27 December 2023
Hunting and Wildlife Magazine - Winter Issue 221
Words By: John Furlong
The Lodge is located beside SH7 in the Lewis Pass.
The Lewis Pass area currently offers very good red deer hunting and there are also low number of chamois, and pigs present in the area. The North Canterbury Branch owns and runs Palmer Lodge which is located on State Highway 7 a kilometre or so from the confluence of the Nina and Lewis Rivers and opposite the Nina River track. The lodge borders the Lake Summer RHA and is surrounded by public open hunting areas. It is ideally located as a base camp for hunters wanting to explore the area. Drive time is 2.5 hours from Christchurch and 4 hours from Picton.
History
Erected in March 1954 by members of the North Canterbury Deerstalkers Branch, the original hut was a one room structure with a lean-to attached. In 1966, an extension to the existing hut was constructed, adding two bunk rooms and creating a kitchen, which is the current configuration of the Lodge today. It is named after long-serving Branch President and Life Member P.J.L. Palmer.
Facilities
- 14 bunks
- Kitchen (including cooking utensils and cutlery)
- Solar lighting
- Flush toilet
- Brand new wood burner
- Gun safe
Cost
- $10.00 per night for NZDA members
- $20.00 per night for members of the public
- $20.00 courier charge if hirers can't pick up or drop off key in Christchurch
How to book the lodge
Email northcanterbury@deerstalkers.org.nz with dates required, number staying at the hut (detailing number of NZDA members and non-members) and contact details. Bank account details will be provided on confirmation of a booking.
Keys
If hirers are travelling to Palmer Lodge through Christchurch, they will be able to pick up and drop off the key from our Lodge Convenor, Keith Morrison (contact details available with booking confirmation). If not, keys will be sent out via courier. Package will include keys and courier bag to return keys to Lodge Convenor at the end of the stay.
For further information on the area and other hunting opportunities, check out DOC’s website. www.doc.govt.nz
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