This section has some basic information about the different hunting opportunities in the area, as well as maps available as PDF downloads.
Putting a little effort into planning where to hunt, and then taking the time to get to know the area will really pay off in the long run. Deer are creatures of habit, and if you take the time to understand how they move with the time of day and the seasons, your success rate will improve.
Kaimanawa Forest Park offers great hunting for sika and red deer and limited pig hunting opportunities.
Tongariro National Park and Rangataua Forest offers great hunting primarily for Red Deer with localised Sika populations. There is also limited pig hunting.
Tongariro Forest offers good hunting for red deer and pigs. All hunting dogs must have avian avoidance training.
Erua Forest offers hunting for red deer, pigs and goats.
Rangitaiki offers hunting primarily for Sika and Red deer.
Lake Taupo Lakeshore Reserves can offer high numbers of pigs in highly challenging terrain.
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Important notices for the Tongariro/Taupo region
Destination Lake Taupo website
Visit Ruapehu website
Tongariro National Park
Stop the spread of didymoCheck, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.