Dart/Routeburn/Caples Aerial 1080 Predator Control Operation 2025

Kia ora koutou,

This email is to notify you that the Department of Conservation (DOC) is planning an aerial rat and stoat control operation in the Dart, Routeburn, and Caples Valleys from the 1^st of October 2025. The operation is weather dependant and could run into early 2026 if required. Landscape aerial operations involve the spreading of cereal baits containing biodegradable sodium fluoroacetate (1080) toxin over public land within Tititea/Mt Aspiring National Park and surrounding Conservation Land. 

These operations are part of DOC’s National Predator Control Programme and are in response to a predicted beech mast this summer and increasing rodent numbers. During a beech mast rat and stoat numbers skyrocket, seriously threatening the survival of the local mohua population along with other native species such as kākā, rock wren/pīwauwau, whio, kea, and long-tailed bats/pekapeka.

This operation is the first of two upcoming aerial operations to protect native species through the upcoming beech mast. The first operation is considered a ‘nip it in the bud’ operation to reduce rats to the lowest possible starting point before the mast, while the second operation occurs approximately 14 to 16 months later as rat numbers begin to climb after seed germinates. This model was successfully used during the 2023 beech mast and local mohua populations look to be responding positively, however, predator control needs to continue to maintain gains and help populations recover.

See the attached fact sheet explaining operational details and a proposed map.

Key points:

Timing

• This operation will consist of 2 days for sowing non-toxic prefeed, and (1-6 weeks later) a further 2 days for sowing toxic bait.
• The pre-feed operation will start any time from the 1^st of October, with the toxic operation 1-6 weeks after this. The exact timing of both these operations is weather dependent.
• You will receive another email at least 24hrs before each of the non-toxic and toxic operations.

Restrictions

• Access to parts of the Routeburn and Lake Sylvan will be restricted for the duration of bait spreading in these areas. This is anticipated to be for half a day each during both the pre-feed and toxic operations.
• The Dart Road will be closed from the Mill Creek Cattle Stop to Chinamans Carpark (the start/end of the Dart Track) for up to three days for each of the pre-feed and toxic operations.
• People planning to visit these areas after the 1^st of October are advised to check with the DOC Whakatipu Visitor Centre on 03 442 7935 first for possible delays.

If you would like any further information about the planned operations, or have any questions or concerns, please contact: Department of Conservation, Operational Planner, National Predator Control Programme. Phone: 0800 275 362 

You will receive a minimum of 24hrs notice before both the non-toxic and toxic operations. These notifications will be by email and could be over the weekend. If you do not wish to receive any further correspondence regarding this operation, or if you would like to update the contact details we have for you, please let us know on NPCPWhakatipu@doc.govt.nz.

Ngā mihi,

Whakatipu-wai-Māori District

Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai

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