Open Area Hunting Permits

Coromandel Reserves

Use of dogs requires avian aversion training and is restricted to certain areas.

Conservation Code and Water Code apply to all hunting areas.

Kauri die back hygiene applies to all Kauri Forests in this area — Clean boots before and after hunting to prevent kauri dieback spread. More ways you can prevent the spread of kauri dieback.

Contact the local DOC Hauraki Office, Thames for further details regarding use of dogs and call 0800NZKAURI or discuss kauri dieback with DOC ranger.

Coromandel Reserves Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 504KB)  (large)(JPG, 1634KB)

North Waikato Reserves

For hunting in Hakarimata Scenic Reserve and Hapuakohe Range (Matahuru and Mangapiko Valley Scenic Reserves) up to 2 dogs allowed on this permit — max. 3 per party. No dogs permitted elsewhere.

Before hunting in the Hangawera Conservation Area, Patersons Lagoon, Patetonga Lake Wildlife Management Reserve or Colebaker, Te Puroa and Te Karaka Memorial Scenic Reserves you must notify neighbouring landowners.

North Waikato Reserves Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 986KB)  (large)(JPG, 2988KB)

Northland Reserves

Maximum of 3 dogs allowed with this permit. All dogs used for hunting must have current Kiwi aversion certificates.

Kauri dieback hygiene kits must be carried and used by hunters in all hunting areas to avoid transmission of kauri dieback disease. Contact your local office to obtain one. More ways you can prevent the spread of kauri dieback. Please try to avoid stands of kauri while hunting or accessing hunting blocks.

There are local restrictions in place in some areas, contact the relevant DOC office: Whangarei, Kauri Coast (Dargaville), Pewhairangi/BOI (Kerikeri), Te Hiku (Kaitaia) before hunting on any PCL.

Northland Reserves Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 576KB)  (large)(JPG, 1981KB)

Pirongia Forest Park and surrounds

Up to 2 dogs allowed on this permit — max. 3 per party.

Before hunting in the Kaniwhaniwha Conservation Area, Brabant, Pakoka or Ruapuke Scenic Reserves you must notify neighbouring landowners.

Restricted access around Te Kauri Park Lodge (Telephone Warden: 07-871 0625) to ensure Lodge is vacant prior to hunting.

Pirongia Forest Park and surrounds Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 888KB)  (large)(JPG, 1740KB)

Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary

No dogs allowed.

Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 403KB)  (large)(JPG, 1182KB)

Kaimanawa Forest Park

1 dog per hunter allowed. A separate permit is required from the Taupo nui-a-Tia Area Office to use more than 1 dog.

Kaimanawa Forest Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 398KB)  (large)(JPG, 1369KB)

Mangapurua

No hunting from the Mangapurua or Kaiwhakauka Tracks or within 50 metres of them.

No hunting from the Whanganui River between 1 October and 30 April.

A separate permit is required to hunt with dogs. All dogs must be avian avoidance certified — certificate must be sighted at Whanganui Office before permit issued.

Mangapurua Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 355KB)  (large)(JPG, 959KB)

Murumuru Conservation Area

A separate permit is required to hunt with dogs. All dogs must be avian avoidance certified — certificate must be sighted at Whanganui Office before permit issued.

No hunting is permitted from 1 September to 31 October.

Murumuru Conservation Area Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 354KB)  (large)(JPG, 1371KB)

Pureora Forest Park and surrounds

The Pureora Forest Park and surrounds hunting permit does not include the Waituhi Kurutau Scenic Reserve on the south side of Highway 41 as this sits within the Taupo Reserves and Conservation Area (requiring a separate hunting permit).

No hunting from the Timber Trail Cycleway or within 50 metres of it. This is for the safety of all recreational users, which is paramount.

Up to 2 dogs allowed on this permit max. 3 per party. No dogs are permitted in the Cowan or Meyer Block Wildlife Refuge or Mapara Wildlife Management Area.

