Permits and licences

Introduction

Find out about the permits and licences you'll need to go hunting. If you're hunting in an 'open hunting area', you can apply for a permit online.

Expect changed conditions when hunting

Changes are still occurring in the forests from the cyclone and with every new period of heavy rain. Be aware that what the terrain may have looked like last you were in the forest may not be the same the next time.

In regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent storm events many things may impact your Roar hunting plans. This includes the loss of access due to roads, bridges and tracks being damaged or destroyed. There is also a high chance of coming across more natural hazards such as debris in waterways, landslides, and rockfalls.

Respect the wishes of private landowners when it comes to access arrangements. It is likely that some landowners may not be able to grant the usual hunter access due to damage their properties have incurred.

    To hunt on any land in New Zealand requires the permission of the landowner. On public conservation land, this permission is obtained by getting a hunting permit from DOC.

    Hunting permit

    Find out what permit you need to hunt on public conservation land.

    Aerially-assisted trophy hunting (AATH)

    To use a helicopter to carry out aerially assisted trophy hunting, either commercially or for personal gain, you must have a concession from DOC.

    National wild animal recovery operations

    You need a WARO concession to undertake wild animal recovery operations on public conservation land.

    Permit conditions

    Know the conditions you must adhere to when hunting on public conservation land.

    Firearms licence

    If you are hunting with a firearm you need a valid firearms licence to get a hunting permit. Find out how to renew or purchase a NZ firearms licence.

    Hunting dog permit

    Find out when you need a separate dog permit to hunt with dogs.

    Game bird licences and permits

    You need a game bird licence from Fish & Game New Zealand and a game hunting permit from DOC to hunt game birds on public conservation land.

    Small game hunting permit

    You need a small game hunting permit from DOC for the recreational hunting of small game on public conservation land. Small game includes Canada geese, feral geese, hares and rabbits.

    Bow and cross bow hunting

    Read the criteria for hunting with bows and crossbows on public conservation lands.

    International travel with hunting trophies

    You may need CITES documentation to enter or leave New Zealand with your hunting trophy.

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