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Permits & Licences
To hunt on any land in New Zealand requires the permission of the landowner. On public conservation land, this permission is obtained by getting a hunting permit from DOC.
Apply for Open Area Hunting Permit
The quickest way to get started. Apply online and receive your permit digitally.
This opens the official DOC permits site in a new tab — you'll leave Hunting NZ to complete your application.
Types of Hunting Areas
Open Areas
Operate under standard hunting permit conditions. Some may have special conditions.
Restricted Areas
Have conditions specific to the area. Contact the nearest DOC office for details.
Recreational Hunting Areas
Do not allow commercial wild animal recovery. You still need a permit.
Open Hunting Permit
The standard permit for hunting on public conservation land. Covers most open hunting areas across New Zealand.
How to get it: Apply online at permits-licences.doc.govt.nz or at a DOC office nearest the hunting area.
Firearms Licence
Required to hunt with a firearm in New Zealand. You must have a valid NZ firearms licence before applying for a hunting permit.
How to get it: Apply through the NZ Police — involves a safety course, background check, and secure storage inspection.
Hunting Dog Permit
A separate permit may be required when hunting with dogs on public conservation land, depending on the area.
How to get it: Contact the DOC office closest to where you want to hunt for specific dog permit requirements.
Game Bird Licence & Permit
You need both a Fish & Game NZ game bird licence AND a DOC game bird hunting permit to hunt game birds on conservation land.
How to get it: Get the game bird licence from Fish & Game NZ. The DOC permit covers feral geese and Canada geese.
Small Game Hunting Permit
Required for recreational hunting of small game (rabbits and hares) on public conservation land.
How to get it: Apply at a DOC office or online.
Bow & Crossbow Permit
Special criteria apply for hunting with bows and crossbows on public conservation lands. Equipment must meet minimum DOC standards.
How to get it: Apply through DOC with evidence that your equipment meets the minimum requirements.
Aerially-Assisted Trophy Hunting (AATH)
A concession is required to use a helicopter for trophy hunting, either commercially or for personal gain.
How to get it: Apply for a concession from DOC.