The North Canterbury region has lots of game bird hunting opportunities.
Public Land & Access Information
Much of the public land in the North Canterbury region is administered by either the Canterbury Regional Council or the Department of Conservation (DOC). If you’re unsure about where you can hunt, Fish & Game North Canterbury, DOC, or Canterbury Regional Council can assist with access inquiries.
Fish & Game North Canterbury also provides a Game Bird Hunter Access booklet, which outlines public hunting areas and access points. This is available from the Fish & Game office or major game licence retailers. You can also download area-specific access pamphlets from their website.
About the North Canterbury Region
The North Canterbury Fish & Game Region extends from the south bank of the Rakaia River to the headwaters of the Waiau, spanning from the Southern Alps to the coast. The region’s hunting habitats are varied and include:
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Coastal dunes
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Shallow wetlands
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Braided riverbeds
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High country lakes
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Mountain valleys
Region Boundary Notice – Don’t Get Caught Out
There is ongoing confusion regarding the boundary between the North Canterbury and Central South Island Fish & Game Regions, especially among pheasant hunters.
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Important: The North Canterbury–Central South Island boundary is Acton Road, which runs east from Rakaia township to the sea.
This matters because bag limits and season lengths differ between the two regions. Make sure you know which side you’re hunting on to avoid breaking the rules.
To stay up-to date with everything North Canterbury Fish & Game related be sure to follow both respective Facebook and Instagram Pages for the region.
Click here to view the Facebook: North Canterbury Fish & Game Facebook
Click here to view the Instagram: North Canterbury Fish & Game Instagram