4x4 Adventure & Hunting Trip (22 Jan 2027)

Fri, 22 Jan 2027 06:30:00 GMT

SLNZDA Family Weekend at Oteake Conservation Area

January 22-24, 2027

Join us for a family-oriented weekend in the beautiful Oteake Conservation Area. This trip is all about spending quality time outdoors with your loved ones and fellow SLNZDA members and their families/friends

There may be space if you do not own or have access to a 4WD vehicle, we are asking when people register if they have space, so register your interest (Don't pay till we can confirm there is space) and we will try and connect you up with someone happy to take extra people.

We require that one person in the vehicle (Ideally the driver) is a NZDA member (for Insurance purposes) the others can be non members.

(Did you know your NZDA insurance covers you should you accidentally set light to the campsite etc )

What we've got planned: TBC

Family-friendly activities and nature exploration
Camping under the stars at Homestead campsite (Friday)
4x4 driving through scenic Oteake terrain to Tailings hut
A Night at Tailings hut, camping (Saturday)
4x4 out to Nasbey via Historic Buster diggings
Hunting opportunities

See DOC website for more information

Whether you're keen to introduce your kids to the joys of the outdoors, want to meet other outdoor-loving families, or simply fancy a relaxed weekend away, this trip has something for everyone.

We'll keep things low-key and flexible, with plenty of time for kids to play, adults to chat, and everyone to enjoy the stunning surroundings. For those interested, there will be some hunting options*, but that's not the main focus of our weekend.

* please ensure you have the right hunting permit before going

Important Vehicle Requirements:

Must be a true 4x4 with a low-range gearbox
Mud or All-Terrain tires are required (no low-profile tires) You must have a full-size spare tire
Fire extinguisher, First aid kit, Shovel or spade must be carried, All vehicles must have a toolkit and basic spares.
Not suitable for 4WD cars, station wagons (e.g., Subaru Legacy), or 4WD vans

What to Bring:

You will need to be self sufficient.
All your camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, etc.)
Food and water for the weekend (plus something to share for Saturday's BBQ)
Appropriate clothing is required for variable weather conditions in the alpine.
There are fireplaces in both camps we aim to stay at, so chuck some wood in each. Hopefully, it will be warm enough that we won't want it lit and can leave it for the next people that need it.

Cost - TBC

Where & When - TBC

Friday 22nd January meet at Homestead Campsite
Sunday 24th Return to Naseby by 3pm.

The Homestead Campsite is 2 1/4 hours from Frankton.

It is a DOC Basic Campsite. Link here

Tallings Hut is a standard 12 bunk hut.
We will plan to camp here, there may be bunk spaces if available.
Link here

We can accommodate ~25 people in 10 vehicles.

When you register you are registering the whole group/family so you only need to do it once but please include who you are bringing in the form

To join us or learn more, reach out to Dave Veitch.

We'll cover all the necessary safety information before we head out, so everyone can relax and enjoy the weekend.

Looking forward to sharing some fresh air, good food, and great company with you all in Oteake.

Committee Meeting (11 Feb 2027)

Thu, 11 Feb 2027 06:30:00 GMT

Our committee meetings are open to all members, and we encourage anyone interested in helping to organise and support the club to come along.

These meetings are where we plan upcoming events, discuss conservation projects, and make decisions that keep the branch running smoothly.

For more information or to submit a proposal please email info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz.

Committee Meeting (8 Apr 2027)

Thu, 08 Apr 2027 07:30:00 GMT

Our committee meetings are open to all members, and we encourage anyone interested in helping to organise and support the club to come along.

These meetings are where we plan upcoming events, discuss conservation projects, and make decisions that keep the branch running smoothly.

For more information or to submit a proposal please email info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz.

Committee Meeting (10 Jun 2027)

Thu, 10 Jun 2027 07:30:00 GMT

Our committee meetings are open to all members, and we encourage anyone interested in helping to organise and support the club to come along.

These meetings are where we plan upcoming events, discuss conservation projects, and make decisions that keep the branch running smoothly.

For more information or to submit a proposal please email info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz.

Committee Meeting (12 Aug 2027)

Thu, 12 Aug 2027 07:30:00 GMT

Our committee meetings are open to all members, and we encourage anyone interested in helping to organise and support the club to come along.

These meetings are where we plan upcoming events, discuss conservation projects, and make decisions that keep the branch running smoothly.

For more information or to submit a proposal please email info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz.

Committee Meeting (14 Oct 2027)

Thu, 14 Oct 2027 06:30:00 GMT

Our committee meetings are open to all members, and we encourage anyone interested in helping to organise and support the club to come along.

These meetings are where we plan upcoming events, discuss conservation projects, and make decisions that keep the branch running smoothly.

For more information or to submit a proposal please email info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz.

Committee Meeting (9 Dec 2027)

Thu, 09 Dec 2027 06:30:00 GMT

Our committee meetings are open to all members, and we encourage anyone interested in helping to organise and support the club to come along.

These meetings are where we plan upcoming events, discuss conservation projects, and make decisions that keep the branch running smoothly.

For more information or to submit a proposal please email info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz.