The Tauranga area covers the Western Bay of Plenty and the very eastern edge of the Waikato, the boundaries being roughly from near Matatā in the east up to Waihi Beach and across to Paeroa in the north and west, including the eastern side of the Waihou River. The area includes all the public conservation land in the Kaimai Range and the Mamaku forests north of State Highway 5, and several other smaller blocks.

Public conservation land in the Tauranga area is dominated by the 37,000 hectare Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park.

Red deer are the most common and sought after game animal in the Kaimai Range and are found in moderate numbers from Te Aroha southwards to State Highway 29. Low numbers of fallow deer are found at Otanewainuku and Otawa. Low numbers of pigs and goats are located throughout.

Terrain in the forest park is characterised by steep gullies, lush undergrowth and numerous small streams. Some areas along the tops are exposed, and these locations can be subject to alpine conditions during some of the year. Historic logging tracks provide good access right into the park, and several huts are located along the North South track.