About this hunting block

The Blue Mountains Forest Conservation Area is gazetted as a Recreational Hunting Area (RHA). The area has been divided into 23 hunting blocks which are balloted monthly from February through to the end of November. The area is then closed for hunting over December and January.

Applications for the ballot close on the first of the month prior to the month applied for. Permits are issued for a maximum of 3 days during the week, or weekends only. Only 1 application per person/party will be accepted.

Landscape

The RHA is dominated by silver beech forest with large open tussock tops to the west. The bush in the northern area is much shorter and denser. The RHA is surrounded by exotic forest plantations to the east and northwest and by farmland to the southwest. 

Access

From Hill Jacks Road end on foot to hunting blocks – Cattle Flat, Rankleburn, Smithys Spur, Brandy Gully and Whiskey Gully. All other access is via Ernslaw One Ltd. Forestry access is via combination lock through certain gates, details are provided on a map which is issued with the permit. From either SH1 or SH90, the Blue Mountains are accessed from forestry roads leading off Rankleburn Road.

Note: Due to constant vandalism and security issues Ernslaw One may restrict access to foot traffic only. To reduce the risk of this happening use only the gates specified and report any suspicious behaviour to Ernslaw One or DOC.

Landholders

Ernslaw One Ltd: +64 3 204 8061
Ernslaw One manage the exotic forest plantations and run their own balloted hunting blocks in that area. Permission to hunt within the exotic forest plantations must be sought from them.

David Edgar
Contact David for access to Brandy Gully, a phone number will be provided on the bottom of the Brandy Gully permits.

Application form

Download the Blue Mountains RHA ballot application form (PDF, 163K) or (Word, 119K)

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

Key dates and fee waiver

• The new system will launch in the first quarter of 2026.
• No admin fees will be charged for ballot applications during the transition, including the November 2025 ballot. 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.

Special conditions

If applying to hunt mid-week, you must have approved vehicle access of the forestry roads for this block. Your hunting application is taken as confirmation of access approval. Failure to secure this is your own responsibility. Request road access by emailing beaumontaccess@xtra.co.nz

On being issued with a permit you consent to your name and hunting block details being shared with a third party solely to confirm eligibility for access via the forestry roads.

No refund of permit fees (if applicable) will be given in the event of access not being prior obtained.

Maps

NZTopo50 maps: CE13, CE14, CF13, CF14

A selection of Topo50 maps which cover the Southland region are available to purchase from the DOC Murihiku Office. 

If you require a map that is not supplied at the Murihiku Office, you can download maps or check out a list of other retailers on the Land Information New Zealand website.

Block maps

Armstrong block map
Back Stream block map
Black Gully block map
Blackcleugh block map
Brandy block map
Brooksdale block map
Carsons block map
Cattle Flat block map
Chris's block map
Clarks block map
Dish block map
Dunn Creek block map
Garden Gully block map
Glenburnie block map
Gorge Creek block map
Long Gully block map
Myles block map
Packers block map
Rankleburn block map
Smithys Spur block map
Tramway block map
Westwood block map
Whisky block map

Block GPS file

This .gpx file is compatible with most GPS handheld units.

Blue Mountains - RHA Blocks (GPX, 1016K)

Animals present

Fallow deer - high numbers
Pigs - moderate numbers

Dogs

• Dogs must be registered and are not allowed on conservation land without a permit.
• When crossing private land, dogs are to be on a leash until well into the forest and they must be kept under control at all times. 
• DOC must be notified regarding missing or lost dogs on conservation land.

Huts

There are no DOC huts available.