Reference
NZ Hunting Seasons
& Regulations Reference
The complete, scannable reference for hunting seasons, permit requirements, and regulations for every game species in New Zealand. Built to be bookmarked — share a section, cite a row, or link the whole page.
Master Season Table
Every game species at a glance — season type, prime time, permit, and key notes. Click a species name for the full guide.
| Species | Season | Prime Time | Permit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red DeerDeer | Year-round | Roar: March–April | DOC Open Area Hunting Permit | No bag limit on public conservation land. Some areas have local restrictions or ballot blocks. |
| Fallow DeerDeer | Year-round | Rut: April–May | DOC Open Area Hunting Permit | No bag limit on public conservation land. Some areas have local restrictions. |
| Sika DeerDeer | Year-round | Roar: April–May | DOC Open Area Hunting Permit | Restricted to Kaimanawa and Kaweka ranges in the central North Island. Some areas have ballot blocks. |
| Wapiti (Elk)Deer | Ballot / restricted | Roar: March–April | Restricted Area Permit (ballot) | Wapiti area in Fiordland is managed by ballot. Apply through the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation / DOC. |
| White-tail DeerDeer | Ballot / restricted | Rut: May | Restricted Area Permit (ballot) | Hunting on Stewart Island is by ballot block only. Apply through DOC. |
| Sambar DeerDeer | Year-round | Cooler months (more active) | DOC Open Area Hunting Permit | Limited to a small area of the Manawatu region. Very elusive and nocturnal. |
| Rusa DeerDeer | Year-round | Rut: July–August | DOC Open Area Hunting Permit | Limited to areas around Rotorua. Small geographic range. |
| Himalayan TahrTahr | Year-round | May–August (winter trophy bulls) | DOC Open Area Hunting Permit / Ballot for helicopter access | Helicopter access to some areas is by ballot (late April–June). Nontrophy tahr (nannies, kids) can be hunted year-round to support control efforts. |
| ChamoisChamois | Year-round | May–September (best pelts & horn growth) | DOC Open Area Hunting Permit | No bag limit on public conservation land. Found throughout the South Island mountains. |
| Wild PigsPigs | Year-round | Cooler months (more daytime activity) | DOC Open Area Hunting Permit | Dog hunting is popular — check specific area rules for dog and firearm combinations. Some areas restrict dogs. |
| Wild GoatsGoats | Year-round | Year-round | DOC Open Area Hunting Permit | No bag limit. Conservation pest — hunting encouraged. |
| Feral SheepSheep | Year-round | Year-round | DOC Open Area Hunting Permit | Scattered populations in remote hill country. Can be wary. |
| WallabiesWallabies | Year-round | Dawn & dusk (most active) | DOC Open Area Hunting Permit | Three species (Bennett's, dama, parma) in limited areas. Spotlighting may be permitted — check local DOC rules. A biosecurity pest — hunting encouraged. |
| Game BirdsBirds | Season dates | May–July (season dependent) | Fish & Game Licence + DOC Game Bird Hunting Permit (for public land) | Season dates and bag limits vary by region and species. Check Fish & Game NZ for current season dates. Non-toxic shot required near wetlands. |
| Rabbits & HaresSmall Game | Year-round | Year-round | DOC Small Game Hunting Permit | Can be hunted with .22 rimfire or shotguns. Check specific area rules for permitted calibres. |
| PossumsSmall Game | Year-round | Year-round (night) | DOC Open Area Hunting Permit | Conservation pest — hunting encouraged. Always check DOC's pesticide summary for 1080 operations before hunting an area. |
Permit & Licence Types
What you need, what it covers, and where to get it. Always verify current requirements on the official DOC website before each trip.
| Permit / Licence | Required For | Cost | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOC Open Area Hunting Permit | Hunting big game (deer, tahr, chamois, pigs, goats) on public conservation land | Free | Apply online through the DOC permits portalOfficial source |
| DOC Small Game Hunting Permit | Hunting rabbits, hares, and possums on public conservation land | Free | Apply online through the DOC permits portalOfficial source |
| Restricted Area Permit (Ballot) | Hunting in restricted areas — wapiti (Fiordland), white-tail (Stewart Island), some tahr blocks | Free (ballot entry) | Apply through DOC or the relevant foundation (e.g. Fiordland Wapiti Foundation)Official source |
| Fish & Game Game Bird Licence | Hunting ducks, pheasants, quail, and other game birds | Paid — varies by licence type | Purchase through Fish & Game NZOfficial source |
| DOC Game Bird Hunting Permit | Game bird hunting on public conservation land (in addition to Fish & Game licence) | Free | Apply through the DOC permits portalOfficial source |
| NZ Firearms Licence | Possessing and using any hunting rifle or shotgun | Paid (application fee) | Apply through NZ Police — requires safety course and secure storageOfficial source |
General Regulations
Rules that apply to all hunting on public conservation land in New Zealand.
