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

2.1 Area A: Tararua/Northern and Eastern Wairarapa. All of the Wellington region east of main Ruahine and Tararua/Rimutaka ranges outside of Area A1.

2.2 Area B: Rangitikei/Northern Manawatu. All of the Wellington region west of main Ruahine and Tararua/Rimutaka ranges outside of Area B1.

2.3 Area A1: That part of the Wellington region that is east of the Rimutaka and Tararua Ranges, to the Waingawa River, south of that river and the Ruamahanga River to Wardells Bridge and then west of the Masterton-Martinborough Road to the Huangarua River, Ruakokapatuna River, and Aorangi Range to Cape Palliser.

2.4 Area B1: That part of the Wellington region that is south of the railway line from Marton to the Manawatu Gorge and then west of the Tararua and Rimutaka ranges to Turakirae Head.

6.30am to 6.30pm excluding Canada goose that may be hunted or killed 24 hours per day during the specified open season.

No limit.

5.1 Rangitikei Game Preserve: Located at Whaka Farm, Cooks Road, Hunterville. Bounded by Cooks Road and the Rangitikei River to the east, James Bull’s property to the south, Rangatira Road to the west, and James Bull’s and Jack Still’s properties to the north.

HUNTING IN WELLINGTON

Some of the best quality waterfowl hunting in the Wellington Fish and Game region can be found in the public hunting areas. Any gamebird licence holder who obtains our $5 gamebird hunting access permit, may hunt the following wetlands after opening weekend for the remainder of the game season:

• Lake Wairarapa.

• Lake Omanu near Foxton.

• Lake Koitiata located 15 km north west of Bulls.

• Makerua Swamp 25 km south of Palmerston North.

• Moutoa Reserve is located 3 km south of Foxton.

• Pukepuke Lagoon is located 4 km north of Himitangi Beach.

• Waimahora Swamp is located 2 km west of Santoft.

• Pheasant and California Quail hunting is available in 3 forests and 1 reserve. Waitarere Forest (Rayonier NZ Ltd); Tangimoana and Santoft Forests (Ernslaw One Ltd); and Tawhirihoe Scientific Reserve (Department of Conservation).

The Gamebird Hunting Access permit includes maps and conditions of access and includes a number of areas within the Taranaki Fish and Game Region.

1080 WARNING: 1080 is highly toxic to dogs. Toxicity can last for several months in the target species. If in doubt and you wish to hunt where 1080 warning signs are erected, check with your Regional Council (Manawatu-Wanganui 06 952 2800; Wellington 0800 496 734) or the land manager.

HUNTING BALLOTS

There are a limited number of balloted hunting stands available each year within some of the named conservation areas. These are advertised in mid February each year.

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