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Introduction

Tongariro National Park and Rangataua Forest offers great hunting primarily for Red Deer with localised Sika populations. There is also limited pig hunting.

Species

  • Deer - Red
  • Deer - Sika
  • Pigs

Permit requirements

A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.

This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online or from a DOC office.

Dog access

No dogs

About this hunting block

There are predominantly red deer in the Park, although a small population of sika are established in the north and south-eastern corners of the Park. Pigs are also present, particularly in the Mt Pihanga, Mt Tihia and Mt Kakaramea areas.

General information

The south western slope of Ruapehu from Rangataua to Horopito tend to get the highest attention from hunters, but there are equally good areas from Mt Hauhungatahi to Mangatepopo, and around to Ketetahi which attract less attention. Such areas offer spectacular scenery plus a variety of deer habitat which is a challenge to hunt.

Hunting in the roar can be very productive, although as with the Kaimanawa's the red deer up on the volcanic plateau tend not to be of high trophy potential. They are often heavy bodied animals which are great for the table however. The deer in the Tihia and Kakaramea areas of the park are renowned trophy animals, and are heavily hunted.

Sika are becoming increasingly abundant in areas of the National Park, and in particular the low forest and manuka scub on the north eastern corner of the park. Hunting them in this terrain can be challenging, but also productive if you put the time in to get to know the area.

One of the great attributes to hunting in the National Park is the opportunity to hunt large areas by glassing with binoculars, as the deer often range well above the bush line in spring and summer.

Access

Tongariro National Park offers a wide variety of hunting opportunities, many of which are within easy walking distance of the surrounding highways. State Highways 1, 47, and 4 offer the best access.

Maps

You will need the following Topo 50 series maps:

Raurimu BH34
Tūrangi BH35
Mt Ruapehu BJ34
Waiouru BJ35

Dogs

Hunting dogs are not permitted into Tongariro National Park, except under an exception granted to dogs belonging to members of a local hunting club. This exception is for the control of pigs in the northern part of the park, and is subject to strict conditions.

Huts

There are 9 backcountry huts in Tongariro National Park. Mangatepopo, Oturere and Waihohonu are Great Walk huts which require advance reservations in peak season.

Contacts

Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre
Phone +64 7 892 3729
Email tongarirovc@doc.govt.nz
Address Whakapapa Village
State Highway 48
Mount Ruapehu 3083
Hours Visitor centre hours and services
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