DOC hunting area
Waipunga Forest
Open11,332haWhirinaki/Rangitaiki
Alerts
Boundaries
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.
Species
Unknown
Permit requirements
A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online.
About this hunting block
A 11,331 hectare hunting area east of Lake Taupō on the east coast of the North Island.
Getting there
Northern entrance – Waipunga Forest via Minginui Village
- Turn off SH5 onto SH38 near Maunga Kākaramea.
- At Te Whaiti, turn right into Minginui Road, then into Old Te Whaiti Road (gravel) at Minginui Village and follow for 1.1 km to Main South Road.
- Turn left onto Main South Road (public easement) and follow the DOC road signs for 38.8 km to Pine Milling Road signpost.
- Turn right and follow the direction sign on Pine Milling Road 1.6 km to Matakuhia Carpark Road.
- Turn right onto Matakuhia Carpark Road and follow for 400 m to the car park.
Access from Minginui Village and off SH5 is along unsealed forestry roads and is a public easement. Stay strictly to the route described.
Southern entrance – Waipunga Forest
- From Napier/Taupō highway SH5 turn off onto Pohukura Road.
- Turn left over the bridge onto Waipunga Road (public easement).
- Continue along Waipunga Road for approximately 5 km
- The old Opureke Track will be signposted on the right. This is the quickest way to access the Waipunga Forest (Note this track is no longer maintained).
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block