Kaihu Forest and Kaihu Scenic Reserve hunting

Pigs and goats are present in Kaihu Forest. You can hunt pigs in Kaihu Scenic Reserve.

General information

Cell phone coverage is patchy in the Kauri Coast hunting blocks. Make sure your communication plans take this into consideration. 

Fire is a high to moderate risk in Northland all year – light no fires.

Kaihu Forest

This forest is approximately 2,400 hectares dominated by towai, taraire, rewarewa, totara, kahikatea, manuka and kanuka. Tanekaha, nikau, matai, miro and tawa are also present. Kauri are found in small isolated groups. The forest displays a large floral diversity, including; Pittosporum kirkii, willow-leaved maire, raukara and kawaka.

Kaihu Forest and the associated shrubland areas are defined by a steep-sided swampy plateau containing the second highest point in Northland, the Tutamoe summit (770m asl). Kaihu is very difficult to navigate due to the flat plateau to rolling terrain and the heavy thick vegetation within it.

Kaihu Forest has a high rainfall - adequate clothing and if possible a handheld GPS are recommended.

Kaihu Scenic Reserve

This reserve is approximately 122 hectares, dominated by towai, taraire, rewarewa, totara, kahikatea, manuka and kanuka. Tanekaha, nikau, matai, miro and tawa are also present.

The relatively small reserve is located approximately 1.5 km south of the main Kaihu Forest, and it is surrounded by commercial pine forest.

Access

Kaihu Forest access

You can access Kaihu Forest by foot from the Mount Tutamoe Highpoint Track on the north eastern edge of the Kaihu Forest. The track crosses private land and takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the Kaihu Forest boundary.

Kaihu Forest is surrounded by commercial pine plantations with restricted access.  Permission must be obtained from the appropriate forestry company prior to entry into the pine forests. Note that the roads have controlled access with locked gates.

There are private roads leading to the Kaihu Forest and you must gain permission from the land owner prior to crossing private property.

Contact the DOc office as staff may be able to assist with point of contacts for the appropriate forestry company or land owner.

Kaihu Scenic Reserve access

Vehicle access to Kaihu Scenic Reserve is from the Maropiu Road edge to the north of the reserve. There are no internal roads or track systems within Kaihu Scenic Reserve.

Topo maps

NZTopo50 series: AX28

Dogs

Dogs must be kept under control at all times, and must not be used for hunting until well within the hunting area.

All hunting dogs must have current avian (kiwi) aversion certificate.

Huts

There are no huts within the Kaihu Forest and Kaihu Scenic Reserve.