Southland

Due to repeated dangerous and disrespectful behaviour by members of the public, the following access points to the Eyre Mountains are closed: through Eyre Creek Station through the West Dome forest gate. Do not contact the owners of Eyre Creek Station or DOC about a gate code. This is a long term alert. 

A predator control operation using toxic meat baits containing 1080 was completed on the 3 March 2026. Upper Oreti and Eyre Creek, Eyre Mountains Conservation Park and Snowdon Forest Conservation Area are open with warning signs in place at key entrances.  The toxin is poisonous to animals – this includes humans and domestic animals. Dogs are particularly susceptible to sodium fluoroacetate, we do not recommend taking dogs into these treated areas. Observe the following rules when you see warning signs as they indicate that pesticide residues may remain in baits and carcasses. Always remember: Do not touch or eat the bait. Watch children at all times. Do not eat animals from this area. Toxic baits and carcasses are deadly to dogs. If you suspect poisoning always contact your local doctor, local hospital, or the National Poisons Centre. Phone: 0800 764 766 or dial 111. This operation is part of DOC's National Predator Control Programme to protect native species.

Rakiura dunes aerial weed spraying will take place over several days between 16 March 2026 to 30 June 2026 as the weather allows. The spraying will be approximately 500 ha at Mason Bay and in conjunctionwith Rakiura Māori Lands Trust, 10 ha at the Old Sand Neck/Oneke in Paterson Inlet. See the operation map (JPG, 2,096K)

Do not use the coal range at Dome Sod Hut - there are safety concerns with it. We are arranging maintenance and/or a replacement. This is a long-term alert.

We plan to distribute toxic ‘sausage’ bait containing para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) in the Lake Hauroko area between 14 and 19 May 2026, depending on the weather. The bait will be laid by hand. This operations is targeting stoats. The area will remain open throughout the operation. For a map of the proposed treatment area see the Pesticide Summary.