Rotorua is surrounded by several privately owned plantation forests and good seasonal fishing and hunting is available. All forest access requires visitors to be permitted.

Kaingaroa Forest

The Kaingaroa forest south of Rotorua is home to excellent trout fishing in the Rangataiki river system.

The forest also has some of the region’s best upland game bird hunting.

A detailed fishing brochure on the Rangataiki River system can be found here.

Additional access information here.

The forest is generally open between May and September when the fire risk is low.

Permits are required to enter the forest and these are available through First Security, 65 Marguerita Street, Rotorua Ph 0800 347 787, or by visiting there website by selecting here.

Rotoehu Forest


The Rotoehu forest provides excellent upland game bird hunting during the season.

Access permits are via First Security above. 

Waimangu Forest 

Waimangu for access provides access to Lake Rotomahana. Access permits are via First Security above.