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Northland > Hunting Access
HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCESS IN NORTHLAND
The Northland Fish and Game Region extends from a line midway to a point between the North Head and South Head of the Kaipara Harbour then running due east to a point just North of Wellsford and then a line running northeast to Te Arai Point. The Northland Fish and Game Council administer the game resources north of this line up to Cape Reinga and North Cape. The area offers a diverse range of hunting opportunity and encompasses 10 different game bird species. To hunt on any private lands, hunters must approach the landowners directly.
If hunters wish to hunt on Conservation managed lands, Landcorp or Forestry lands, then they need to contact the Northland Fish and Game Council office to obtain a permit. The permit is a legal requirement which enables the hunter to carry a firearm and use a dog on those properties.To view the access map we have available for the Kaipara area go to: Kaipara
Administrator Place name Location
NFGC
Jack Bisset Wetland Whangarei
Flaxmill Wetlands Dargaville
Kawakawa Wetlands Kawakawa
Borrow Cut Wetland Hikurangi
Land Corp Farms
Te Raite Houhora
Te Karae Broadwood
Sweetwater Kaitaia
Rangiputa Cape Karikari
Takakuri Kaeo
Guthries Kaikohe
Whitehills Kaikohe
Department of Conservation
Wairua River Wildlife
Management Reserve, Hikurangi
Manganui River Wildlife
Management Reserve, Waiotira
Waitangi Wetlands, Kerikeri
Tokerau Beach, Cape Karikari
Lake Ohia Cape Karikari
Puwheke Recreation Reserve, Cape Karikari
Rotokawau Lakes, Cape Karikari
Sweetwater Lakes, Kaitaia
Kaimaumau/East Beach, Houhora
Onepu Block, Kaitaia
Te Arai Reserve, Kaitaia
Te Ramanuka, Kaitaia
Paxton Point, Te Kao
Ahipara Reserve, Kaitaia
Epikauri, Herekino
Te Paki Reserve, Cape Reinga
Te Paki Farm, Cape Reinga
Exotic Pine Forests
Juken New Zealand Ltd (JNL)
(Weekends only) Aupouri Forest, Kaitaia /Houhora/ Te Kao
Rayonier Forests
Glenbervie Forest, Whangarei
(Weekends only) Puhipuhi Forest, Whangarei
Topuni Forest Kaiwaka
Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd (Ex Carter Holt Harvey Forests)
Various (60,000 plus hectares) Throughout Northland
(Weekends only)
Permits
Hunters applying for permits are required to contact the Northland Fish & Game Office to provide details and remittance for permits issued. The costs associated with the issuing of permits needs to be recovered because the Council is issuing permits on behalf of other agencies.
A permit is required per licence holder and is not issued for a party or any group of hunters.
Hunters requiring a permit must provide the following details:
Name, Address and phone number/s,
Game bird licence number,
Firearms Licence number,
Date of Birth.
Hunters requiring a permit to take any dog into a hunting area must on application provide the following details of the dog including the name of dog or dogs, the bred/s and the tag registration number/s.
Each permit will have a Game Hunter Return Form, which must be returned to our office on completion of the Game Season. Hunters are required to return these forms as they are an important tool in the future management decisions made for hunting areas.
All permits issued will be accompanied with a full colour topographical map detailing the areas open to hunting.
The fees associated with hunting in the Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd Forests ex Carter Holt Harvey Forests and in the Rayonier Forest at Topuni are to cover all processing fees and colour maps, as well as a Public Liability Insurance while hunting in any of these forests.
PERMITTED AND BALLOTED HUNTING AREAS ON MANAGED PROPERTIES BY NEW ZEALAND FISH AND GAME, NORTHLAND REGION
Jack Bisset Wetland – Poroti Permit Fee $15.00
Situated 20 minutes drive south west of central Whangarei; this 50-hectare purpose built wetland is a haven for waterfowl hunters. The property is owned by Northland Fish & Game and all shooting is done on a ballot system. Ballots may be applied for when advertised vacant stands come up. This wetland is open to all licence holders following the 2nd weekend after the opening week and may be used for the rest of the season. Game that is available includes, Mallard, Grey, Shelduck, Black Swan, Pukeko, Pheasant, and California Quail. Farmer approved camping is permitted during the season within a designated area, and access is by vehicle to the wetland outskirts. Great after work shooting during the season for hunters living in close proximity. Dogs are permitted.
The permit fee is used to fund a special predator and pest control operation on the property.
