Tarawera 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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.
Deer - Red, Deer - Rusa, 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
Hunt red deer, sika deer and feral pigs in Tarawera and Stoney Creek conservation areas.
General information
The Tarawera and Stoney Creek conservation areas are two adjoining blocks located in Hawke’s Bay with access from State Highway 5. This is rugged, untracked country encompassing part of the Ahimanawa Range with many steep, fast flowing streams that eventually lead to the Mohaka River. The area is lower in altitude than the nearby Kaweka and Kaimanawa Ranges and consequently the natural bushline reaches the hilltops in most places.
The forests consist mainly of beech, with impressive stands of podocarps (rimu, kahikatea, matai, miro) and maire at lower levels. Red beech, and to a lesser extent silver beech, dominate at lower levels. The understory consists mainly of unpalatable plants such as pepperwood.
Red and sika deer can be found throughout the area at any time of the year but hunting during the spring and the roar is popular. Feral pigs can also be encountered around the margins of the blocks. Possums are regularly controlled by TBfree throughout these blocks and the surrounding areas.
Access
Access to both conservation areas is via unsealed forestry roads. Exercise caution as logging trucks operate in these areas. Access can be closed at times of high fire risk or when forestry operations are happening. Respect the surrounding areas and roads, which are private land and require permission from the landowners for access.
Tarawera Conservation Area is accessed from SH 5 via Hukatara Road and the Omarowa Roadway. From the SH5 drive approximately 500 metres up the gravel forestry roads until you get to the DOC parking area. Access from this point is foot access only via a marginal strip up the true left of the Omarowa Stream. The access is scrubby and difficult to follow in parts.
Stoney Creek Conservation Area is accessed from Takarere Road, off SH 5. Parts of Takarere Road are only suitable for 4WD vehicles.
Topo map
NZTopo50 map sheet: BH38
Dogs
Special conditions exist around the use of dogs in this area:
- One hunting dog per hunter allowed.
- Dogs must be avian avoidance certified and certificate and hunting permit must be carried when hunting.
- A separate permit is required from the Ahuriri/Napier Office for use of more than one dog.
Compliance monitoring may occur at any time.
Huts
There are no huts in this area
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block