Matahuru Scenic Reserve
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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 - Fallow, 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.
No hunting or hunting dogs allowed during lambing from 1 July to 30 September.
Dogs (restricted numbers) allowed.
About this hunting block
Pigs in low-moderate numbers, low numbers of goats and occasional escapee red and fallow deer.
Pigs in low-moderate numbers; low numbers of goats and occasional escapee red and fallow deer.
General information
The Matahuru Scenic Reserve is the northern most block of three parcels of public conservation land that largely make up the Hapuakohe Range. It is characterised by steep hill country covered with remnant highland forest. The Reserve contains the Hapuakohe Walkway and three small parking areas. The total area of the Matahuru Scenic Reserve is 1336 ha.
Access
Access is available from three places: North Road (Mangarata), Matahuru/Ohinewai Road and Mangapiko Valley Road.
Landholders
The Reserve is surrounded by private land. You need permission from any landowners to hunt on their private land.
Topo maps
NZ Topo BC34; NZTM E1811163 N5860614
Dogs
A standard hunting permit for the North Waikato hunting reserves allows a hunter to take up to two dogs or a party of hunters a maximum of three dogs into this reserve.
No dogs are allowed across farmland from 1 July to 30 September each year to lower the risk of stock disturbance during the calving/lambing season.
Dogs must be kept on a lead while using public walking and farm access ways.
Dogs must be kept under control and not used for hunting until well within the DOC hunting area. Dogs should be kept on a lead at all times in riverbed areas and wetlands from August to the end of February while birds are nesting.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block