Flaxmill Wetland – Dargaville Permit Fee $5.00
Located 15 minutes NW of Dargaville on Waihue Rd lays a former Flax growing operation, during the days when flax was considered the basis for rope making. These days this extensive property has been re-constituted back to probably something of its pure swampland state. A total of 56 hectares will see around 40 new shooters having some of the best Waterfowl hunting available within the Kaipara District Council. The layout revolves around pond sites, which are interconnected to a common flowing waterway. This site abounds with Waterfowl as well as Native species. Game birds available are Mallards, Grey, Shelduck and Shoveler during the latter part of the season, Black Swan, Pukeko, the odd Pheasant and Quail around the fringes. Access to pond sites is by way of foot from a designated parking area, and dogs are permitted.
Kawakawa Wetland – Kawakawa Permit Fee $5.00
This property has undergone substantial development to enhance the areas waterfowl potential. Major pond site excavation works have provided hunters with eight shooting sites with formed access roads. Previously the area was under utilised due to an abundance of overgrown vegetation and willow trees. The surrounding countryside and terrain is a haven for waterfowl species, which populate this valley in good numbers. Bordering State Highway 1 near the township of Kawakawa, this property really conjures up visions of a Duck shooting heaven with its vast array of willow tree formations. The birds tend to drop into the pockets, which will make for some exciting shooting during flood conditions. Access is easily achieved with a permit required outside of the normal balloted week. Species taken are Mallard, Grey, Pukeko and the occasional Shelduck. Dogs are permitted and accommodation is close.
Borrow Cut Wetland – Hikurangi Swamp Permit Fee $5.00
Formerly part of the original Hikurangi swamp, this area is Whangarei District Council owned but under agreement managed by Northland Fish and Game Council. It is a remnant of the past watercourse, which was straightened to allow for flood level withdrawal and easement. A property, which offers a fantastic opportunity for the junior shooters out there or even the rest of us after the first week of balloted hunting by occupiers. Species such as Mallard, Grey, Paradise, Pukeko, Pheasant, Quail and the ever-elusive Spoonbill, which tends to make itself in attendance during most seasons, are present. Birds are usually called as they follow the river and manmade waterways. Use of a dog is allowed and probably needed for birds taken over water.
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION HUNTING AREAS
Waitangi Wetlands – Waitangi Permit Fee $5.00
A Department of Conservation administered property, which has been developed for the recreational use of licenced hunters. This area of land is being manipulated with the use of a stop bank and weir which otherwise would become a dry tract of land. The property offers a good refuge for waterfowl and currently runs on a ballot system. Hunting is available to all permitted licensed hunters outside of the occupier’s week. Permits can be obtained by contacting our Northland office. Birds available are Mallard, Grey, Shelduck, Swan and Pukeko. Dogs are permitted but need to be controlled, as lifestyle blocks border the property. Access is by road to the property perimeter with some stands being located on an offshore area, which is accessed by boat or punt. Accommodation is available in and around the township of Kerikeri.
Sweetwater Lakes – Kaitaia Permit Fee $5.00
This area is a mix of lakes and wetlands and is situated just west of Kaitaia and is of considerable value to local and outside hunters. A permit to shoot the lake areas can be obtained by phoning our office in Whangarei. Permitting is required to shoot the Sweetwater Farms, which are managed by Landcorp with all the permitting handled by Northland Fish and Game Council. Species available are the usual Mallard, Grey, Paradise, Spoonbill, Pukeko and the Canada Goose, New Zealand’s northern most population. Dogs are permitted with accommodation available in and around Kaitaia.
Tokerau Beach & Lake Ohia Permit Fee $5.00
Tokerau Beach and Lake Ohia offer wonderful opportunities for waterfowl and upland game. The permitted areas cover blocks either side of the Karikari Peninsula with plenty of room to explore. A permit is required through our office, and dogs are allowed. There are camping and accommodation facilities handy, but it is best to ring around to see if dogs are allowed to stay. Access is by road to fringes with foot access to the rest of the area.
Puwheke Recreational Reserve – Cape Karikari Permit Fee $5.00
This reserve is situated on the Northern side of, and about halfway along Cape Karikari. The area that is pre-dominantly shot over for Waterfowl but has numbers of Upland Game, i.e. Pheasant & Quail. The northern side of the property is bordered by ocean and is an extremely beautiful piece of coastline. A permit is required through our office, and dogs are allowed. There are camping and accommodation facilities handy, but it is best to ring around to see if dogs are allowed to stay. Access is by road to fringes with foot access to the rest of the area.
Rotokawau Lakes Conservation Area – Cape Karikari Permit Fee $5.00
This block of Conservation land is located inland from, and in close proximity to Puwheke. Primarily a waterfowl block, this area still has Upland Game opportunity. Access is by road to perimeter with foot hunting to interior. Careful consideration needs to taken to respect the presence of our native bird species and the actions of ones canine companions. Dogs are permitted. Accommodation opportunities are the same as Puwheke.
