Eastern >Hunting Access

Reserve Access Guide - click here

We have produced a pamphlet on gamebird hunting in the Eastern Region.  Enquire at your local sports shop or the Eastern Fish & Game Office for a copy.

Eastern Fish & Game hold annual ballots for hunting sites in wetlands managed by the Council.  Hunters may register for the ballot before the end of the first week in November.  All you have to do is write to us with your name, address, and phone number and we will send you a ballot application form prior to the ballot.  Hunters in the previous years ballot will automatically be sent an application form.  If you have changed your address make sure you notify us of the changes.

Casual Permits to Hunt in the Wetlands

Casual permits, for non-ballot holders to hunt wetlands administered by Eastern Fish & Game, can be obtained by ringing or writing to the office in Rotorua.  Casual permits to hunt in the wetlands are available after the first two weeks of the season.  This allows successful ballot holders two weeks of undisturbed hunting.

Upland Game Hunting

Some of New Zealand's best pheasant and quail hunting is found in the Eastern Region.  A lot of this hunting is in the production forestry areas of the Bay of Plenty owned by Fletcher Challenge Ltd.  For information on how to obtain a permit to hunt in these forests ring the Whakarewarewa Visitor Centre on 07-346-2082.

Wetland Creation

For information and advice on wetland creation contact the staff at your local Fish & Game office.  Wetlands in the Eastern Region are now rare.  In some parts less than 1% of the original wetlands remain.

The Habitat Trust fund is one source of funding for enhancement, purchase or development of wetlands.  If you have a proposal to create or enhance a large area of wetland we may be able to assist you obtain funding.

Licences

You can now order your game licence through our 0800-LICENCE number (0800-542-362).