Mangatainoka Hut area hunting

Located at 720 metres altitude, this hut is well placed for hunting and provides access to the less-accessible northern area of the Kaweka Forest Park. The surrounding podocarp, red and mountain beech forest rises away from river valley floor to access numerous ridges, faces and stream gullies, along with some areas of open clearings. 

Location

Mangatainoka Hut is located very close to the northern park boundary on the true left bank of the Mangatainoka River (a tributary of the Mohaka River)

Access

Hunters visiting the Mangatainoka area should expect mainly bush hunting, although some large areas of open clearings can be found at the "Mangatainoka Faces" located 1-2 kilometres south east of the hut site. Open top areas can be reached by heading south up the major ridges to reach the northern end of the Te Pukeohikarua Tops (there is a campsite/helipad here, close to a fenced exclosure site, an additional landing site is up the second side stream).

Careful stalking up the numerous gullies and spurs away from the main river valley floor should be rewarding – especially in the early morning or late evening periods. The terrain here is moderate to steep and characterised by numerous stream gullies that can sometimes confuse orientation.

Dogs

Only registered, avian aversion certified hunting dogs, guide dogs, companion dogs (certified by the Top Dog Companion Trust) and dogs used for special services (including conservation management activities) are permitted in the park. All other dogs are banned.