Bendigo Conservation Area hunting

Located in the Otago region

You can hunt goats and pigs in the Bendigo Conservation Area hunting block on the upper western slopes of the Dunstan Mountains to the southwest of Mt Moka.

Bendigo Conservation Area now an open hunting area

Bendigo Conservation Area was previously covered by restricted hunting permits. On 18 June 2026 the hunting area was moved into the open area hunting permit. All permits issued from 18 June 2026 will include details for this hunting area.

Active open hunting permits issued before 18 June 2026 that include the Lower South Island region will not show details for this hunting area, but hunting is authorised for the hunting area under these permits. See the special conditions that apply to hunting in this hunting area.

About this hunting block

Animals present are goats and pigs.

General information

This 1980 ha block lies on the upper western slopes of the Dunstan Mountains to the southwest of Mt Moka. This is an area of expansive high country tussock interspersed with boggy creeks and rocky outcrops.

Access

Access is off Thomson Gorge Road, accessed either from State Highway 8 at Lindis Crossing (23 km north of Cromwell), or from Matakanui near State Highway 85 at Omakau. The road through to the southern tip of the block is closed. This is because of damage on the 4WD road between Thomson Gorge Road turnoff and Mt Moka, motorised vehicles are currently unable to drive into the conservation area.

Bike and foot access is still possible.

No other access routes are available for vehicles.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CB13, CC13

Know before you go

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this block with a hunting permit. If accessing the block over private land, you must have landholder permission to take your dog.

There may be avalanche danger

Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.

If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:

  1. Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
  2. Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
  3. Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.