General information

Covering just over 14, 000ha, this is the Bay of Islands' largest open hunting block. It encompasses the Omahuta Forest, Omahuta Forest Addition, Omahuta Forest Addition No 1, Omahuta Forest Scenic Reserve No 2, Puketi Forest, Puketi Scenic Reserve, Puketi Forest Addition, Puketi Forest Addition No 2, Aratoro Conservation Area, Ahutoatoa Conservation Area and Manginangina Scenic Reserve.

The Puketi/Omahuta Forest is one of the largest remaining continuous tracks of native forest in Northland. The forest has more than 360 plant species that can only be found in New Zealand. Taraire dominate the forest, although puriri, towai, totara and kahikatea are frequently found as well. Look out for Northern rata and kahikatea, which can be occasionally seen emerging from the canopy. You are also likely to see rewarewa, rimu, tanekaha, kauri, pukatea, hinau, mamaku tree fern, tawa, and nikau.

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

• Puketi Forest Headquarters off Waiare Road, Kerikeri
• Mokau Road off Waiare Road, Kerikeri
• Forest Pools, off Forest Road, Waihou Valley, Ōkaihau

Topo maps

NZTopo50 series: AV27 and AV28

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.

Additional information

This is a very busy forest. Because of its high conservation value, a lot of the DOC's work is focussed here. Keep an eye out for everyone.