Kaimaumau/East Beach Conservation Area Permit Fee $5.00
This swampland area holds particular significance to all forms of bird species. Situated on the northern tip of the Rangaunu Harbour just inland from Otiaia point. The area is a substantial breeding area for waterfowl and produces good numbers of birds. Like all conservation areas in and around Kaitaia, a need for common sense with respect to other wildlife is essential. Perhaps the best thing about all such reserves in the area is the ease of commuting between them and the variation in shooting habitat. Gun dogs are allowed but good control should be exercised. The narrow landmass in this area makes it easy to visit both coasts so a bit of seafood gathering can be done should the hunting not be so good. Accommodation is handy but check a holiday guide for a booking.
Paxton Point – Houhora/Te Kao Permit Fee $5.00
This block is a long strip of sand dune scrub country bordering farmland heading north on the east coast from Rawarawa beach camping ground. The area is a significant spot for Upland Game but has limited waterfowl opportunity
Epikauri – Herekino Harbour Permit Fee $5.00
Access to this hunting block is difficult and is definitely a four-wheel drive experience. Waterfowl and Upland Game opportunities are unexplored due to the remoteness of this area. Directions and access are best gained with the areas cadastral map, which is obtained with the appropriate permit.
Ahipara – Kaitaia Permit Fee $5.00
This hunting block is primarily an Upland Game area and has substantial opportunity. The area that is be covered by this permit is large and should provide hunters with excellent scrub/grass hunting.
The area is practically on Kaitaia’s back door step so provides for easy, handy hunting for Far North licence holders. Streams are present throughout this area and will provide waterfowl hunting when encountered.
Te Arai/Te Ramanuka – Houhora Permit Fee $5.00
These 2 blocks are situated on the west coast side of State Highway 1 and are in the sand dune country. They can offer excellent locations to hunt waterfowl when there is water in the shallow basins which should please any keen duck shooter. Access is relatively easy with accommodation best sort at Houhora. Upland game will be present.
Te Paki Recreation Reserve Permit Fee $5.00
Fish and Game Northland will issue all permits to hunt game birds in this area.
Te Paki is a sensitive area, being the habitat for some of New Zealand’s very rare and unique forms of flora and fauna. Hunters will also need to be aware that other recreational users will be in the reserve at different times, including trampers using the walking tracks. Licence holders who wish to have further information about conditions at Te Paki can contact the local Department of Conservation office, Kaitaia, or Phone 09 408 6014 during office hours.
Te Paki Farm Permit Fee $5.00
There is no restriction to the number of licence holders who can hunt at Te Paki Farm Station during the season. Dogs are welcome but must be under control at all times.
For those hunters who come from further field and wish to spend a few days in the Far North there is good accommodation and a restaurant available at Waitiki Landing.
Camping is also available at a site known locally as Hunters Corner, and is suitable for both tenting and caravans. This campsite has no amenities (i.e. toilets or running water) and dogs can be kept here.
Wairua River Wildlife Management Reserve – Whangarei Permit Fee $5.00
This hunting block forms part of remnants of the original famous Hikurangi swamp. The area provides significant habitat for all swamp wildlife and has been the mainstay of waterfowl hunting the Whangarei area. Shooting opportunity varies with the presence of floodwater but can produce good results. The area also has a reasonable number of pheasants and quail. Access is easy and provides hunters with excellent after work shooting with its close proximity to Whangarei.
Manganui River Wildlife Management Reserve Permit Fee $5.00
This hunting block forms part of the very extensive Manganui River flood plain. The area is a significant wildlife habitat. Shooting opportunity varies with the presence of floodwater and can produce very good results. The area also has a reasonable number of wild Pheasants. Access is through a private forestry road from the Waiotira – Mititai Road. The issued permit is for hunting in the conservation area only and not in the pine forest. Separate approval is required to hunt in the forestry block.
LANDCORP FARMING LTD:
Landcorp Farming Ltd have allowed the recreational use of their properties to licenced Gamebird hunters with Northland Fish & Game having the responsibility of the balloting every year, prior to the season opening. This right to hunt allows access over seven properties throughout Northland. Should any licenced hunter wish to hunt on one or more of these properties they will need to enter their name into the ballot system or contact Northland Fish & Game Council’s office to establish if any areas are still vacant following the first week of the season.
