Bendigo Scenic Reserve hunting

Located in the Otago region

Bendigo Scenic Reserve offers goat, rabbit and upland gamebird hunting.

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, rabbits, and upland gamebirds.

General information

This 627 ha block lies on the lower slopes of the Dunstan Mountains immediately above the grape growing areas of Bendigo and west of School Creek. The area to the east of School Creek is a historic reserve on which hunting is prohibited.

Bendigo Scenic Reserve is mostly kānuka forest with denser vegetation in the gullies.

This is a well-used public area and you must take extreme care when hunting to ensure the safety of others. Hunting is prohibited in the neighbouring Bendigo Historic Reserve.

Permits

The Bendigo Scenic Reserve block is restricted. You need to get a permit (issued for a month at a time only) specifically for this block, from the DOC office.

You'll also need a Fish & Game game bird permit and a firearms licence.

Access

16 km north of Cromwell on State Highway 8, turn right onto Bendigo Loop Road to the site of Bendigo town, then turn right up the hill following the ‘Historic gold mining site’ sign. When you enter the historic reserve there is a track off to the right that leads to a fence and stile marking the start of the Scenic Reserve hunting block.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CB13

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.

Help control wallabies in this area by reporting sightings

Wallabies can displace other species, affect pastures and native species' habitats.
They also potentially impact production and native ecosystems.

Report your sighting online – it only takes a few minutes.

You can also report wallaby sightings by calling 0800 80 99 66.

More about why wallabies are a problem.