Russell Forest hunting

This open hunting block encompasses the Whangae Conservation Area, Horotutu Scenic Reserve, Waikino Forest, Waikino Forest Addition, Tipatipa Scenic Reserve, Waikare Historic Reserve, Russell Forest, Russell Forest Addition, Russell Forest Addition No1, Russell Forest Addition No2 and Ngaiotonga Scenic Reserve.

These reserves cover a mixture of established and regenerating mixed kauri podocarp forest.

Northland brown kiwi are present in this area.

These forest reserves offer a range of recreational activities including tramping, mountain biking, camping and hunting. 

Phone reception is patchy in the Bay of Islands hunting blocks.

Access

Via the track on Punaruku Rd. Travelling north on the Russell Road, pull off at the Punaruku Road sign, and park in the rest area. We do not recommend leaving your car here overnight. From this point walk down Punaruku Road to the start of the track.

See Russell Forest Walks for more information.

Whangae Conservation Area:

• 1 km north of Kawakawa on State Highway 1 turn into Whangae Rd, 1 km down this road is the forest edge on both sides of the road.

Waikino Forest:

• From Kawakawa turn onto Paihia Rd, 3.5 km down this road go over a single lane concrete bridge, then turn right into Waikare Rd, 6 km down this road take left hand turn onto Waikino Rd, follow 2.5 km to find the forest edge.

Tipatipa Scenic Reserve:

• As for Waikino Forest but once on Waikare Rd go for 18 km, past Waikare Marae on your right, the reserve is on your right approx 90m past a single lane concrete bridge.

Waikare Historic Reserve:

• Peninsula reserve boat access only. Launch from Opua Boat ramp, takes approx 15 min. Reserve is located approx 1 km NE of the Opua Wharf up the Waikare Inlet.

Ngaiotonga Scenic Reserve:

• Reserve can be accessed by Russell Rd, approx 16 km from Russell. Once off the ferry at Okiato turn left onto Russell Rd and follow until you come to the second main intersection, take right hand turn, stay on the Russell Rd for approx 4 km.

Topo maps

NZTopo50 map sheets: AV29, AV30, AW29 and AW30

Dogs

In this area, dogs can only enter land managed by DOC if you have a permit for them. Permit restrictions:

• The number of dogs is limited to three per person.
• It is a requirement that all dogs have a current certification for kiwi/bird aversion training.
• Dogs must be kept under control at all times.
• Dogs are not permitted in DOC campgrounds.

How to get an avian (kiwi) aversion certificate.

Contact the local DOC office to apply for a permit.