About this hunting block

The main species to hunt in the southern Ruahine Forest Park is red deer, which is common throughout. Some goats can be found in the southern end of the ranges in low numbers. Occasionally, fallow deer may be found in the outlying land parcels.

Note the riverbed on this side of the road is either privately owned or under private lease and is not covered by any DOC permit. Hunting is mainly bush-hunting with open slips scattered throughout. 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.

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 area south-east of the Tamaki headwaters.

Access 

Public roads

• Maharaha Road is used to access Kumeti Road and campsite, located west of Dannevirke. It gives access to Maharaha network of tracks and links with Opawe road off Pohangina Valley road north of Ashhurst.
• Opawe (from the west) and Kumeti (from the east) roads provide access to the Maharahara High Point Track. 
• Opawe Road. From Ashhurst, head north up the Pohangina Valley and turn onto Pohangina Valley East Road. The Opawe Road turn-off is just before the Highland Home Youth Camp. The track to Maharahara crosses farmland from the carpark sign-posted off this road.
• Kumeti Road. From Dannevirke head south for 7km to Maharahara Road, then after 1.5km turn onto Kumeti Rd and continue for 9km to the road end. 
• Takapari Road gives access to the central Ruahine Range from Pohangina Valley East Road, north of Ashhurst. 4WD drive only road that reaches the edge of Ruahine Forest Park. To get there, head towards Pohangina from Ashhurst and turn right onto Pohangina Valley East Road. Follow this past Komako, then turn right onto Takapari Road.
• Tamaki West Road provides access to Stanfield, Cattle Creek and the A-Frame (Traverse) huts. From State Highway 2 in Dannevirke, turn left into Ruahine Street, which leads into Umutaoroa Road. At the intersection, turn left onto Top Grass Road and follow this for 2.3 km. Turn right onto Tamaki West Road and follow this to the car park.
• Fairbrothers Road provides access to Kiritaki Hut. From State Highway 2, just north of the old Oringi freezing works, turn onto Kiritaki Road. Cross Top Grass Road into Fairbrothers Road. Follow the poled route from the car park to the park boundary.
• Coppermine Road provides access to the Ruahine Forest Park, near Woodville. From State Highway 2, turn north onto Pinfold Road. Turn left into Coppermine Road.
• Wharite Road provides access to the Wharite Peak transmitter on the southern tip of the Ruahines. It is a narrow gravel road off Woodlands Road near Woodville. There are opportunities to hunt anywhere off the road inside the park or off tracks to Coppermine Road.

Maps

NZTopo50 BL36, and BM35

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

Stanfield Hut

Ruahine Forest Park Deer Management Planning

DOC is working with iwi, community and Ruahine users to create a deer management plan for Ruahine Forest Park. Work to develop this plan is directed by policy (under S5.3.2) contained in the Wellington Conservation Management Strategy 2019. Engagement with Ruahine stakeholders is planned through 2024 and 2025. A deer management plan is projected to be in place by 2025.

For further information please contact manawatu@doc.govt.nz

Additional information

DOC are keen to hear of any goat sightings or kills made. Please contact the Palmerston North Office.