View of Ranfurly Bay from the Dukes Nose, Whangaroa
The Bay of Islands area has three large popular open hunting areas; from the spectacular Ranfurly Bay in the Whangaroa Harbour to the beauties of the Puketi, Omahuta, Opua and Russell Forests.
The hunting blocks offer good opportunities for hunting pigs and goats.
The climate in the Bay of Islands is highly localised; the weather in the forest is not always the same as what may be happening in town. Prepare for changeable weather in the forests, possibly damp to wet with temperature drops in the evening. The temperature in the Bay of Islands ranges from 0.5 to 30 degrees C. The wetter months are May - September where rainfall is generally between 150 and 300mm per month; the dryer months being October to April with rainfall up to around 150mm per month.
Find out where to hunt in the Bay of Islands area.
A permit is required by anyone using a rifle, bow or dog to hunt on land managed by the Department of Conservation.
Find out how you can plan and prepare for a safe and enjoyable hunting trip in the Bay of Islands hunting area.
View Northland Conservancy's most recently issued pesticide summary.
Apply online for a hunting permit or renew.
Hunting in conservation areas brochure
Importing and exporting hunting trophies
NZ weather
Take a hunting survey from Lincoln University
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
Got feedback?
Email DOC's National Hunting Advisor
Safety