Ruahine Forest Park

Introduction

Red deer is the main species to hunt in the Ruahine ranges. Some sika deer are also present. Hunting areas include a combination of bush, slips and open tussock tops.

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

Dogs with a current kiwi aversion certificate only.

About this hunting block

The main species to hunt in the Ruahine Forest Park is red deer, which is common throughout. Some sika and pigs are present in low numbers. Hunting areas include a combination of bush, slips and open tussock tops.

Possums and hares are present but use of .22 and shot guns are prohibited, as is hunting during the hours of darkness. Permits to use traps are available from the local DOC office. Parts of the area may be treated with 1080; check the pesticide summary.

General information

The Ruahine Forest Park covers an area of 94,000 ha which consists of tussock tops, craggy peaks, bush covered ranges and picturesque rivers. It stretches almost 100 km from the Taruarau River in the north to the Manawatu Gorge in the south.

This page covers the north eastern area end of the Forest Park, down as far as the Makaroro River.

Access

Public roads

Wakarara Road provides access to the Makaroro River. Follow State Highway 50 then turn towards the ranges onto Wakarara Road.
Rangitane Road. This road gives access to Kawhatau River, Crow and McKinnon huts and Hikurangi Range. To get to the Rangitane Road bridge, head just north from Mangaweka and turn right off State Highway (SH) 1. Cross the Rangitīkei River and follow Kawhatau Valley Road. This eventually leads to Upper Kawhatau Valley Road which becomes Rangitane Road. Access Kawhatau Base area via an 8km walk up the Kawhatau River. Begin at the bridge crossing the Kawhatau River. Please note this route may not be accessible during times of high river flow.
Mangleton Road is reached via Big Hill Road. Follow State Highway 50 to Maraekakaho and turn into Kereru Road. On reaching Kereru, turn right into Big Hill Road. The turnoff to Mangleton Road is on the left. 10 km along Mangleton Road, a sign marks the start of a public right of way to Masters Shelter. A 1.5 km drive across paddocks leads to a carpark and the park boundary. Masters Shelter is 100 m from the carpark.

Maps

NZTopo50 BK36 and BK37

Dogs

If you are using dogs to hunt in the Ruahine Forest Park, they must be avian-aversion certified. There are regenerating populations of kiwi and whio in the area, so it is important that dogs are well controlled. You are responsible for and must be in control of your dogs at all times. Only one dog per visitor is allowed, unless a special permit is obtained for specific activities.

Huts