Pureora Forest Park and surrounds Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 533KB)  (large)(JPG, 1629KB)

Rotorua Lakes and surrounds

No hunting permitted in Lake Tarawera or Lake Okataina Scenic Reserves from the last week of November through to the first week of February inclusive.

Maximum of 2 dogs per hunter. Dogs must be kept under control at all times. No dogs allowed in Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve at any time.

Rotorua Lakes and surrounds Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 566KB)  (large)(JPG, 1880KB)

Ruapehu Conservation Areas and Reserves

Dogs are prohibited, unless by separate permit issued by Ruapehu or Taupo nui-a-Tia Area Office. Use of dogs requires avian aversion training.

Ruapehu Conservation Areas and Reserves Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 738KB)  (large)(JPG, 6076KB)

Taranaki Forests

A separate permit is required to hunt with dogs. All dogs require avian (kiwi) aversion training — certificate must be sighted at Taranaki Area Office before permit issued.

Taranaki Forests Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 453KB)  (large)(JPG, 1537KB)

Taumarunui Reserves

No hunting from the Whanganui River between 1 October and 30 April.

A separate permit is required to hunt with dogs. All dogs must be avian avoidance certified — certificate must be sighted at Whanganui Office before permit issued.

Taumarunui Reserves Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 519KB)  (large)(JPG, 1443KB)

Taupo Reserves and Conservation Areas

Up to three dogs allowed on this permit.

Taupo Reserves and Conservation Areas Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 515KB)  (large)(JPG, 1740KB)

Tauranga Area

Use of dogs requires a permit issued by Tauranga Area Office.

Kiwi aversion certificate needs to be sighted if taking hunting dogs into the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park south of State Highway 29.

No dogs allowed in Otanewainuku Conservation Area or Otawa Scenic Reserve.

Kauri dieback hygiene protocol applies to all Kauri Forests in this area - Clean boots and dog paws before and after hunting to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease. More ways you can prevent the spread of kauri dieback. Call 0800NZKAURI or discuss kauri dieback with a DOC ranger.

Tauranga Area Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 469KB)  (large)(JPG, 1468KB)

Tongariro National Park

Dogs are prohibited, except by separate permit issued by the Taupo/Turangi Office.

The permit provides access to lands directly adjacent Lake Rotopounamu, for the purposes of pig hunting only.

Tongariro National Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 815KB)  (large)(JPG, 2132KB)

Western King Country

Up to 2 dogs allowed on this permit — max. 3 per party.

No dogs are permitted in the Cowan or Meyer Block Wildlife Refuge or Mapara Wildlife Management Area.

Western King Country Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 480KB)  (large)(JPG, 1466KB)

Whakatane Waioeka Urutawa

Use of dogs requires a permit issued by Gisborne or Whakatane District Office or Field Centres. Kiwi aversion certificate, proof of microchipping or branding/tattoos need to be sighted.

Whakatane Waioeka Urutawa Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 458KB)  (large)(JPG, 1741KB)

Whirinaki Rangitaiki

A separate permit is required to hunt with dogs. All dogs must be avian avoidance certified — certificate must be sighted or emailed to easternbop@doc.govt.nz Whakatane Regional Office before a permit is issued.

Whirinaki Rangitaiki Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 447KB)  (large)(JPG, 1461KB)

Whanganui Forests

No hunting from the Matemateaonga Track or within 50 metres of it.

No hunting from the Whanganui River between 1 October and 30 April.

A separate permit is required to hunt with dogs. All dogs must be avian avoidance certified — certificate must be sighted at Whanganui Office before permit issued.

Whanganui Forests Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 410KB)  (large)(JPG, 1470KB)

Whanganui Reserves

No hunting from the Atene Track or within 50 metres of it.

No hunting within the Ahuahu Valley.

A separate permit is required to hunt with dogs. All dogs must be avian avoidance certified — certificate must be sighted at Whanganui Office before permit issued.

