Erua Forest hunting

Red deer are present, with trophy potential, along with goats and pigs. Pigs are present in a high density pig population in the part of Erua Conservation Area south of the Mangaturuturu river, especially between the Mangaturuturu and the Mākara Stream.

General information

Part of the Ruapehu Conservation Areas and Reserves open hunting area, Erua forest is located on the western boundary of Tongariro National Park, and similar to Tongariro forest, has been heavily modifed by logging. While there is some remnant mature forest, much of the forest is regenerating, and logging tracks and pulling ways provide access throughout the forest. The terrain is generally easy and rolling, except for deep gorges along the rivers and streams.

Access

Access for the forest in general is via Middle road, Mangaturuturu East road, Erua road and Fishers track behind National Park village.

Maps

You will need the following Topo 50 map sheets:

Retaruke BH33
Raurimu BH34
Raetihi BJ33
Mt Ruapehu BJ34

Dogs

Hunters are allowed to take hunting dogs (under permit) into this forest. Hunters should be aware that it contains important populations of threatened North Island brown kiwi and blue duck. Because of this hunters need to adhere to the following:

• all hunters entering DOC conservation lands must obtain a hunting permit
• dogs are currently certified as ‘kiwi safe’ through the avian aversion training
• the dog must be used for hunting and not just be there for company
• dogs are tied up at night
• any dogs that are lost in these areas are reported to the nearest DOC office immediately.

Huts

There are no DOC huts in Erua Forest