Eastern>Hunting Regulations

Gamebird Hunting Regulations and Guides are updated annually. Please be aware at all times of local and national regulations to ensure the safety of others and the sustainability of Gamebird Hunting.

Special Seasons Calendar

The following descriptions refer to Local Authority Boundaries described on the Infomap 242B-2 Department of Survey and Land Information (now Land Information New Zealand) for the Eastern Region Fish and Game Council region.

2.1 Area A1: Tauranga District, Western Bay of Plenty District, that part of the South Waikato District within the Eastern Fish and Game region and east of State Highway 1, Rotorua District, Kawerau District, Whakatane District and Opotiki District.

2.2 Area A2: Those parts of the South Waikato District west of State Highway 1 within the Eastern Fish and Game region, Taupo District and Ruapehu District, which lie within the Eastern Fish and Game region.

2.3 Area B1: Gisborne District.

2.4 Area B2: That part of Wairoa District within the Eastern Fish and Game region.

6.15am to 6.15pm, except that in Areas A1, A2 and B1 from 30 June 2008 to 31 August 2008 and 7 and 8 February 2009, Canada geese may be hunted or killed 24 hours per day. For Area B2, Canada geese may only be hunted 24 hours per day from 7 and 8 February 2009 inclusive. Paradise Shelduck may be hunted 24 hours per day from 7 and 8 February 2009 inclusive in that area of B1 north of the Uawa River, Tolaga Bay.

No limit.

Unpinned magazine shotguns to manufacturer’s specifications may be used.

6.1 No maimai shall impede the use of navigable channels in the Tauranga Harbour, Ohiwa Harbour, Little Waihi Estuary, Lake Aniwhenua and Lake Taupo.

6.2 Maimais erected in the Little Waihi Estuary, Lake Aniwhenua, Ohiwa Harbour, Stump and Waihi bays of Lake Taupo must be dismantled and removed within 2 weeks of the close of the season
(ie by 14 September 2008).

7.1 Titoki Hereford Stud: The property situated along a 4 kilometre road frontage, at the top of Tikitere Hill from above Hell’s Gate to opposite Moose Lodge entrance. Bounded by Fletcher Challenge Tikitere Forest and Okataina Scenic Reserve.

7.2 Benner’s Brothers Farm: Located 8 kilometres up the Bush Road from Pongokawa. Bounded by Pongakawa River, Rotoehu Forest and Bush Road.

7.3 Equine Farm: Located approximately 6 kilometres in a north-west direction from Lake Rotoehu with Rotoehu Road and Fletcher Challenge’s Rotoehu Forest on the main boundaries. Property is made up of 283 hectares being entirely enclosed within deer fence.

7.4 Treetops: Located Hearoa Road, Horohoro, being some 470 hectares with frontage to Great West Road, and bounded by the Horohoro Bluffs, the extremities of the property being enclosed within deer fencing.

7.5 Otama Partnership: Located at 1559 Rangiuru Road, bounded by Rangiuru Road, Te Matai Road and Mangorewa River, being part Lot 9 DP S90953 Block XIV Maketu Survey District.

7.6 Ngapuke Farm: The property is situated at 416 Pongakawa Bush Road, Paengaroa, bounded by John Morrow to the north, John Scarrow to the south and Blaymeyers to the west.

7.7 Prime Pine: Located on the Matata Highway and consists of some 120 hectares of pine forest.
DP S58240. Bounded by Hingston, Fraser, Prinz and Knight properties.

7.8 Harakeke Station Taupo: The property covers an area of 946.37 hectares and is bounded by State Highway 1, Tutukau Road and Tram Road.

We have produced a pamphlet on gamebird hunting in the Eastern Region. Inquire 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 of 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 ballot for the 2008 season will automatically be sent an application form. If you have changed your address make sure you notify us of the changes.

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.

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 managed by TMC. Permits to hunt in the forest are issued by ISCL, 07 347 8880.

For information and advice on wetland creation contact the staff at your local Fish & Game offices. 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.

To download the latest national regulations, please click on North Island or South Island