Bendigo Conservation Area hunting

Located in the Otago region

You can hunt goats and pigs in the Bendigo Conservation Area hunting block on the upper western slopes of the Dunstan Mountains to the southwest of Mt Moka.

The hunting permit status of this restricted block is under review

We are reviewing the status of this hunting block to decide if it should stay restricted or change to the open permit system. This review is part of our broader hunting permit upgrade.  

Where possible we want to maximise hunting opportunities by making getting a hunting permit fast and easy. We want to ensure any rules hunters need to follow are simple, clear and easy to understand.  

The review is guided by the access charter for recreational hunting and fishing on public conservation land and waters.  

For more information, see Review of restricted hunting permits (PDF, 299K)  

Send any feedback about this potential change to: alexandra@doc.govt.nz

About this hunting block

Animals present are goats and pigs.

General information

This 1980 ha block lies on the upper western slopes of the Dunstan Mountains to the southwest of Mt Moka. This is an area of expansive high country tussock interspersed with boggy creeks and rocky outcrops.

The Bendigo Conservation Area block is restricted. You need to get a permit specifically for this block, from the DOC office.

Access

Access is off Thomson Gorge Road, accessed either from State Highway 8 at Lindis Crossing (23 km north of Cromwell), or from Matakanui near State Highway 85 at Omakau. The road through to the southern tip of the block is closed. This is because of damage on the 4WD road between Thomson Gorge Road turnoff and Mt Moka, motorised vehicles are currently unable to drive into the conservation area.

Bike and foot access is still possible.

No other access routes are available for vehicles.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CB13, CC13

Know before you go

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.

There may be avalanche danger

Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Wakatipu, Wānaka and Central Otago. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.

If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:

  1. Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
  2. Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
  3. Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.