Hunting

Learn about where, what and how you can safely hunt on public conservation land in NZ.

Find a hunting area

Where you hunt determines the rules you need to follow.

Find an area to go hunting by region, place or species on the Department of Convservation (DOC) website. Each page describes the:

  • species you can hunt
  • permit requirements
  • seasonal restrictions
  • dog access.

Find places to go hunting — DOC

Different rules may apply when hunting on council or private land. Contact the relevant council or landowner for more information.

What you can hunt

On DOC’s website you can learn about species that are:

  • available to hunt on public conservation land
  • managed or controlled by DOC
  • subject to specific permits and licences
  • protected in Aotearoa.

What to hunt — DOC

The DOC website does not cover every species available to hunt in NZ.

How to hunt safely

Permits to hunt

Each person in a hunting party needs a separate permit, whether you’re hunting with a firearm, bow or knife. Learn more on the DOC website.

Permits and licences — DOC

Hunting with guns

If you’re hunting with a gun in NZ, you need a valid New Zealand firearms licence. Learn more on the Firearms Safety Authority website.

Firearms licence — Firearms Safety Authority

Hunting with dogs

If you want to hunt with dogs, you may also need a dog permit. Learn more on the DOC website.

Hunting with dogs — DOC

Other DOC hunting resources

The DOC website has other helpful information about:

Other online resources

The NZ Game Animal Council provides free online hunting courses, games and resources to help you hunt safely, successfully and responsibly.

Better Hunting Aotearoa

Utility links and page information

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