Western Rock and Pillar Block hunting

Located in the Otago region

You can hunt pigs, goats and deer in the Western Rock and Pillar hunting block.

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 pigs, goats and red deer.

General information

This 894 hectare block lies on the northern promontory of the Rock and Pillar Range, overlooking the Maniototo plain. The landscape is steep to rolling tussocklands dotted with schist tors.

Access

Access is south of Waipiata, via Orangapai and Hamilton Diggings along Hamilton Diggings Road. The car park is 1 km past Hamilton Diggings. From here, the marked 4WD track climbs for about 3 km to the hunting block boundary.

A gate code is required for summer access with 4WD. Email the dunedinoffice@doc.govt.nz or contact the Otepoti/Dunedin Office. From 1 May to 31 October gates will be locked. 4WD access is not permitted during winter.

This track is closed to all vehicles from 1 May to 31 October. Stay on the formed marked track.

There is no public access from this reserve to the larger Rock and Pillar Conservation Area.  

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CC16

Western Rock and Pillar hunting block map (PDF, 1,143K)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this block with a hunting permit, but must be carried inside a vehicle on the 4WD access track. If accessing the block over private land, you must have landholder permission to take your dog.