Conservation Area - Tawarau
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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.
Farm access likely closed for lambing from 1 August to 31 October each year.
Dogs (restricted numbers) allowed.
About this hunting block
Tawarau Forest is a popular pig hunting area. Due to pest control, goat numbers are reduced.
Tawarau Forest is a popular pig hunting area. Due to pest control, goat numbers are reduced. There are small numbers of deer.
General information
Tawarau Forest (approx. 3,350 ha) is west of the Waitomo Caves and is one of the best remaining examples of a virgin forest growing in a karst (limestone) landscape.
The terrain is heavily forested with rocky outcrops and gullys.
Access
Appletree Road, Speedies Road and Were Road are the main access points to Tawarau Forest.
Farmland access is likely to be closed for lambing from 1 August to 31 October.
View a map for Appletree Road access, or see Tawarau Forest tramping tracks for access into this area.
Landholders
If accessing the track from Were Road end or Speedies Road, you cross private farmland.
Topo map
NZ Topo50 map BF32 Piopio.
Dogs
Dogs are prohibited except where authorisation has been granted by DOC. People wishing to take a dog into this area must seek authorisation from the DOC office.
To take dogs across private property you must get permission from the landowner.
Huts
There are no huts in the Tawarau Forest.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block