Leithen Bush Scenic Reserve hunting

Located in the Southland region

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

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 an open hunting area.

Open permits do not apply for the roar period when the area is balloted. 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. 

Block Maps

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

Application form

Important: We’re updating the ballot application process. The ballot will move to the online DOC Hunting Permits system in time for the 2027 roar ballot.

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

  • 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.
  • If you’ve already paid a fee, you’ll receive a refund. We’ll contact you directly in this case.
  • The new system will launch during 2026 for 2027 roar applications.

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
Josh Cairns +64 27 559 9033

Greenvale Station
Dennis O’Connell +64 27 208 3044

Maps

NZTopo50 map - CE12

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.