Catlins-Maclennan hunting

Located in Catlins hunting in the Otago region

You can find red deer and pigs in the Catlins-Maclennan hunting block, which spans the Beresford Range and the Maclennan River catchment.

About this hunting block

Animals present are red deer and pigs.

General information

This block is part of the Catlins Conservation Park, taking in the Beresford Range and the Maclennan River catchment.

A significant amount of beech/tawhai forest covers the area, while there is a small amount of open ground at the Ajax Swamp. The terrain is rolling to steep.

Roar period

This block is split into roar blocks for the period 20 March to 20 April.

For roar block details contact the Murihiku/Invercargill Office.

Application form

Important: We’re updating the ballot application process. The ballot will move to the online DOC Hunting Permits system in time for the 2027 roar.

The ballot closes 30 November.

Catlins Tautuku roar block applicaton form (PDF, 172K) or (Word, 33K)

Catlins Maclennan roar block applicaton form (PDF, 170K) or (Word, 33K)

To apply for the ballot, complete an application form and submit via email to invercargill@doc.govt.nz.

Key dates and fee waiver

  • No admin fees will be charged for ballot applications during the transition. Fees will be reinstated when the new system is live, and we’ll keep you updated when that will happen.
  • If you’ve already paid a fee, you’ll receive a refund. We’ll contact you directly in this case.
  • The new system will launch during 2026 for 2027 roar applications.

Access

There is public access via Catlins Road, approximately 3km past the Tawanui Camping Ground. Access along this road may not always be possible due to forestry operations. From here there is foot access into the block along the Catlins River Walk.

You must have landholder permission to access the block via other routes, including:

  • Via Chloris Pass Road off Owaka Valley Road, west of Owaka. The road is suitable for all vehicles to reach the car park at the Wisp picnic area, but you must obtain permission from the Wisp Run manager (gates may be locked). From the picnic area there is foot access into the block along the Catlins River Track.
  • Via Back Stream Road off Tahakopa Valley Road. You must obtain landholder permission for vehicle access beyond Tahakopa Valley Road. From the Conservation Park boundary, access is foot only.

Landholders

Rayonier NZ Ltd (Tawanui/Catlins Road), Wisp Hill Ltd (Chloris Pass), Mr R Galbreath (Back Stream Road)

For information on which landholders to contact for other access routes, contact the local DOC office.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CG13, CG14

Block Maps

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this block with a hunting permit. If accessing the block over private land, you must have landholder permission to take your dog.

Huts

Maclennan Hut