Access and boundaries
A hunting permit gives you permission to hunt on DOC land; it does not give you the right to cross private land to get to the reserve you want to hunt. Many of the areas described here are surrounded by private land. Access is only at the permission of those landowners. While this information will tell you what type of access is available, it is your responsibility to arrange access every time with landowners before you set out on a hunting trip. The names and contact details of some landowners may be available from your local DOC office.
Once you have arranged access, please be considerate of the private property you are crossing. Do not disturb livestock, make sure you leave gates as you find them and that they are properly latched. Your behaviour on private land will affect the continued use of such access for other hunters and your future hunting trips there.
Most conservation areas are signposted but boundaries are not always clearly defined. Make sure you know where the boundaries are and, if in doubt, check with the adjoining landowner or the local DOC office.
Transport
Access to hunting areas can be arranged via commercial operators. They operate under a concession licence and are subject to conditions such as landing permissions and operational conditions like flooding and tides.
Please note that a helicopter notification system is in place in the Ruahine Forest Park to manage landings at designated landing areas. Helicopter operators co-operate with this system to eliminate congestion by allowing only one party to land by helicopter at any site at one time. This does not guarantee exclusive use or even a bunk in the hut, as tramping or hunting parties may have travelled by foot. Notifications are made only by the helicopter operators through the Manawatū Rangitīkei Area Office. All private owners/pilots must have a landing permit - contact the Department of Conservation.
Authorised helicopter operators include:
|
Operator
|
Location
|
Contact number
|
|
Helipro
|
Palmerston North
|
+64 6 357 1348
|
|
Hill Country Helicopters
|
Wanganui
|
+64 6 343 1843
|
|
Hill Country Helicopters
|
Taihape
|
+64 27 223 0298
|
|
Rangitikei Helicopters
|
Rewa (Hunterville)
|
+64 6 328 6887
|
|
Outback Helicopters
|
Danniverke
|
+64 508 688 2225
|
|
Helicopters Hawkes Bay Ltd
|
Hawkes Bay
|
+64 6 879 9242
|
|
East Kaweka Helicopters
|
Puketitiri
|
+64 6 839 8693
|
|
Wanganui Aero Works
|
Wanganui
|
+64 6 345 3994
|
|
Heliteam
|
Feilding
|
+64 6 858 6464
|
|
Heli Sika
|
Taupo
|
+64 7 384 2816
|
|
Heli Services BOP
|
Taupo
|
+64 7 378 8074
|
Apply online for a hunting permit or renew.
Safety
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies