Aorangi Forest Park
Alerts
Boundaries are approximate and not suitable for accurate boundary definition. Check current DOC permit conditions before hunting. Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.
Deer - Red, Goats, Pigs
A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online.
About this hunting block
Deer, goats and pigs are hunted in Aorangi Forest Park.
Deer is present. Goats and pigs occur in low numbers.
General information
Aorangi Forest Park is a recreational hunting area. Commercial hunting is not permitted.
The Tauanui Valley in the northern block offers good deer hunting. The Makotukutuku (Washpool) catchment is popular in the southern block.
Access
- Whakatomotomo Road: Walking access only. Access to upper Turanganui River and Sutherlands Hut.
- Whatarangi Road: Walking access only. Hurupi and Pinnacles Streams, Washpool Hut, and tracks to Mangatoetoe Stream.
- Cape Palliser Road: Walking access only. Mangatoetoe Stream, Mangatoetoe Hut.
- Kaiwaka Road: Poley Stream, walking access only.
- White Rock Road: Castle River, walking access only.
- Haurangi Road: Waikuku Lodge, Sutherlands Hut and the Pigs Ridge - Old Mill Tracks. Note: From Ruakokoputuna Road turnoff, beware – this is a low maintained gravel road that becomes narrow and winding after the first 2 kms. At the 6 km mark access gets difficult, and is only possible by 4WD past Waikuku Lodge due to wash outs, slips, rutted surfaces, and further road narrowing. It can be very slippery, deeply pitted and full of water. Drive with care – this is a remote location with few residents and limited phone or internet coverage.
Landholders
When crossing private land, contact the landowner as required:
- Whakatomotomo Road/Logging Road (to Tauanui River): No landowner contact required. Turn left approximately 5 km along Whakatomotomo Road onto Logging Road. Forestry gate (locked) after 3 km. Walking access only from forestry gate up the Tauanui River to Tauanui Hut.
- Makotukutuku Stream: (Washpool Hut) Permission required from Farman Turkington Forestry +64 274 48 8810
- Pararaki Stream, Pararaki Hut: Permission required from Mr W. Jephson, Palliser Bay Station Ph: +64 6 307 8210. Please state the number in your party.
- Ngapotiki /Stonewall area: Walking access only from White Rock Road and Cape Palliser lighthouse.
Maps
NZTopo50 BQ33 and BR33
Dogs
- Check the special conditions on Hunting Permits online for hunting with dogs in this area.
- Lost dogs should be reported to the nearest Department of Conservation office.
Additional information
Trophies
Hunters who secure trophies are asked to provide details to DOC Masterton, so that measurements and other details can be taken for a trophy register. It will be held for ongoing reference and guidance to future hunters.
General conditions
- Hunting permits are issued for deer, pig, goat and possum hunting for 4-month periods and all general hunting permits are issued online.
- Permits for rimfire and smooth bore calibres will only be issued under special circumstances.
- Special conditions apply to bow hunting. See Bow and Crossbow Hunting conditions and minimum criteria
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block