Ruahine Forest Park - North West hunting
Located in Manawatu/Rangitikei hunting in the Manawatu/Whanganui and Hawke’s Bay regions
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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
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online or from a DOC office.
Dog access
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-western area of the Forest Park, down as far as the bottom of the Mokai Patea Range (Kawhatau).
Access
Public roads
Rangitane Road provides access to the Kawhatau Base area via an 8km walk up the Kawhatau River. Begin at the brdige crossing the Kawhatau River. Please note this route may not be accessible during times of high river flow. To get to the Rangitane Road bridge, head just north from Mangaweka and turn right off SH1. Cross the Rangitikei River and follow Kawhatau Valley Road. This eventually leads to Upper Kawhatau Valley Road which becomes Rangitane Road.
Commercial transport
Access to hunting areas can be arranged via commercial operators. They operate under a concession licence and are subject to conditions such as landing permissions and operational conditions like flooding and tides.
View a list of DOC-approved helicopter operators in Ruahine Forest Park.
Maps
NZTopo50 BK36 and BK37
Dogs
The Ruahine Forest Park hunting permit allows one dog per hunter to be used. If using dogs, they must be be avian-aversion certified. You must carry the avian-aversion certificate and your hunting permit while hunting. You are responsible for and must be in control of your dogs at all times. A special permit from the Palmerston North Office is required for the use of more than one dog.
Huts
- Colenso Hut
- Crow Hut
- Iron Bark Hut
- Maropea Forks Hut
- McKinnon Hut
- Otukota Hut
- Ruahine Corner Hut
- Top Maropea Hut
- Wakelings Hut
Ruahine Deer Working Group
A working group has been established to provide a forum for hunters (both recreational and commercial) and DOC to discuss issues relating to hunting and inform decisions for management of deer in the Ruahine Forest Park.
The group is working towards a common goal of a sustainable hunting resource/game animal population existing in harmony with a resilient ecosystem in the Ruahine Forest Park. If you would like to find out more about the group, email manawatu@doc.govt.nz.
Contacts
| Te Papaioea / Palmerston North Office | |
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| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| manawatu@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 28 North Street Palmerston North 4410 |
