Hunting in East Coast & Hawke's Bay
Overview
The East Coast and Hawke's Bay run from East Cape down the eastern shoulder of the North Island to the Wairarapa boundary. Inland the country climbs from coastal flats into a long band of steep hill country, exotic pine forestry, and Māori-trust bush blocks, finally meeting the eastern faces of the Kaweka, Ruahine, and Te Urewera ranges. There is no single forest park that defines the region — instead, hunting is shared between the Urewera and Raukumara to the north, the Kaweka and Ruahine eastern margins to the south, and a vast mosaic of private and trust land in between.
The East Coast has the deepest pig hunting culture in New Zealand. Gisborne and Wairoa hill country produces large boars year-round, and several of the country's best-known pig hunting events are based here. Deer hunting is solid throughout but more dispersed — most of the heavy concentrations sit on the western edge of the region where it meets the central ranges.
What You Can Hunt
- Red deer — present across the region, with the best densities in the Urewera, Raukumara, and the eastern Kaweka and Ruahine.
- Sika deer — overflow from the Kaweka and Kaimanawa, with established populations down the eastern flanks of those ranges.
- Fallow deer — pockets through Wairoa and northern Hawke's Bay, mostly on private and forestry blocks.
- Wild pig — the region's signature species. Genuinely abundant, with a deep dog-hunting tradition.
- Wild goat — common in coastal scrub, slip country, and bush margins.
Where to Hunt
The public hunting estate is concentrated in a handful of large blocks. Outside those, most worthwhile hunting is on private land by arrangement.
- Te Urewera — large remote bush block straddling the East Coast / Bay of Plenty boundary. Red deer and sika throughout, very strong pig hunting. Access is regulated by Tūhoe; check current arrangements before any trip.
- Raukumara Forest Park — the northern end of the region, between East Cape and the Bay of Plenty. Steep, remote bush; red deer, pig, and goat.
- Kaweka and Ruahine eastern flanks — accessed via the Napier–Taihape road and the back of Hastings and Waipawa. Mixed red and sika; long walks in.
- Mōhaka and Waikaremoana catchments — bush and river-flat country between the Urewera and the coast; red deer, pig, and goat.
- East Cape hill country — primarily pig and goat in scrub and forestry; very little public land but a strong informal hunting culture.
Getting In
- Road — the entire region is well-served by sealed and gravel roads. State Highway 2, State Highway 35 (East Cape), and the Napier–Taupō and Napier–Taihape roads form the major arteries.
- Foot — public conservation land is foot-access only past the road end. Hut systems exist in the Urewera, Raukumara, Kaweka, and Ruahine.
- Air — helicopter access into remote Urewera and Raukumara huts is common, particularly for multi-hunter trips, subject to current DOC rules.
- Water — limited; some jet boat access up the Mōtū and Waioeka rivers.
Seasons & Weather
The East Coast is one of the warmer and drier hunting regions in New Zealand. Inland the country still gets significant winter rainfall and occasional snow on the higher tops, but most of the lower hill country is workable year-round.
| Period | What's happening | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mar–Apr | Red roar | Reliable across the Urewera, Raukumara, and Kaweka. |
| Apr–May | Sika roar | Eastern Kaweka and northern Ruahine. |
| Jun–Aug | Winter | Cool, often dry on the coast; snow on inland tops. Good meat hunting. |
| Sep–Nov | Spring | Strong pig hunting as ground firms. |
| Dec–Feb | Summer | Hot and dry on the coast; bush stalking restricted to dawn and dusk. |
The region is prone to severe weather events from tropical systems tracking down the east coast. Cyclones and ex-tropical lows can close access for days or weeks; check road status before remote trips.
Gear & Conditions
Most East Coast hunting is steep, broken hill country with a mix of bush, scrub, and slip faces. Light-to-medium rifles in 6.5mm through .308 suit deer; pig hunters typically carry a heavier handgun or short rifle for backup. Decent boots, gaiters, and confident bush navigation matter more than fancy optics — sightlines are short. Pig dogs are central to local hunting culture; permit-holders running dogs on DOC land must comply with current dog-control conditions.
Permits & Regulations
A free DOC permit is required for any public conservation land in the region, including the Urewera (current access arrangements are managed by Tūhoe — check before travel). Pig dog hunting on conservation land is permitted but subject to specific dog-related conditions and current 1080 operation status. Spotlighting is generally not permitted on conservation land. Several of the larger forestry blocks in Gisborne and Wairoa are accessible by paid permit through forestry companies — those are separate from DOC arrangements.
Open the Map
Open the East Coast in the full hunting map →
Conservation land, hunting blocks, tracks, and current pesticide operations layered for the Urewera, Raukumara, Kaweka, and East Cape.