Peel Forest Scenic Reserve
Peel Forest Scenic Reserve is a compact 438-hectare block on the foothill country of mid Canterbury. Elevations run from 272 m up to 1,264 m with a median of just 629 m, putting most of the reserve well below the bushline — predominantly lowland and foothill bush, with only 1% of the block sitting above 1,200 m.
The block leans south-facing, with strong south, south-east and east aspects. Cool, shaded faces and tall podocarp-broadleaf bush dominate the lower reserve, giving close-range stalking country rather than tops glassing.
Four species are listed: red deer, tahr, chamois and wild pig. The reserve is small, so plan trips around quiet, controlled stalks in the bush rather than long ridge missions.
Open Peel Forest Scenic Reserve on the interactive map
Boundary, huts, terrain, tracks and 1080 zones — all layers, one map.
Terrain & elevation
Based on a sample of 1,430 DEM points inside the block.
- Elevation range
- 272–1,264 m
- Median elevation
- 629 m
- Middle 50%
- 515–771 m
- Above bushline (1,200 m)
- 1%
- Alpine (1,500 m+)
- 0%
- Dominant aspect
- south-facing
272–1,264 m, foothill country with low tops, leaning south-facing.
What you can hunt here
Access & getting there
Helicopter access is permitted on this block, though the small size means most hunters will walk in. Wild Animal Recovery Operations (WARO) are not permitted, keeping the reserve quieter than larger heli blocks.
There are no DOC huts inside the reserve and no listed campsites. Plan on day trips from a vehicle base.
Permits & rules
You need a DOC hunting permit to hunt this block. It is classed as a Ordinary block in the Canterbury permit area, with a hunting status of Restricted.
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 the Canterbury permit area. Peel Forest is classified Ordinary but carries Restricted hunt status, reflecting its scenic reserve designation — check the permit conditions carefully with DOC before applying, as restrictions may apply on hunting seasons or methods.
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.
Get roar & 1080 alerts for the areas you hunt
We'll email you when pesticide operations, ballot dates or access conditions change for Canterbury.
Sign up →