Mt Messenger 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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.
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.
Access may be restricted during lambing between 1 August and 31 October.
Dogs with a DOC permit (contact the relevant DOC office) and a current kiwi aversion certificate only.
About this hunting block
Possums, goats and pigs are hunted at Mt Messenger Conservation Area.
Goats, possums and pigs are present in this reserve.
Mt Messenger Conservation Area has an extensive and well managed trap network run by the Mt Messenger Alliance and Ngāti Tama.
An access condition is that you contact the Mt Messenger Alliance and Ngāti Tama by emailing conrad.ocarroll@mtma.co.nz 24 hours before you head into the bush. This is to advise potential predator control workers of your presence.
General information
The rugged Mt Messenger Conservation Area is steep with many bluffs.
The forest canopy is mostly tawa, hīnau and rewarewa with areas of hard beech and a scrub tier of predominantly māhoe, treeferns, nīkau and kiekie.
New Zealand falcon and kiwi are present in the area as well as the pāua slug and scrub beetle.
Access
The small car park on SH3 near the track entrance is closed due to ongoing roadworks on Mount Messenger. Access is from Kiwi Road, Mangaongaonga Road, or via private land (landowner permission required).
Special access condition
Hunters need to contact the Mt Messenger Alliance and Ngāti Tama by emailing conrad.ocarroll@mtma.co.nz at least 24 hours before you head into the bush. This is to advise potential predator control workers of your presence.
Landholders
Permission to access Mt Messenger Conservation Area via private land must be gained by arrangements with adjoining landholders. Access may be restricted at the owners discretion during lambing between 1 August and 31 October.
Maps
NZTopo50 BH31
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