This block contains kauri dieback disease and all tracks are closed to the public. Tracks are not maintained.

This open hunting block encompasses the Whangae Conservation Area, Horotutu Scenic Reserve, Tipatipa Scenic Reserve, Russell Forest, Russell Forest Addition, Russell Forest Addition No1, Russell Forest Addition No2 and Ngaiotonga Scenic Reserve.

These reserves cover a mixture of established and regenerating mixed kauri podocarp forest.

Northland brown kiwi are present in this area.

Phone reception is patchy in the Bay of Islands hunting blocks.

Access

Ngaiotonga Scenic Reserve 

Reserve can be accessed by Russell Rd, approx 16 km from Russell. Once off the ferry at Okiato turn left onto Russell Rd and follow until you come to the second main intersection, take right hand turn, stay on the Russell Rd for approx 4 km. 

Russell Forest 

Via Punaruku Rd. Travelling north on the Russell Road, pull off at the Punaruku Road sign, and park in the rest area. We do not recommend leaving your car here overnight. From this point walk down Punaruku Road to the start of the block. 

The block can also be accessed off Waikare Road east of Karetu, and from Waiotu Road.  

Tipatipa Scenic Reserve 

From Kawakawa turn onto Paihia Rd, 3.5 km down this road go over a single lane concrete bridge, then turn right into Waikare Rd. Travel for 18 km, past Waikare Marae on your right, the reserve is on your right approx 90m past a single lane concrete bridge. 

Note this is a small (45 ha) block surrounded by private land. Hunters must be aware of boundaries and keep hunting dogs under control. 

Whangae Conservation Area 

1 km north of Kawakawa on State Highway 1 turn into Whangae Rd. 1 km down this road is the forest edge on both sides of the road. 

Topo maps

NZTopo50 map sheets: AV30, AW29 and AW30