About this hunting block

Animals present are red deer, pigs and feral sheep.

General information

This block is part of the Waianakarua Scenic Reserve, situated southwest of Herbert.

A significant amount of kānuka forest covers the area; while the tops on the western side are covered in tussock. Broadleaf, podocarp and tōtara are present in most of the valleys. The terrain of the area is steep.

Roar ballot

These hunting blocks make up part of the Coastal Otago ballot group.

Blocks are allocated through a ballot draw and are allocated for a [three or four day period].

The balloted period is 20 March to 20 April.

Applications will only be accepted through the online hunting permit system.

• Applications will open on 1 October.
• Applications close on 30 November.
• Applications are limited to 5 choices
• You can submit only one application per party.
• All party members must be listed on the application.
• No individual may be part of more than one application.

Successful applicants will be notified automatically following the draw on 4 December 2026. This notification will include a link to confirm the allocated block.

Blocks must be confirmed by 18 December 2026. Permits will be sent automatically following confirmation.

Reallocation of blocks

Any remaining blocks after the initial draw will be automatically reallocated to unsuccessful applicants where possible.

After the reallocation process is completed, any remaining leftover blocks will be made available online on a first-come, first served basis.

Administration fee

At this stage, no administration fee will be charged for the roar ballot. But this fee may be introduced in future ballots to cover the costs associated with administering the roar block system.

Roar block maps

• Waianakarua roar block 1 (PDF, 1,654K)
• Waianakarua roar block 2 (PDF, 1,655K)
• Waianakarua roar block 3 (PDF, 1,660K)
• Waianakarua roar block 4 (PDF, 1,661K)
• Waianakarua roar block 5 (PDF, 1,654K)
• Waianakarua roar block 6 (PDF, 1,655K)
• Waianakarua roar block 7 (PDF, 1,649K)
• Waianakarua hunting roar block map overview (PDF, 1,637K).

Access

Access to the main block is via Mount Misery Road off State Highway One north of Hampden. The road is suitable for all vehicles to reach the car park. This area is marked by a Waianakarua Scenic Reserve sign on the left.

There is also a further access point further up this road at the entrance to Glencoe Run. This access is suitable for 4WD vehicles only and is through a privately-owned working farm. Follow orange markers along the formed track to the carpark.

Vehicle access may be reduced if track conditions are too wet.

South-east smaller block

Access to the smaller block to the south-east of the main block is through negotiations with Port Blakley Ltd as no formal access is available.

Landholders

Access to the main reserve is via Glencoe Run. Hunting is not permitted on this or any other access crossing private land.

Access to the smaller block is via Port Blackley Ltd.

Port Blackley Ltd contact details

Phone: +64 3 688 2173

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CC17, CC18

Huts

Staircase Hut

Staircase Hut – this is a privately owned hut and permission from the owners is required to use it.

Kahikatea Lodge

Kahikatea Lodge is owned and managed by the New Zealand Deerstalkers - North Otago Branch.

Bookings are necessary and must be made by text to +64 27 634 6613.

It is a 6-bunk standard DOC hut. Facilities on site include: a composting toilet, a wood burner, water tanks, solar power, meat safe and bench.

Location: Waianakarua Scenic Reserve. Access is via Mount Misery Road
GPS Location: NZTM E: 1416263.6075 N: 4984215.5824

All donations go towards maintenance of the hut.

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 dogs contained in your vehicle. Dogs must be on a lead when walking to the reserve from the carpark.