Matawai Conservation Area
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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 with a DOC permit only. More information below or contact the relevant DOC office.
About this hunting block
Deer and pigs are present in the Matawai Conservation Area.
General information
The Matawai Conservation Area is 2,650 hectares of extensive forested flats of predominantly red beech, podocarp, kahikatea and tawa. The area has been selectively logged and consists of a large basin with steep ridges on the southern and eastern boundary.
The area is very popular with deer hunters of all experience, age and skill levels due to the easy access terrain and old logging tracks. These old logging tracks are not maintained and can be overgrown.
Inexperienced hunters need to ensure they can navigate in the bush as the flat terrain mean there are no obvious geographical features to assist with navigation.
Access
Access to the Matawai Conservation Area is sign posted off Te Wera Road 6 km from SH2. The sign directs you to a parking area known as 'the quarry'. A mapped track into the interior can be accessed from here.
Maps
NZ Topo50 Oponae BF 41
Dogs
Contact the Gisborne Whakatāne Office for a permit. To take dogs across private property you must get permission from the landowner.
Huts
There are no public huts within the Matawai Conservation Area.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block