Raetea and Mangamuka hunting

Pigs are generally hunted in these reserves. Goats are present in low numbers. 

General information

Raetea and Mangamuka hunting blocks cover just around 7,515 ha, encompassing Raetea Forest (pt. Northland Conservation Park), Mangamuka Gorge Scenic Reserve, Mangataipa Scenic Reserve, Waitawa Scenic Reserve, and Maungataniwha forest (pt. Northland Conservation Park).

Raetea Forest and Mangamuka are home to many native animals. These areas consist mainly of hardwood forest, with small areas of kauri. The surrounding reserves are a mixture of kahikatea, rimu, lowland forests.

These reserves are a mixture of outstanding wildlife and historic areas, home to various historic remnants, native animals and plants such as kūkupa, kiwi, kauri snails, and native fish.

Note to all hunters: other recreational users are in and around Raetea Forest and Mangamuka Gorge Scenic Reserve at different times of the year, including trampers using the Mangamuka Tramping track.

Access

• Raetea Forest: located south of Kaitaia, forming a barrier between the Far North and the rest of Northland. Access is via State Highway 1, at the summit of Mangamuka Gorge. Also access via Takahue Saddle Road
• Mangamuka Gorge Scenic Reserve: located south of Kaitaia. You can access the forest via State Highway 1 at the summit of Mangamuka Gorge.
• Mangataipa Scenic Reserve: via Mangamuka bridge and also via Kohukohu Road, which passes through the reserve alongside Mangamuka River.
• Waitawa Scenic Reserve: Waitawa is contiguous with Raetea Forest and forms the southern margin of Raetea Forest. Access via Takahue Saddle Road.
• Maungataniwha Forest (pt. Northland Conservation Park): Maungataniwha Forest is contiguous with both Raetea Forest and Mangamuka Gorge Scenic Reserve. Access is through either Mangamuka Gorge Scenic Reserve or Raetea Forest.
• Pukemiro Block Scenic Reserve: Contiguous with Raetea Forest. Access is via private landowner property.

Landholders

Private land owner permission is required to access Pukemiro Block Scenic Reserve.

Topo maps

NZTopo50 series: AV26 and AV27

Dogs

Hunting dogs only permitted in these reserves.

The number of hunting dogs is limited to three per permit.

Dogs are required to have current kiwi/bird aversion training certificates when hunting in Raetea and Mangamuka.

Campsite information

For hunters who wish to stay and explore the Far North, there is Raetea North Side campsite near Mangamuka and Raetea.

Additional information

• No vehicles in reserves, foot access only.
• No shooting within 200 m of walking tracks.
• Centre Fire rifles only.
• Traps for pest control may be present on any public conservation land. The traps may pose a risk to dogs. Keep your dog under control at all times.