Hutiwai Conservation Area

At Hutiwai Conservation Area, possums, goats and pigs are hunted.

This is a popular hunting spot for pigs. Goats and possums present also. DOC are keen to hear of any sighting of deer in the area. Contact DOC New Plymouth (details below).

One of the most popular pig hunting blocks in Taranaki, Hutiwai Conservation Area forms part of a continuous tract of forest from the coast to the Waitaanga plateau. This 10679 ha untracked area is mainly steep with bluffs. The main catchment (Hutiwai Stream) is open and flat in the upper valley and swampy at the lower end. In the north easy spurs drop off to steep sided creeks.

The ridges are mostly rata, kamahi, tawa, rimu, totara and pigeonwood. Beech is present in the western portion of forest. There is light revegetation of rewarewa and Coprosma species on the middle and lower slopes.

A large volume of kahikatea was milled in lower Hutiwai during the early 1960’s.

North Island brown kiwi are present in good numbers and kaka may be heard in the area.

For possum permits, apply for a permit at the New Plymouth DOC Office.

The best foot access is across private land from the end of Hutuwai Road, Tongaparutu. Foot access is also possible across private farmland from Mangatoro Road. Landowner permission is required.

Permission to access Hutuwai Conservation Area via private land must be gained by arrangements with adjoining landholders.

NZTopo50 BG31 and BG32

There are no DOC huts in this reserve. The Hutiwai portable bivy has been removed.

Dogs are prohibited except where authorisation has been granted by DOC. People wishing to take a dog into this area need to get a permit from the local DOC office and have a current kiwi aversion certificate.

Avian awareness and avoidance training

To take dogs across private property, or tracks crossing farmland, you must get permission from the landowner.