Waitawa Scenic Reserve

The 7,515 ha Raetea Forest and Mangamuka hunting blocks offer opportunity to hunt pigs and goats.

Pigs are generally hunted in these reserves. Goats are present in low numbers.

Raetea and Mangamuka hunting blocks cover just around 7,515 ha, encompassing Raetea Forest (pt. Northland Conservation Park), Mangamuka Gorge Scenic Reserve, Mangataipa Scenic Reserve, Waitawa Scenic Reserve, Pukemiro Block Scenic Reserve and Maungataniwha forest (pt. Northland Conservation Park).

Raetea Forest and Mangamuka are home to many native animals. These areas consist mainly of hardwood forest, with small areas of kauri. The surrounding reserves are a mixture of kahikatea, rimu, lowland forests.

These reserves are a mixture of outstanding wildlife and historic areas, home to various historic remnants, native animals and plants such as kūkupa, kiwi, kauri snails, and native fish.

Note to all hunters: other recreational users are in and around Raetea Forest and Mangamuka Gorge Scenic Reserve at different times of the year, including trampers using the Mangamuka Tramping track.

• Raetea Forest: located south of Kaitaia, forming a barrier between the Far North and the rest of Northland. Access is via State Highway 1, at the summit of Mangamuka Gorge. Also access via Takahue Saddle Road
• Mangamuka Gorge Scenic Reserve: located south of Kaitaia. You can access the forest via State Highway 1 at the summit of Mangamuka Gorge.
• Mangataipa Scenic Reserve: via Mangamuka bridge and also via Kohukohu Road, which passes through the reserve alongside Mangamuka River.
• Waitawa Scenic Reserve: Waitawa is contiguous with Raetea Forest and forms the southern margin of Raetea Forest. Access via Takahue Saddle Road.
• Maungataniwha Forest (pt. Northland Conservation Park): Maungataniwha Forest is contiguous with both Raetea Forest and Mangamuka Gorge Scenic Reserve. Access is through either Mangamuka Gorge Scenic Reserve or Raetea Forest.
• Pukemiro Block Scenic Reserve: Contiguous with Raetea Forest. Access is via Raetea Forest block or private property., which requires landowner permission.

NZTopo50 series: AV26 and AV27

For hunters who wish to stay and explore the Far North, there is Raetea North Side campsite near Mangamuka and Raetea.

Note dogs are not allowed in DOC campsites.