Leithen Bush Scenic Reserve hunting

Located in Mainland Southland hunting in the Southland region

You can hunt high numbers of red deer in the Leithen Bush Scenic Reserve.

We're updating the ballot application process

We’re updating the application process for the 2026 roar ballot as we prepare to move to the new online DOC Hunting Permits system in 2026. 

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.  

See key dates and fee waiver information

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: invercargill@doc.govt.nz

About this hunting block

Leithen Bush Scenic Reserve has steep lower slopes and a series of ridges and spurs of moderate slope leading onto the broad open tops of the Umbrella Ranges. Mixed beech forest, dominate the lower to mid slopes with diverse broad leaved shrubs, ferns and tussock grasslands on the tops. Land area is approximately 2,333 ha.

The Leithen Bush Scenic Reserve is a restricted hunting area. Outside the roar period a permit must be obtained by contacting the DOC Murihiku Office in Invercargill. These permits close on 9 March each year for the roar balloted permits. The block is also closed to hunting 16 September to 19 January due to lambing.

Roar ballot

The balloted roar period runs from the 3rd Monday in March to the 3rd Sunday in April every year. 

During this roar period the area is divided into 3 blocks and balloted for periods of up to 3 days during the week, or weekends only. Applications close on 31 October. 

Application form

Important: We’re updating the application process for the 2026 roar ballot as we prepare to move to the new online DOC Hunting Permits system in 2026.

Download the ballot map and application form (PDF, 185K) or (Word, 46K)

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

For hunting permits outside of the ballot hunting period contact the Murihiku Office in Invercargill.

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 2026 roar 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.

Access

From Waikaia follow Winding Creek Road onto Switzers Road, or from Waikaka follow either Wendon Valley Road or Greenvale Road onto Leithen Road to Switzers Road. There is a short walk across private land and hunters are required to contact the landowners.

Landholders

Southern Forest NZ Ltd
Jim Love +64 208 5522 +64 27 271 3099

Greenvale Station
Dennis O’Connell +64 3 208 3727
Alan Stewart +64 3 207 2400

Highview Station
Geoff Reeves +64 27  284 6573
Kelwyn Reeves +64 27 759 3666

Leithen Valley Farm
Brendon Stewart  +64 3 207 3755

Parasol Run
George Stewart +64 3 204 0885

Maps

NZTopo50 map - CE12

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

Block 1 (PDF, 2096K)
Block 2 (PDF, 2097K)
Block 3 (PDF, 2097K)

Animals present

Red deer - high numbers

Huts

There are no DOC huts available.

Additional information

If possuming, a permit must be obtained by contacting the DOC Murihiku Office in Invercargill.