Whanganui Reserves Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 458KB)  (large)(JPG, 1426KB)

Aorangi Forest Park

Up to 2 dogs allowed on this permit — max 3 per party.

The discharge of firearms and other weapons is prohibited in a no shooting zone that encompasses the vicinity of Waikuku Lodge. This is for the safety of all lodge users, which is paramount.

Aorangi Forest Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 351KB)  (large)(JPG, 1001KB)

Gisborne and Raukumara

Use of dogs requires a permit issued by Gisborne or Whakatane District Office or related Field Offices. Kiwi aversion certificate, proof of microchipping or branding/tattoos may need to be sighted.

Gisborne and Raukumara Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 894KB)  (large)(JPG, 3206KB)

Kaweka Forest Park

1 dog per hunter allowed. Dogs must be avian avoidance certified and certificate and hunting permit must be carried when hunting. Compliance monitoring may occur at any time.

Kaweka Forest Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 493KB)  (large)(JPG, 1395KB)

Remutaka Forest Park

No hunting is permitted in the Orongorongo/Wainui water collection area above North Boulder Stream, in the Catchpool Valley, or in the Orongorongo Valley within 200m of the edge of the riverbed and within 200m of the Orongorongo Track.

Dogs are strictly prohibited from the Turere Stream catchment kiwi area.

Dogs must be avian avoidance certified. Certificate and hunting permits must be carried when hunting. Compliance monitoring may occur at any time.

Mukamuka Stream – to Mt Matthews or Orongorongo Valley via South Saddle track: Permission required from Wharekauhau Station Manager, phone +64 27 677 6294.

Western Lake Rd – Waiorongomai Valley and Waiorongomai Hut: Walking access into the Remutaka Forest Park, via Waiorongomai Station, is by the goodwill of the Matthews family. Only hunters require permission from Charlie Matthews at +64 27 472 8027. No dogs allowed through this access route.

Remutaka Forest Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 445KB)  (large)(JPG, 1178KB)

Ruahine Forest Park

1 dog per hunter allowed. Dogs must be avian avoidance certified and certificate and hunting permit must be carried when hunting. Compliance monitoring may occur at any time.

A separate permit is required from Palmerston North Office for use of more than one dog or to hunt Manawatu reserves.

A permit is required from Palmerston North Office to hunt in Wakarara Conservation Area.

Ruahine Forest Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 518KB)  (large)(JPG, 1884KB)

Tararua Forest Park

Up to 2 dogs allowed on this permit — max 3 per party.

Tararua Forest Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 701KB)  (large)(JPG, 3173KB)

Hawke’s Bay Conservation Area - Tarawera & Stoney Creek Conservation Areas

Special conditions exist around the use of dogs in this area. One hunting dog per hunter allowed. Dogs must be avian avoidance certified and certificate and hunting permit must be carried when hunting. A separate permit is required from DOC's Ahuriri/Napier office for use of more than one dog. Compliance monitoring may occur at any time.

Hawke's Bay Conservation Areas Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 606KB)   (large)(JPG, 2155KB)

Wairarapa Reserves

Puketoi, and Waewaepa Conservation Areas.

Wairarapa Reserves Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 383KB)  (large)(JPG, 976KB)

Buller Kawatiri

No hunting within 500m of Wangapeka and Heaphy Tracks from 15 December to 8 February.

No hunting with dogs allowed in Kahurangi and Paparoa National Parks.

For other places seek advice from Buller Area Office.

No hunting or foot access permitted in the Westland Petrel Special Protected Area of the Paparoa National Park, from Punakaiki River to Lawsons Creek.

Buller Kawatiri Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 280KB)  (large)(JPG, 1024KB)

Franz Josef Waiau

No dogs allowed in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. For other places seek advice on dog permits from Franz Josef Glacier office.

Due to high visitor numbers there is no hunting in the Franz Josef Glacier Valley below the 500 metre above sea level contour, and up to 800 metres above sea level for the final 1000 metres of Roberts Point track.

