Range Officer requirements
In order to become a Range Officer, you'll need to:
- hold a Teetotal sighting-in range permit
- be a licenced firearms holder
- hold a standard DOC hunting permit
- acknowledge and sign the responsibilities under the range standing orders.
Teetotal sighting-in range standing orders (PDF, 807K)
This permit is required under the Arms Act 1983. These changes came into effect from 1 July 2023.
Range users who don't follow this permit requirement will have their permits and possibly their firearms licence revoked. As it is a criminal act, they may also face prosecution by the police.
How to get your permit
You can apply for a Teetotal sighting-in range permit in person from the Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre.
Ensure you bring along your:
- firearms licence
- DOC hunting permit.
Teetotal 0.22 hunting permit
Licenced firearms holders who want to use 0.22s for rabbit shooting can still do so with the Teetotal 0.22 Hunting Permit. This is restricted to the lower river flats next to the Buller River. These are also available from the visitor centre. Firearms licence and DOC hunting permit required.
About Teetotal sighting-in range
Teetotal sighting-in range is located off Teetotal Road in the Teetotal Recreation Area approximately 3.3km northwest of St. Arnaud.
Hunters can safely check their rifle sightings at the Teetotal sighting-in range facility before heading into nearby parks and conservation land to hunt.
To use the sighting-in range you must have a Teetotal sighting-in range permit, or be under the supervision of a Range Officer. This is a legal requirement under the Arms Act 1983 from 1 July 2023.
Nelson Lakes National Park Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 521 1806 |
| Email: | nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | View Road St Arnaud 7072 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |