Mt Thomas Forest
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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 allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
About this hunting block
Mt Thomas Forest is located 50 km north west of Christchurch, between Loburn, Oxford and Lees Valley. Red deer and pigs are present.
General information
This hunting area is located 50 km north west of Christchurch between Loburn, Oxford and Lees Valley.
The terrain is mostly moderate. The vegetation is mostly beech forest with some scrub and tussock around the tops and between the Pinchgut stream and Lees Valley.
Red deer and pigs are present in low to moderate numbers. Mt Thomas is a popular recreational area.
Other hunters and trampers may be encountered anywhere, anytime. Take precautions and identify your target.
Do not hunt outside the block boundary. Trespassing will be taken seriously
Access
Access to the area is via:
- Hayland Road to Mount Thomas picnic area.
- Glentui Bush Road to the Glentui picnic area.
- Taafee’s Glenn Road to the car park for access to the Pinchgut route.
- Anywhere the hunting area is boarding the Lees Valley Road.
Your hunting permit allows you to hunt on public conservation land only.
Hunting or access through adjoining land requires permission from appropriate landowners.
Note: There is no access through private property from the Ashley Gorge Road on the Loburn side of the Ashley Gorge Bridge.
Landholders
Access to the back of Mount Thomas via Lees Valley requires landholder permission. Email Mt Pember Station with at least one week's notice: themuster@grasslands-llc.com
Access from Lees Valley Road at Ladbrooks Corner, which is by road 6km northwest of middle bridge, requires landowner permission +64 29 235 9909.
Maps
NZTopo50 maps BV22, BV23, BW22, BW23
Dogs
Dogs are permitted in the Mount Thomas hunting area. Dogs must be kept under control and not used for hunting until well within the DOC hunting area.
Possum trapping is taking place here
Possum trapping using leg-hold traps is taking place in this area. This activity is allowed by permit only. Leg-hold possum traps must be a minimum of 50 m from the track.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block