Franz Josef Waiau Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 362KB)  (large)(JPG, 1272KB)

Greymouth Mawheranui

No hunting within 500m of Paparoa Track.

No hunting within 200m of Point Elizabeth Walkway.

Locked gates prevent vehicle access to parts of Craigieburn Forest due to forestry operations.

For permits to use hunting dogs seek advice from the Greymouth Office.

Greymouth Mawheranui Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 380KB)  (large)(JPG, 1404KB)

Hokitika

No hunting within 500m of the Treetops Walkway in Mahinapua Scenic Reserve.

For permits to use hunting dogs seek advice from Hokitika Area Office.

Hokitika Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 375KB)  (large)(JPG, 1416KB)

Kahurangi National Park

No hunting from sunset 22 December to sunrise 9 February Cobb Valley floor, Mt Arthur Tablelands, Flora headwaters.

No hunting within 500m of the Heaphy and Wangapeka Tracks.

A separate dog permit is required from the Nelson Visitor Centre (Tel +64 3 546 9339, Email nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz).

Kahurangi National Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 285KB)  (large)(JPG, 1148KB)

Kahurangi National Park Permit Area Map - hunting closure area 22 December to 9 February (JPG, 958K)

Marlborough Sounds

No hunting from sunset 22 December to sunrise 9 Feb Marlborough Sounds reserves (incl D'Urville Island).

A separate dog permit is required from the Nelson Visitor Centre (Tel +64 3 546 9339, Email nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz).

Marlborough Sounds Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 362KB)  (large)(JPG, 1247KB)

Mt Richmond Forest Park

A separate dog permit is required from the Nelson Visitor Centre (Tel +64 3 546 8210, Email nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz).

Mt Richmond Forest Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 420KB)  (large)(JPG, 1578KB)

Murchison St Arnaud

A separate dog permit is required from either Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre +64 3 521 1806, Email nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz or Nelson Visitor Centre +64 3 546 9339, Email nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz .

Murchison St Arnaud Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 435KB)  (large)(JPG, 1548KB)

Nelson Lakes National Park

No hunting from sunset 22 December to sunrise 9 February within 500m of Lakes Rotoiti/Rotoroa to Travers/Sabine bridges/Bull Creek.

Nelson Lakes National Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 387KB)  (large)(JPG, 1367KB)

South Marlborough

A separate dog permit is required from the Nelson Visitor Centre (Tel +64 3 546 9339, Email nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz).

Special permits are required to hunt on Molesworth or the Muzzle Lease Area of the Clarence, and other lease areas, as per condition 8 of this permit. See DOC website or the South Marlborough District Office.

The reserves to the South of Kaikoura – around Goose Bay and inland of Goose Bay is prohibited, ‘NO HUNTING’ either rifle or bow.

The Oaro Headwaters Scenic Reserve (the DOC reserve furthest inland) is open to hunting with an Open Areas Permit. Access is only via walking up the Oaro River which can be challenging. We strongly recommend reaching out to neighbouring landowners prior to accessing this block.

South Marlborough Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 1091KB)  (large)(JPG, 2079KB)

Southern Abel Tasman National Park

No hunting from sunset 22 December to sunrise 9 February in Abel Tasman National Park.

No hunting within 500m of the Abel Tasman Track.

A separate dog permit is required from the Nelson Visitor Centre (Tel +64 3 546 9339, Email nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz).

Southern Abel Tasman National Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 378KB)  (large)(JPG, 985KB)

South Westland Weheka

Fox Glacier Area: Due to high visitor numbers there is no hunting in the Fox Glacier Valley below the 500 metre above sea level contour; including the Te Weheka Walkway/Cycleway.

