Open hunting permit
Get a DOC open hunting permit online.

You can get an open hunting permit online through an improved online permit system. Open hunting permits are free and last 12 months.

How to get a DOC open hunting permit online

Apply online

To get a permit online you will need an email address. This is so we can email your permit to you. If you don't have an email address, call us to get a permit. 

Pick all regions or the area you want to hunt on. 

You will then need to enter or verify your details. You can choose to set up an account (or sign in you already have one) or to continue as a 'guest'. If you choose to create a hunting permits account while getting your permit, it will save you time later. 

If you choose to check out as a 'guest', you will still need to verify your email address via an authentication process. 

Once you have read and accepted the permit conditions and confirmed your details are correct, your permit will be emailed to you. 

You don't need to print your permit. Being able to present an electronic copy (for example: showing your permit on your phone) is allowed for compliance. 

Guide to the improved hunting permit system (PDF, 722K)

The hunting permit system has changed. The video below steps you through the improved system. 

Setting up an account will save you time later. 

You will need an email address that is unique to you (no other hunters will use it). 

sign-up-now-highlighted-390v2.jpg
Sign up now link highlighted

  1. When prompted for Account or guest choose: 'Sign in or sign up'
  2. Choose 'Sign up now' (at the bottom of the pop-up box)
  3. Enter your email address then click 'Send verification code'
  4. Get your verification code from your emails, enter, then click 'Verify code'
  5. Now enter your 'New password' and repeat to confirm
  6. Click 'Create'
  7. Enter your personal details
  8. Click 'Next'
  9. Review your permit details
  10. Read and tick to accept the permit terms and conditions. 
  11. Click 'Finish'

Your permit will be sent to you. You can use your account when you need to renew your permit. 

You can use the 'guest' application if you don't have your own email account or if you hunt infrequently and a permit is likely to be a 'one-off'. 

You will still need to verify the email address you use with an authentication process. 

  1. When prompted with the Account or guest pop up, choose 'Continue as guest'
  2. Enter your personal details
  3. Click 'Next'
  4. Get your code from the email address you have supplied
  5. Enter this into the Verify pop up
  6. Click 'Continue'
  7. Review your permit details
  8. Read and tick to accept the permit terms and conditions
  9. Click 'Finish'

Your permit will be emailed to you. 

reCAPTCHA (Help us beat the bots) can be tough sometimes. You can use the refresh button to change the option until you find one you can solve easily. 

recaptcha-highlighted.jpgreCAPTCHA refresh button highlighted

Open hunting permit system improvements

  • Open permits now last 12 months instead of 4.
  • Instead of ticking a long list of small hunting blocks, you can now pick from 8 large regions (4 for the North Island, 4 for the South Island).
  • If your plans change during the year, you can always get another permit for other regions.
  • If you have an account for restricted Rakiura hunting permits, you can use the same account for open hunting area permits.
  • If you create an account, you can renew your permit next year with just a few clicks.