Ruahine Forest Park - South West

Located in Manawatu/Rangitikei hunting in the Manawatu/Whanganui and Hawke’s Bay regions

Red deer is the main species to hunt in the Western Ruahines although some goats can be found in the southern end of the ranges.

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-west of Ngamoko range where the Pohangina River cuts into the forest park. It also includes two land parcels outlying the Ruahine Forest Park, on the other side of Pohangina Valley East Road.

Access 

Public roads

  • Takapari Road reaches approximately 10 km into the 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. Takapari Road is closed to vehicles during the winter/when wet. The road is open to pedestrians, bikes and light vehicles all year round. Check the Takapari Road status.

Legal routes

  • Access Mid-Pohangina and Ngamoko huts from the Pohangina River at Piripiri Bridge (where Pohangina Valley East Road crosses the Pohangina River). This is about 1.5 km north of Takapari Road. Note the river bed section of this walk is not passable when water levels are high. The outlying land parcels may also be accessed from Piripiri Bridge.
  • Ruahine Forest (West) Conservation Area (part) is one of the outlying parcels, which may be accessed from the Kahikatea walk. This is located on the left approximately 1 km past Arbon's Road.

Agreed access poled routes

  • Opawe Road provides access to the Maharahara High Point track. Be mindful of stock when using this access, especially during lambing (15 August to 15 November). 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 farm land from the carpark sign-posted off this road.
  • No. 1 Line provides access to the No. 1 line track. Head towards Pohangina from Ashhurst and turn right onto Pohangina Valley East Road. Follow this past Awahou School. Turn right onto No.1 Line Road and continue along this gravel road to the carpark at the end.
  • No. 2 Line provides access to the Ruahine Forest Park. Head towards Pohangina from Ashhurst and turn right onto Pohangina Valley East Road. Follow this through Awahou then turn right onto No.2 Line Road and continue to the carpark at the end. Note there are no tracks at the bush edge.

Access by prior arrangement

Visitors must phone the landowners to make arrangements for access beforehand.

  • To access Te Ekaou and Forks huts (from Pohangina Valley East Road), you must cross private farmland. Prior permission must be obtained from the relevant landowner.

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 BL35 and BL36

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

Additional information

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