Houto Forest
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.
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 with a current kiwi aversion certificate only.
About this hunting block
Located near rural townships of Parakao, Titoki and Tangowahine, the Houto Forest hunting area offers pig and goat hunting.
Pigs and goats are present in this area.
General information
Cell phone coverage is patchy in the Kauri Coast hunting blocks. Make sure your communication plans take this into consideration.
Fire is a high to moderate risk in Northland all year – light no fires.
Terrain
Both blocks comprise steep and rugged terrain consisting of thick intact native forest.
Houto Forest (northern block) is approximately 543 hectares and Houto Quarry Reserve (within the northern Houto block) approximately 3.19 hectares.
Houto Forest (southern block) is approximately 392.5 hectares.
The area is in a rural location with scattered large farms surrounding both blocks. The nearest rural townships are Parakao (2 km north), Titoki (8.5 km east) and Tangowahine (8 km south).
Access
There are no official roads or tracks within either block.
Access to the Houto north block can be gained from the road edges of Kirikopuni Valley Road and the Houto south block from Tangowahine Valley Road.
There are private roads leading to both of the Houto Forest blocks. You must gain permission from the land owner prior to crossing private property. Contact the DOC office as staff may be able to assist with point of contact for these private owners.
Topo maps
NZTopo50 series: AX28 and AX29
Dogs
Dogs must be kept under control at all times, and must not be used for hunting until well within the hunting area.
All hunting dogs must have current avian (kiwi) aversion certificate.
Huts
There are no public huts within the Houto Forest hunting area.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block