Matahuru Scenic Reserve
Matahuru Scenic Reserve covers 1,335 ha of the lowland country between Hamilton and the Firth of Thames. The block is lowland to foothill country, set in mixed bush and gully country. Elevations run from about 117 m up to 528 m, with a median sample around 274 m.
The block leans predominantly to the east, so shaded sidles and faces are common on that side of the country.
Game on the permit includes red deer, wild goat and wild pig.
Open Matahuru Scenic Reserve on the interactive map
Boundary, huts, terrain, tracks and 1080 zones — all layers, one map.
Terrain & elevation
Based on a sample of 3,604 DEM points inside the block.
- Elevation range
- 117–528 m
- Median elevation
- 274 m
- Middle 50%
- 226–333 m
- Above bushline (1,200 m)
- 0%
- Alpine (1,500 m+)
- 0%
- Dominant aspect
- east-facing
117–528 m, lowland / foothill country, leaning east-facing.
What you can hunt here
Access & getting there
No huts or formal campsites are recorded inside the block, so this is set up as a day trip or fly-camp area.
The block is open to air access, which gives a practical option for parties dropping in onto a ridge or face rather than working in on foot. WARO is also active on this block, so be conscious of helicopter operations and check current activity before heading in.
Permits & rules
You need a DOC hunting permit to hunt this block. It is classed as a Ordinary block in the North Waikato reserves permit area, with a hunting status of Permitted.
Commercial wild-animal recovery (WARO) operates over this area — expect helicopter activity and pressured game.
This block sits within a DOC air-access zone — fly-in hunting and helicopter drop-offs may be permitted.
A DOC hunting permit is required for Matahuru Scenic Reserve. The block is classed as Ordinary with hunting Permitted under the North Waikato reserves permit area, so there is no ballot or seasonal restriction beyond the standard permit conditions. Note that this is a scenic reserve, which carries extra care-of-place rules — keep groups small, leave no rubbish, and respect any rāhui or signage.
1080 & pesticide status
No current, planned or proposed pesticide operations intersect this block in our data. Always confirm with DOC before taking a dog in.
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