Marlborough Forest hunting

Pigs and goats are present in this area.

General information

Cell phone coverage is patchy in the Kauri Coast hunting blocks. Make sure your communication plans take this into consideration. 

Fire is a high to moderate risk in Northland all year – light no fires.

Terrain

Marlborough Forest covers approximately 4,000 hectares on the northern end of the Tutamoe Range in the Tutamoe Ecological Area. It is situated between the large forest tract of Waipoua/Waima/Mataraua Forests to the north-west and Kaihu Forest to the south. 

The majority of Marlborough Forest is over 400 metres altitude including a large plateau between 600 – 700 metres. Mataraua is very difficult to navigate due to the flat plateau to rolling terrain with heavy thick vegetation. 

Marlborough Forest has a high rainfall. Make sure to wear adequate clothing and if possible a handheld GPS is recommended.

Northland brown kiwi are present in this area.

Access

Access is only available from Opouteke Road and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the unmaintained road.

Approximately 60% of the Marlborough Forest is surrounded by commercial pine plantations with restricted access. Permission must be obtained from the appropriate forestry company prior to entry into the plantations. The roads have controlled access with locked gates.

Contact the DOC office as staff may be able to assist with point of contact for the appropriate forestry company.

Topo maps

NZTopo50 series: AW28 and AX28

Dogs

Dogs must be kept under control at all times, and must not be used for hunting until well within the hunting area.

All hunting dogs must have current avian (kiwi) aversion certificate.

Huts

There are no DOC huts in this area.