Copland Valley: No hunting in Copland valley 20 December to 31 January and between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Haast Area: This permit is not valid in the Haast Area during the Balloted Haast Roar Block periods, contact Haast Visitor Centre for all enquiries. During the Balloted Haast Roar Block periods, this permit is valid only for the designated Open Hunting Blocks.
More about the Haast Roar Block and Open Hunting Blocks.

Lease Land Restrictions: In Arawhata Valley (from Arawhata Bridge to 10 Hour Gorge), permission to hunt or camp on the land between the river edge and bush edge must be obtained prior from the leaseholder.

Dogs: Dogs prohibited in Westland Tai Poutini or Mount Aspiring National Parks, for other areas, dogs by permit only, restrictions apply, contact the Franz Josef Glacier or Haast Visitor Centres for permit information.

Helicopter Access: No helicopter access permitted in the Adams or Hooker/Landsborough Wilderness Areas.

South Westland Weheka Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 313KB)  (large)(JPG, 1160KB)

Canterbury

No hunting in Tasman Smith from 1 September to 31 October.

No hunting in Peel Forest Scenic Reserve from 1 October to 30 April (Easter and Anzac weekends included).

No hunting in Mount Nimrod Scenic Reserve from 1 October to 30 April (Easter and Anzac weekends included).

Access conditions apply in many blocks. Consult the DOC website or local DOC office for details.

Use of dogs is restricted to certain areas. Contact Otautahi/Christchurch Office or your local Canterbury DOC office for details.

Canterbury Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 318KB)  (large)(JPG, 1168KB)

Cardrona Glenorchy Shotover

This permit is not valid from the third Sunday in March till the third Saturday in April for the Cardrona area (Balloted Wanaka ROAR block).

A separate permit for aircraft access is required if not using an authorised operator.

This permit is not valid from 10 March to 31 May for the Lochnagar block (restricted for the ROAR) — during this period a restricted area permit is required from the Queenstown Office or Visitor Centre.

Foot access into the Glenorchy and Cardrona areas, via access easements, requires permission from the adjoining landowner if firearms and/or dogs are to be taken.

Permission is also required from Branches Station prior to foot or vehicle access into the Upper Shotover/Sharks Tooth/Lochnagar/Ballarat Creek (via the Floodburn) hunting areas.

Woodbine Station and Routeburn Station runholders must be informed prior to hunting in the Kowhai/Kinloch Bush CA.

No shooting is permitted within 500 metres of Woodbine Station homestead.

Cardrona Glenorchy Shotover Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 515KB)  (large)(JPG, 1855KB)

Catlins

This permit is not valid for East Catlins (east of Clinton-Mokoreta-Waikawa Road), from 20 March to 20 April (Balloted ROAR block).

Access to the Catlins-Maclennan block from the northern side is by permission of the Wisp Run manager.

Access from the Tahakopa Valley is on foot and during lambing (20 September to 20 October), by landowner permission only.

Catlins Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 861KB)  (large)(JPG, 5733KB)

Central Otago and The Remarkables

This permit is not valid for the Pisa Conservation Area from the third Sunday in March till the third Saturday in April (Balloted ROAR blocks).

A separate permit for aircraft access is required if not using an authorised operator.

Public access to the Serpentine hunting block is via the Long Valley Ridge road; permission is required from Goulburn Station prior to foot or vehicle access for entry to the hunting area from the Upper Manorburn Road to Long Valley Creek.

Central Otago Remarkables Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 599KB)  (large)(JPG, 1969KB)

Coastal Otago north of the Catlins

This permit is not valid from 20 March to 20 April (Balloted ROAR block) for Mill Creek, Waianakarua or Waipori Falls.

No hunting within 500 metres of houses at Mill Creek. No vehicles past DOC sign at Mill Creek.

Coastal Otago north of the Catlins Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 492KB)  (large)(JPG, 1840KB)

Fiordland National Park excluding Wapiti Area

No hunting Murchison Mountains & Secretary, Resolution, Chalky, Passage, Coal, Anchor or Breaksea Is or in 1 km of Wilmot Pass.

