Catlins-Maclennan hunting

Located in the Otago region

You can find red deer and pigs in the Catlins-Maclennan hunting block, which spans the Beresford Range and the Maclennan River catchment.

About this hunting block

Animals present are red deer and pigs.

General information

This block is part of the Catlins Conservation Park, taking in the Beresford Range and the Maclennan River catchment.

A significant amount of beech/tawhai forest covers the area, while there is a small amount of open ground at the Ajax Swamp. The terrain is rolling to steep.

Roar ballot

Applications for the 2027 roar ballot will be managed online through the DOC hunting permit system. Applications will open on 1 October 2026.

These hunting blocks make up part of the Catlins ballot group.

Blocks are allocated through a ballot draw and are allocated for a two or three day period.

The balloted period is 20 March to 20 April 2027.

  • Applications will only be accepted through the online hunting permit system.
  • Applications will open on 1 October 2026.
  • Applications close on 30 November 2026.
  • 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

Access

Note: Due to unruly behaviour and illegal activities, the Catlins Forest gates in the area managed by Rayonier Matariki Forest NZ are closed. 

There is public access via Catlins Road, approximately 3km past the Tawanui Camping Ground. Access along this road may not always be possible due to forestry operations. From here there is foot access into the block along the Catlins River Walk.

You must have landholder permission to access the block via other routes, including:

  • Via Chloris Pass Road off Owaka Valley Road, west of Owaka. The road is suitable for all vehicles to reach the car park at the Wisp picnic area, but you must obtain permission from the Wisp Run manager (gates may be locked). From the picnic area there is foot access into the block along the Catlins River Track.
  • Via Back Stream Road off Tahakopa Valley Road. You must obtain landholder permission for vehicle access beyond Tahakopa Valley Road. From the Conservation Park boundary, access is foot only.

Landholders

Rayonier NZ Ltd (Tawanui/Catlins Road), Wisp Hill Ltd (Chloris Pass), Mr R Galbreath (Back Stream Road)

For information on which landholders to contact for other access routes, contact the local DOC office.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CG13, CG14

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.

Huts

Maclennan Hut