Firearms Licence
A current NZ firearms licence is required to possess or use a hunting rifle. Apply through NZ Police.
NZ Police Firearms LicensingDOC Hunting Permit
A DOC hunting permit is required to hunt on most public conservation land. Permits are free and obtained through the DOC permits portal.
Apply for a DOC Hunting PermitIdentify Your Target
Identify your target beyond all doubt. Assume every movement, colour, and shape is a human until positively confirmed otherwise.
NZ Police Firearms SafetyCheck for 1080 Operations
Check the DOC pesticide summary before hunting any area. 1080 poison operations can make game unsafe to eat.
DOC Pesticide SummaryTell Someone Your Plans
Leave trip intentions with a trusted contact. Carry a PLB or satellite communicator for backcountry hunting.
Outdoor Safety CodePrivate Land Permission
Trespassing on private land is illegal. Always obtain the landowner's written or verbal permission before entering.
Find Private Land AccessSeasons by Species
Detailed season, permit, and regulation info for each species. Use the filters to narrow by category.
Red Deer
Year-roundDeerSeason
Year-round (no statutory close season on public land)
Prime Time
Roar: March–April
Permit Type
DOC Open Area Hunting Permit
Regions
Canterbury · Fiordland · West Coast · Central North Island · Waikato
Special Conditions
No bag limit on public conservation land. Some areas have local restrictions or ballot blocks.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit on most public land
- •Firearms licence required to hunt with a rifle
- •Check for 1080 poison operations before hunting
Fallow Deer
Year-roundDeerSeason
Year-round
Prime Time
Rut: April–May
Permit Type
DOC Open Area Hunting Permit
Regions
Waikato · Bay of Plenty · Canterbury · Otago
Special Conditions
No bag limit on public conservation land. Some areas have local restrictions.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit on most public land
- •Firearms licence required
- •Fallow are wary with excellent eyesight — stalk carefully
Sika Deer
Year-roundDeerSeason
Year-round
Prime Time
Roar: April–May
Permit Type
DOC Open Area Hunting Permit
Regions
Special Conditions
Restricted to Kaimanawa and Kaweka ranges in the central North Island. Some areas have ballot blocks.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit on most public land
- •Firearms licence required
- •Limited geographic range — central North Island only
Wapiti (Elk)
Ballot / restrictedDeerSeason
Ballot blocks allocated for the roar period
Prime Time
Roar: March–April
Permit Type
Restricted Area Permit (ballot)
Regions
Special Conditions
Wapiti area in Fiordland is managed by ballot. Apply through the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation / DOC.
Key Regulations
- •Ballot system allocates hunting blocks during the roar
- •Apply well in advance — demand is high
- •Firearms licence required
- •Physically demanding terrain — high fitness required
White-tail Deer
Ballot / restrictedDeerSeason
Ballot blocks allocated on Stewart Island/Rakiura
Prime Time
Rut: May
Permit Type
Restricted Area Permit (ballot)
Regions
Special Conditions
Hunting on Stewart Island is by ballot block only. Apply through DOC.
