About this hunting block

Waikaia Forest Conservation Area covers some 7,000 ha of beech forest. The terrain ranges from river flats to open tops with some steep areas in places. This is a popular recreational area, particularly over the summer months. There are several walking tracks, a basic DOC camping area and a picnic area at Piano Flat.

The Waikaia Forest Conservation Area is an open hunting area. The area is balloted for the 'roar' period. 

Roar ballot

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

During this roar period the area is divided into 5 blocks and balloted for periods of up to 3 days during the week, or weekends only. Applications close on 31 October. 

Application form

Download the ballot map and application form (PDF, 183K) or (Word, 47K)

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

• 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.

Roar block maps

Roar block 1 (PDF, 1403K)
Roar block 2 (PDF, 1420K)
Roar block 3 (PDF, 1570K)
Roar block 4 (PDF, 1496K)
Roar block 5 (PDF, 1520K)

Access

Follow Piano Flat road from Waikaia. Access to some of the blocks cross private land and hunters are required to contact the landowners.

Landholders

Glenaray Station
Mike O’Donoghue +64 3 202 7720

Argyle Station
M Gunton +64 3 202 7735 (After hours)

Maps

NZTopo50 map - CD12

Animals present

Red deer - moderate numbers

Dogs

• Dogs must be registered.
• When crossing private land, dogs are to be on a leash until well into forest and kept under control.
• DOC must be notified regarding missing or lost dogs on conservation land.

Huts

There are no DOC huts available. A number of huts exist on the edge of the forest. These are all on private land and are privately owned.

Special conditions

1. Balloted roar block period Waikaia Forest: This permit does not authorise hunting from the third Monday in March to the third Sunday in April.
2. Waikaia Forest access - if crossing private land hunters are required to contact the landowners. For landowner details see the Waikaia Forest hunting page on the DOC website.
3. Dogs are permitted in Southland Hunting Areas from 1 October to 31 August each year. When crossing private land, dogs are to be on a leash until well into forest and kept under control.

Additional information

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