Thread: akatarawas

There should still be the odd Sika in the Southern Tararua's/Nothern Aka's too. The last one I shot in there was in 2006. A few goats in that area too, but very hard going and very limited scope for finding animals. The 1080 drop in the Akatarawa in about 2008(maybe 2007) hit the deer pretty hard, but I imagine that they have came back now. Don't think I would waste my time in the Karapoti Road end, what would suggest the valley to the north east of Titi (613) for a deer on the Maungatuk side. This is the very top of the West Akatarawa River, there is a and area of open are in the valley floor (you'll get wet feet).

The incline always had plenty of goats and there are some deer around too, but hard going off the tracks.

Try in at Smiths Creek Shelter(over the Puffer Saddle) for a spring time deer on the river flats(watch for fishermen, trampers etc), or climb a third of the way up the eastern side of the valley and sidle around at that elevation. You'll hit good sign and eventually, an animal. Not sure of the goat population in there, but suspect it will be low or none.