Key Regulations
- •Ballot system allocates blocks on Stewart Island
- •Apply through DOC for block allocation
- •Firearms licence required
- •Prepare for wet and windy conditions
Sambar Deer
Year-roundDeerSeason
Year-round
Prime Time
Cooler months (more active)
Permit Type
DOC Open Area Hunting Permit
Regions
Special Conditions
Limited to a small area of the Manawatu region. Very elusive and nocturnal.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit on most public land
- •Firearms licence required
- •Small geographic range — Manawatu only
Rusa Deer
Year-roundDeerSeason
Year-round
Prime Time
Rut: July–August
Permit Type
DOC Open Area Hunting Permit
Regions
Special Conditions
Limited to areas around Rotorua. Small geographic range.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit on most public land
- •Firearms licence required
- •Small range — Rotorua area only
Himalayan Tahr
Year-roundTahrSeason
Year-round
Prime Time
May–August (winter trophy bulls)
Permit Type
DOC Open Area Hunting Permit / Ballot for helicopter access
Regions
Special Conditions
Helicopter access to some areas is by ballot (late April–June). Nontrophy tahr (nannies, kids) can be hunted year-round to support control efforts.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit on nontrophy tahr on public land
- •Helicopter access ballot for some areas (late April–June)
- •Firearms licence required
- •Alpine hunting — high fitness and alpine experience essential
Chamois
Year-roundChamoisSeason
Year-round
Prime Time
May–September (best pelts & horn growth)
Permit Type
DOC Open Area Hunting Permit
Regions
Canterbury · Otago · West Coast · Fiordland · Marlborough
Special Conditions
No bag limit on public conservation land. Found throughout the South Island mountains.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit on most public land
- •Firearms licence required
- •Alpine terrain — fitness and navigation skills essential
Wild Pigs
Year-roundPigsSeason
Year-round
Prime Time
Cooler months (more daytime activity)
Permit Type
DOC Open Area Hunting Permit
Regions
Northland · Waikato · Bay of Plenty · East Coast · Canterbury · West Coast
Special Conditions
Dog hunting is popular — check specific area rules for dog and firearm combinations. Some areas restrict dogs.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit on most public land
- •Firearms licence required
- •Check DOC rules for dog/firearm combinations per area
- •Trespassing on private land is illegal — always get permission
Wild Goats
Year-roundGoatsSeason
Year-round
Prime Time
Year-round
Permit Type
DOC Open Area Hunting Permit
Regions
Northland · Waikato · East Coast · Hawke's Bay · Wairarapa · Marlborough
Special Conditions
No bag limit. Conservation pest — hunting encouraged.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit
- •Firearms licence required to hunt with a rifle
- •Conservation pest — control is encouraged
Feral Sheep
Year-roundSheepSeason
Year-round
Prime Time
Year-round
Permit Type
DOC Open Area Hunting Permit
Regions
Special Conditions
Scattered populations in remote hill country. Can be wary.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit
- •Firearms licence required
- •Limited to remote hill country areas
Wallabies
Year-roundWallabiesSeason
Year-round
Prime Time
Dawn & dusk (most active)
Permit Type
DOC Open Area Hunting Permit
Regions
Special Conditions
Three species (Bennett's, dama, parma) in limited areas. Spotlighting may be permitted — check local DOC rules. A biosecurity pest — hunting encouraged.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit
- •Firearms licence required
- •Check local rules for spotlighting permissions
- •Biosecurity pest — control encouraged
Game Birds
Season datesBirdsSeason
Game bird season opens early May, runs to late July (varies by region & species)
Prime Time
May–July (season dependent)
Permit Type
Fish & Game Licence + DOC Game Bird Hunting Permit (for public land)
Regions
Special Conditions
Season dates and bag limits vary by region and species. Check Fish & Game NZ for current season dates. Non-toxic shot required near wetlands.
Key Regulations
- •Fish & Game hunting licence required for all game bird hunting
- •Additional DOC game bird permit needed for public conservation land
- •Season dates and bag limits set by Fish & Game — vary by region
- •Non-toxic shot required in wetland areas
- •Check Fish & Game NZ for current season dates before each trip
Rabbits & Hares
Year-roundSmall GameSeason
Year-round
Prime Time
Year-round
Permit Type
DOC Small Game Hunting Permit
Regions
Special Conditions
Can be hunted with .22 rimfire or shotguns. Check specific area rules for permitted calibres.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit
- •Firearms licence required
- •Check area-specific rules for permitted calibres
- •Small game permit required on public conservation land
Possums
Year-roundSmall GameSeason
Year-round (nocturnal — best hunted at night)
Prime Time
Year-round (night)
Permit Type
DOC Open Area Hunting Permit
Regions
Special Conditions
Conservation pest — hunting encouraged. Always check DOC's pesticide summary for 1080 operations before hunting an area.
Key Regulations
- •No statutory close season on public conservation land
- •No bag limit
- •Firearms licence required
- •Check DOC pesticide summary for 1080 operations before hunting
- •Spotlighting rules vary by area — check local DOC office
Disclaimer: This reference is a guide only and is reviewed regularly, but hunting regulations, season dates, and permit requirements can change. Always verify the current requirements on the official DOC website before each trip. This page does not constitute legal advice.