Conservation Area - Whareorino
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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.
Dogs (restricted numbers) allowed.
About this hunting block
This is a popular pig hunting area.
Whareorino Forest is a popular pig hunting area. Due to pest control, goat numbers are reduced. There are small numbers of deer.
General information
Whareorino Forest lies 30 km southwest of Te Kuiti and is the largest and one of the most significant forested areas in the western King Country (at about 16,050 ha). It is dominated by the Herangi Range. Its proximity to the west coast provides an unusually cold and moist climate.
Access
Access points are via Leitch Road, Mangatoa Road, and Crawford Road. There are access issues at Gribbon's Road.
Farmland access is likely to be closed for lambing from 1 August to 31 October.
See Google map of access via Leitch Road
See Whareorino tramping tracks for access into this area
Landholders
Hunters must seek landowner permission if crossing private land.
Topo maps
NZTopo50 map BF31 Marokopa and BF32 Piopio.
Dogs
Dogs are prohibited except where authorisation has been granted by DOC. People wishing to take a dog into this area should seek authorisation from the local DOC office.
To take dogs across private property you must get permission from the landowner.
Huts
Leitch's Hut is a standard 16 bunk hut in the Whareorino Forest.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block