Central Great Barrier Island hunting

Pigs are the only animals encountered in the Central Great Barrier hunting block. Animal numbers appear low.

General information

The Central Great Barrier hunting block is made up of multiple reserves north of Claris, and is located in the centre of the island. The area is predominantly hilly and covered in forest.

The open season for pig hunting is 15 February to 15 December. The  season is closed from 16 December to 14 February.

Access

The Central Great Barrier hunting block can be accessed by road, by private boat to certain sections of coastline, or through the numerous tracks that pass through the block.

Landholders

There are numerous areas of private land adjoining the Central Great Barrier hunting block - no hunting is permitted on these areas of private land. However, you do not need to cross private land to access the Central Great Barrier hunting block. 

Topo map

NZTopo50 Map AY34 Claris

Dogs

Dogs must have passed a recognised bird aversion assessment.

Hunters must bring their dogs and current bird aversion certificates to the Great Barrier Island Field Base when picking up a hunting permit so that dogs can be checked against the certificates.

There is a maximum limit of four dogs per group of hunters.

Dog restrictions in central hunting block

No dogs are permitted within a kilometre of the Hirakimata summit. This means no hunting dogs:

• above the kauri dams on the Kaiaraara Track
• above the peach tree junction on the South Fork Track, or
• within a kilometre of the summit on the Palmers Track.

Huts

• Kaiaraara Hut
• Mt Heale Hut