Special conditions for hunting in the Waitutu area:
1. This permit covers the Waitutu Forest and part of the Maori land owned by Waitutu Incorporated.
2. The Waitutu Incorporated land is subject to an agreement with the Crown which authorises it being managed as if it were a national park.
3. Port Craig to the Waitutu River is SILNA land and privately owned. Trampers and hunters are able to use the South Coast Track for access. Hunting is not permitted south of the South Coast Track nor within 500 metres of the north side of the track. Hunting south of the track is by permission of the landowner only.

Fiordland National Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 265KB)  (large)(JPG, 951KB)

Hawea Conservation Park Lake Wanaka Lower Matukituki Valley

This permit is not valid from the third Sunday in March till the third Saturday in April (Balloted ROAR blocks).

A separate permit for aircraft access is required if not using an authorised operator.

4WD access to Minaret Burn and Lower Matukituki Valley requires permission of landowner.

Hunting dogs are allowed in the Lower, Mid and Upper Timaru, Rumbling Burn, West Wanaka, Minaret Burn, Albert Burn and Craigie Burn only with permission of access landowner.

Hawea Conservation Park Lake Wanaka Lower Matukituki Valley Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 441KB)  (large)(JPG, 1574KB)

Mount Aspiring National Park east of The Divide

This permit is not valid from the third Sunday in March till the third Saturday in April (Balloted ROAR blocks) for areas north, east of and including the Matukituki catchment.

A separate permit for aircraft access is required — landings are limited.

No hunting within 500m of Routeburn Track.

Contact Haast Visitor Centre to arrange permission over private land to access Arawhata.

No helicopter access permitted in Arawhata or Barrier (wilderness area).

Mount Aspiring National Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 386KB)  (large)(JPG, 1414KB)

Oteake Conservation Park and Areas

No special conditions apply.

Oteake Conservation Park Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 520KB)  (large)(JPG, 1724KB)

Pyke Forest Big Bay

Dogs are prohibited.

Pyke Forest Big Bay Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 305KB)  (large)(JPG, 865KB)

Southland Hunting Areas

Dogs permitted except between 1st to 30th September.

Adjoining Landowners must be notified for access to East Dome/Mataura Range Hunting Area.

Southland Hunting Areas Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 402KB)  (large)(JPG, 1696KB)

Stewart Island Open Hunting Area

Caution: Air NZ trap lines run beside the Rakiura Track from Lee Bay to Port William. DOC workers or volunteers may be clearing these.

Stewart Island Open Hunting Area Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 273KB)  (large)(JPG, 738KB)

Takitimu Snowdon Mavora Eyre Mountains

This hunting area includes Burwood Bush (Red Tussock) Scientific Reserves, and the Weydon Burn and Centre Hill Conservation Areas.

No hunting within a 1km radius of the Mavora Lakes from 20 December to 31 January or public holidays. Dogs may be taken into Mavora Lakes without a permit, but a dog permit is required for Snowden/Eyres/Takitimu Mountains – these are ‘Controlled Dog Access Zones’. No dogs in Takitimu or Snowden Forest from 1 September to 30 November. All dogs to be on a leash or in a crate until well into forest and off private land. Permission must be obtained from the Dale Farm manager prior to accessing Snowdon Forest through the Dale Farm easement.

Public access to the Snowdon Forest Conservation Area is signposted from the Mavora Lakes Road near Hikuraki Station and at Boyd Creek along the Te Anau/Milford Road near Te Anau Downs Station. Permission for access across all other farm land/private land must be obtained from landowners. There is a public DOC easement through Dale Farm (Landcorp) providing access to the Snowdon Conservation Area from the south. The landowner must be consulted by the permit holder prior to accessing the easement; dale@landcorp.co.nz
Takitimu Snowdon Mavora Eyre Mountains Permit Area Map (small)(JPG, 497K)   (large)(JPG, 2411K)