Cowan Wildlife Refuge
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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, 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
Popular area for deer hunting with moderate numbers of red deer and pigs.
The Rangitoto Range is a popular area for deer hunting with moderate numbers of deer and pigs. This area includes the Cowan and Meyer Wildlife Refuges.
General information
This is a heavily forested area with many bluffs. The size of this hunting area is 1,740 ha.
Access
From State Highway 30, turn east onto Otewa Road and follow for approximately 17 km before turning onto Waimahora Road. The turn-off to Owawenga Road is approximately 2.5 km from this point.
Topo map
NZTopo 50 Bennydale BF34
Landholders
Rangitoto Station and Mt. Rangitoto are private land and are not covered by a DOC hunting permit.
Dogs
No dogs are permitted in the Cowan or Meyer Wildlife Refuges.
Dogs are prohibited from public conservation land except where authorisation has been granted by DOC. A standard open hunting permit for the Pureora Forest/Western King Country allows a hunter to take up to two dogs or party of hunters a maximum of three dogs into public conservation land.
All dogs must remain under the strict control of owners and not be allowed to stray onto surrounding farm land or cause distress to other recreational users.
To take dogs across private property you must get permission from the landowner.
Huts
Wildlife Hut (also known as the Cowan Block Hut) is a basic 4 bunk hut.
Additional information
Spotlighting is not permitted.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block