Mangakahia Forest hunting

Animals present are pigs and goats.

General information

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

This Forest is north-west of Whangārei.

Access

There is no legal formed public access into this forest. Hunters must, therefore, arrange their own access with adjoining landowners. 

Landholders

Hancocks forestry own large areas of adjoining lands to the north. Hancocks issue their own hunting permits during winter months. Obtaining such a permit prior would, therefore, provide hunters wishing to also explore Mangakahia with an access option.

The are no official walking tracks in the forest but many old overgrown logging tracks exist.

Topo maps

NZTopo50 series: AX29 E1686000 N6054000

Dogs

• The number of hunting dogs is limited to three per permittee.
• It is a requirement that all dogs have current certification for kiwi/bird aversion training.
• Dogs must be kept under control at all times.
• Dogs are not permitted in DOC campgrounds.

Huts and campsites

Hunters out of the district who wish to spend a few days exploring the Whangārei area hunting blocks can stay at a number of local DOC managed campsites:

• Puriri Bay campsite at Whangaruru is a 20-min drive from Russell Forest.
• Uretiti Beach campsite at Ruakaka Beach is a 30-min drive from Tangihua and Otaika Forests and 10min from Mareretu.
  Otamure Camp at Whananaki on the east coast is a 30min drive from some of the other smaller hunting blocks that are also included in your online permit.

Firearms are to be kept secure and safe in your vehicle and out of sight of other campers whilst staying in Campgrounds.

No dogs, horses, cats, birds, or pets are permitted in campgrounds.