Rotokohu 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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.
Deer - Fallow, 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 DOC permit (contact the relevant DOC office) and a current kiwi aversion certificate only.
About this hunting block
In Waitōtara Conservation Area and Rotokohu Scenic Reserve goats, pigs and fallow deer are present in low numbers.
Goats and pigs are present in low numbers. The Trains area is particularly good for goat hunting in the spring. Fallow deer are also present near the bush margin bordering farm land. Care must be taken not to shoot on private land.
General information
The vegetation of this area is mainly podocarp/tawa with beech ridges in the southern part of the block with some regenerating manuka forest near the eastern boundaries. The topography is generally very steep with some deep gorges.
The internal tracks, those other than access tracks, are ridge top tracks. The tracks are well marked with markers and only experienced hunters of this area should venture from the tracks. Kiwi and blue ducks are known to be present.
Access
- Waitōtara Valley Road end; from SH3 by the road bridge over the Waitōtara River turn onto Waitōtara Valley Road. Continue along this road until it becomes Taumatatahi Road. Carry on this road to the road end. The carpark is on the right just before the cattlestop.
- Puniwhakau Road end; from SH43, follow Mangaotuku Road, Mangaehu Road and Puniwhakau Road to the road end. A formed track leads down to the Puniwhakau Stream where the walking track starts. The track follows a legal road line.
Note: Puniwhakau Track closure: Due to the removal of an unsafe bridge, the track from Puniwhakau Road end to Puteore Hut is closed until further notice. - Kohi Saddle; from SH43, follow Brewer Road and Upper Mangaehu Road to Kohi Saddle and the start of the Matemateaonga Track. Approximately 2.5 km along the Matemateaonga Track a side track to the right leads down to the Waitotara Conservation Area.
- Rawhitiroa Road end; from State Highway 3 near Eltham turn east onto either Mangawhero Road or Anderson Road and onto Rawhitiroa Road. From the road end a formed track leads down to the Moeawatea Stream where the walking track starts on the other side. The track to the stream follows a legal road line.
Maps
NZtopo50 BJ31 and BJ32
Dogs
A separate permit is required to hunt with dogs. All dogs must be avian avoidance certified. Contact the local DOC office for details.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block