Mokau River 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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.
Goats, Pigs, Possums
A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online.
No firearms allowed below Awakau Bridge from August to 30 November.
Dogs with a DOC permit (contact the relevant DOC office) and a current kiwi aversion certificate only.
About this hunting block
There are a series of reserves along the Mokau River where possums, goats and pigs are hunted.
Goats, pigs and possumes are present.
No firearms are allowed below the Awakau Bridge during whitebait season from 15 August to 30 November each year.
General information
The Mokau River hunting area covers a series of reserves along both sides of this popular recreational river. The river is the key access point for hunters and a focal point for fishing, whitebaiting, jet boating and kayaking.
Goats and pigs are present in low/medium numbers as this area gets annual goat control by DOC staff.
The 2,273 ha area features narrow river flats that rise to steep bluffs and ridges further inland.
Much of the area has been logged and burnt in the past and features semi-coastal species such as karaka, cabbage tree and nikau with tawa, beech, kohekohe and mānuka higher on the ridges.
Access
By boat from Mokau River
Maps
NZTopo50 BG31 and BG32
Huts
There are no DOC huts in this reserve.
Dogs
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.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block