Guthrie’s – Kaikohe Permit Fee $5.00
This large property has both Upland Game and Waterfowl shooting. Good access by vehicle and handy to the township of Kaikohe. There is a mix of exotic forest and undulating farmland. Dam shooting is particularly favourable on these types of properties.
Whitehills – Kaikohe Permit Fee $5.00
Situated a stones throw from Guthries, this block is similar in description and opportunity.
Rangiputa – Cape Karikari Permit Fee $5.00
This extensive property covers approximately 50% of the lower half of the Karikari Peninsula. This is largely an upland game block with duck shooting also available in the wetlands which are conservation lands.
Te Karae – Broadwood Permit Fee $5.00
Te Karae is situated approximately 10 km SW of the small township of Mangamuka Bridge, which is on State Highway 1, south of Kaitaia. This country area has native bush catchments and tapers down to farmed runoff. This block is handy to the famous Hokianga Harbour, which provides some spectacular waterfowl and upland game hunting. Accommodation is varied but the areas spectacular views make up for the drive.
Te Raite – Houhora Permit Fee $5.00
This hunting block is positioned West of and inland from the beautiful Houhora Harbour, and borders the Aupouri Forest, which is also famous for its pheasant populations. The shooting territory is varying with wetland swamp areas, farmland, and patches of native and exotic forest. Canada Geese are present on this property. Accommodation is provided in and around Houhora with a dog friendly motor camp. Driving time is 45mins north of Kaitaia.
FORESTRY BLOCKS:
Juken New Zealand Ltd (JNL) Aupouri Forest Permit Fee $5.00
Situated north of Kaitaia, this exotic forest provides approximately 625sq kilometres of available upland game hunting. Hunting is only on weekends to avoid forestry operations during weekdays by JNL personnel. Predominant game species are Pheasant and Quail with good vehicle access where specified. A permit is required for entry, which may be obtained from the Fish & Game Office or from Rider Sports in Kaitaia.
Reasonably priced accommodation is available at several motor camps, which cater for dog owners. Dogs are permitted.
Rayonier Forests Limited (Whangarei) Glenbervie Permit Fee $5.00
This property is classed as a Crown Asset and is managed by Rayonier NZ. This forest area is a real bonus to all licence holders, especially those in and around Whangarei. A block of exotic pine forest, which spans some 2000-2500 hectares, is available to hunters. The hunting areas vary from, full grown trees to recently harvested blocks. The predominant game would be Pheasant and Quail, with reasonable numbers present. Access is by road to 3 car park areas on the forest perimeter. There is only foot/bicycle access into the forest for hunting. Dogs are permitted and permits are available through our office.
Rayonier Forests Limited Puhipuhi Permit Fee $5.00
This property is classed as a Crown Asset and is managed by Rayonier NZ. This forest area is approximately 20 kilometers north of Whangarei. The hunting areas vary from, full grown trees to recently harvested blocks. The predominant game would again be Pheasant and Quail, with reasonable numbers present. Access is by road to the forest perimeter. Dogs are permitted.
Rayonier Forests Limited Topuni Permit Fee $25.00
This property is privately owned forest is managed by Rayonier NZ. This forest area is approximately 10 kilometers south of Kaiwaka. The hunting areas vary from, full grown trees to recently harvested blocks. The predominant game is Pheasant and Quail, with good numbers being present. Access is by road to the forest perimeter. Dogs are permitted.
The permit fee covers a requirement for each licence holder to have a $2,000.000.00 Public Liability insurance and $500,000.00 Rural Fire insurance before they can enter the Topuni Forest. The permit is for the full length of the open game season.
Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd. (Northland) Permit Fee $35.00
Northland Fish & Game are extremely fortunate to have access and permitting control of all eligible Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd forests throughout Northland. Individual forests, which may be hunted, vary season-by-season depending on predator poison control and harvesting activity. Licence holders have access to many thousands of hectares of varying degrees of exotics and in some cases areas, which have not previously had any hunting pressure. An extensive series of access maps provides hunters with good directions and descriptions.
Permits are only issued through the Fish & Game Office and is for weekend hunting only. The permit fee covers a requirement for each licence holder to have a $2,000.000.00 Public Liability insurance and $500,000.00 Rural Fire insurance before they can enter any of Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd forests. The permit is for the full length of the open game season.
Other Available Hunting Opportunities
Waterfowl hunting opportunities are also available at Lakes Omapere and Owhareiti in central Northland. Numerous Shelduck, Black Swan and Mallards inhabit these areas. Access to these lakes is across private land and hunters, who would like to take the opportunity to visit these sites, should contact this office to obtain further information regarding landowner details.
All information supplied is accurate up to date of printing but is subject to change at the request of the land administrators. | 
