Hunting & Fishing

Hunting
The Department of Conservation maintains a selection of hunting grounds around the Ruapehu and Tongariro regions including Tongariro National Park, Whanganui National Park, Kaimanawa Forest Park, Erua Forest and Lake Taupo Lakeshore Reserve. Many of these are less than an hour’s drive from Ohakune and the high number of logging tracks in the area make this one of the most accessible regions for landing large trophy animals in the North Island.

Herds of wild deer, pigs and goats can be found across the region and the Kaimanawa Forest Park is home to the only wild herd of sika deer in the southern hemisphere. Ducks and geese can be found concentrated around the Waimarino area and pheasant and quail can be found in the coastal areas around Whanganui, around an hour and a half from Ohakune.

A permit is required by anyone using a rifle or bow to hunt on land managed by the Department of Conservation. Permits are free and can be obtained online or from the Department of Conservation's Taupo-nui-a-Tia or Ruapehu area offices. For the restricted areas of Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserves, Pukepoto Ecological Area and Waituhi/Kuratau Scenic Reserve permits must be obtained from the area offices as these are not available online. Hunters are allowed to take hunting dogs (under permit) into selected reserves but must observe DOC rules. Details of permits and regulations as well as more information on hunting in the Ohakune region can be found on the DOC website.

Fishing
The clear lakes and rivers that surround Ohakune offer the ideal conditions for even the most beginner of angler. The region boasts some of the top trout fishing in New Zealand and this, combined with the excellent fishing conditions and variety of environments make it a world class angling destination.

For those who enjoy the action of the bigger rivers, the Tongariro and Manganuioteao Rivers are both just 45 minutes’ drive from Ohakune. There are plenty of opportunities for both fly and spin fishing on these rivers with trout of up to 2kg in weight not uncommom.

The lesser known areas of Taonui and Mangawhero Rivers, both within easy reach of Ohakune, have high numbers of fish and are not overcrowded with other anglers, as some of the bigger rivers tend to be.

Salmon, brown and rainbow trout are all common in the region and the clear streams with their origins high up on the alpine slopes give visibility of 10-15 metres, perfect for sight fishing.

For those seeking the ultimate angling experience, guides can be hired to take you out to the wilderness streams and lakes.