Makino Conservation Area

Comprised of steep hill country that drains into Waitara River, Makino Conservation Area receives use from trampers, mountain bikers and hunters. Possums, goats and pigs are hunted in the area.

Goats and pigs are common with goats frequently seen on the clearings along the Moki Track.

The steep hill country of the 3,445 ha Makino Conservation Area drains into the Waitara River. A popular goat hunting area it has narrow spurs and gorgy streams which are subject to frequent slips. Makino Conservation Area is adjacent to Moki Conservation Area separated by the Waitara River.

Mainly tawa and kamahi forest there is also scattered rimu, rata and rewarewa with totara and matai on the ridges. Mahoe, pidgeonwood, horopito, putaputaweta, lancewood, toro and maire make up the sub canopy.

The unformed Moki Road, known as the Moki Track, has several swingbridges and runs through the Conservation Area giving hunting access to the forest. It is also used by trampers and mountain bikers.

North Island brown kiwi are present. Kaka, North Island robin/toutouwai, whitehead/popokatea, moreporks/ruru and bats/pekapeka may also be heard or seen.

The Moki Track offers good hunting opportunities for Makino Conservation Area. Access to the Moki Track is via Moki Road or Kiwi Road.

Moki Track is a public track that crosses farmland at either end of the Conservation Area. Hunters are advised to be respectful of farming operations and contact landowners first. Access may be restricted at the owners discretion during lambing between 1 August and 31 October.

NZTopo50 BH31

There are no DOC huts in this reserve.

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.