The South Auckland hunting area is located in the vicinity of the Hunua Ranges, approximately 45 minutes south of Auckland. Hunting is permitted within two reserves, which total nearly 1,700 hectares of public conservation land. The reserves are generally characterised by medium to steep hill country with dense native forest.
Both reserves have walking access only. The reserves also have extensive walking tracks through them so special care needs to be taken to keep other users of the reserves safe.
Pigs and goats are the main animals hunted, although escaped deer are occasionally encountered. Animal numbers are low as the area is regularly hunted by professional hunters engaged by DOC and the Auckland Council.
Kauri dieback disease is not currently present in these reserves. Extra care needs to be taken by hunters to ensure this area remains free of the disease.
The Auckland region has a warm temperate climate, with warm humid summers and mild wet winters. In the winter, the average daily maximum is around 14.5 C, rising to around 23 C in summer. Rainfall occurs year round, with an average of 1,240 mm per year.
Alert/Important notice
Very high number of hunting permits currently issued.
Extra care is required when hunting in these reserves due to the very high number of hunting permits currently issued. Animal numbers are also likely to be affected by this level of hunting.
Location
The two reserves are on the southern edge of the Hunua Ranges in the South Auckland region. Please note that the Hunua Ranges themselves are administered by the Auckland Council and your DOC hunting permit does not give you a right of access to these lands.