Routeburn/Dart/Caples Aerial Predator Control Operation 2025 - SATURDAY 1st of November - Non-toxic

Oct 31, 2025

Kia ora,

The non-toxic component of the aerial predator control operation in the Dart, Routeburn and Caples Valleys will take place on Saturday November the 1st.

This email is to notify you that the Department of Conservation (DOC) is undertaking a rat and stoat control operation across 31,000 ha in the Dart, Routeburn and Caples Valleys on Saturday the 1st of November 2025. This part of the operation is expected to take one day. Helicopters will be sowing a ‘pre-feed’ of non-toxic cereal pellets. This accustoms the pests to the pellets as food, which greatly increases the effectiveness of the poison operation. The 1080 poison pellets will be sown in 1-6 weeks time (weather permitting). 

This operation is part of DOC’s National Predator Control Programme and is in response to the predicted beech mast this summer and rising rodent numbers. The increasing rat numbers seriously threatens the survival of the mohua populations in these valleys and negatively impacts other native species. Please see the attached fact sheet explaining operational details and a map of the treatment area. 

Due to damage from the storm last week, some track closures have changed from what was previously notified. The following restrictions will be in place:

  • The Lake Sylvan track will be closed all day Saturday the 1st of November.
  • The Lake Sylvan campsite will be closed from 6pm Friday the 31st of October until late Saturday on the 1st of November.
  • The Routeburn Track (from the Glenorchy road end) will have access restrictions on the morning of Saturday the 1st of November from approximately 6am until 10am (although this is weather dependant). People will be asked to stay in huts or at the track entrance until the sowing of this track is completed.  
  • All other tracks in the operational area will be sown over the course of the day. Please be aware that if you choose to enter the operational area, you may encounter falling bait while within the operation boundary.
  • People planning to visit the operational area can check the DOC website or with the Whakatipu DOC Visitor’s Centre (03 442 7935) first for possible delays and further information.
  • If difficult operating conditions are encountered on Saturday work may continue into Sunday. If this occurs, the closures and restrictions may be extended. If there is any further delay to our schedule, we will re-contact you with further information.

The operation on Saturday the 1st of November only involves non-toxic pellets. You will receive a separate notification prior to the aerial sowing of 1080 toxin.

For further information or if you have any questions, please email NPCPwhakatipu@doc.govt.nz

Ngā mihi,

Whakatipu-wai-Māori District

Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai

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