Pakanai 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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.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
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 current kiwi aversion certificate only.
About this hunting block
Covering just over 4,700 ha, Waimā Forest is one of Kauri Coast's largest open hunting areas. You can hunt goats and pigs.
Goats and pigs are present within the entire conservation area. This area holds groups of animal pests within the forest/river systems. Goats can be seen on steep bluff out-crops in the northern and southern sides of the forest and in most areas, dogs are not necessary to find them.
General information
Cell phone coverage is patchy in the Kauri Coast hunting blocks. Make sure your communication plans take this into consideration.
Fire is a high to moderate risk in Northland all year – light no fires.
Terrain
Covering just over 4,700 hectares, this is one of Kauri Coast's largest open hunting areas. It encompasses the adjacent Pakanae and Oraora Scenic Reserves.
The Waimā Forest is one of the largest remaining continuous tracks of native forest in Northland. The Waimā Forest is a mid-altitude hardwood/podocarp forest with both Northern and Southern Rata and small pockets of mature kauri forest. It is the northern-most forest of the Waipoua/Waimā/Mataraua Forest tract.
Rare plant species Ackama nubicola (Turoa Onamata), Olearia crebra and Coprosma waima are only known from the Waimā Range.
Northland brown kiwi and North Island kōkako are present in this area.
These forest reserves offer a range of recreational activities including tramping, mountain biking, camping and hunting.
People
This is a very busy forest. Because of its high conservation values, a lot of DOC's work is focussed here and you are likely to meet up with staff, contractors, fur operators, volunteers or tourists. Please keep an eye out for everyone.
Access
Access is by foot only from public access points – these are at:
- Six Foot Track - access is from Mountain Road, off State Highway 12, Opononi
- Waiotemarama/Hauturu Highpoint Track - this access is from Waiotemarama Gorge Road, off State highway 12, Opononi or Waiotemarama.
- Taita Bridle Track - this access is from Taita Road, off State Highway 12, Waimamaku.
There are private roads leading to the Waimā Forest and permission must by gained from the landowner prior to crossing private property.
Contact the DOC office as staff may be able to assist with point of contact for these private owners.
Topo maps
NZTopo50 series: AV27 and AV28
Dogs
Dogs must be kept under control at all times, and must not be used for hunting until well within the hunting area.
All hunting dogs must have current avian (kiwi) aversion certificate.
Hut information
Frampton's Hut is situated on the western edge of the Waimā Forest.
Access to the hut is either from Hauturu Highpoint Track entrance from Waiotemarama Gorge Road, Waimā Six Foot Track entrance from Mountain Road and the Waimā Main Range Track entrance from Waoku Coach Road Track and Taita Bridle Track.
The hut sleeps up to 6 people. The hut has basic facilities, running cold water, toilet and a fireplace installed.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block