Hunting Regulations

Game bird Hunting Regulations and Guides are updated annually.

Please be aware at all times of local and national regulations to ensure the safety of others and the sustainability of game bird Hunting.

Click here for the latest regulations

Central South Island Fish & Game Region

csi map

Public Lands

Many of Central South Island’s larger river beds and lakes are public lands. It is still important to advise the adjoining landowner when you wish to hunt these areas. This common courtesy often results in the farmer providing useful information and better access.

Balloted Stands

Depending on water levels, the council has between 13 and 16 stands available for hunting the opening weekend on wetlands it owns or manages. These are balloted annually and invitations to apply are advertised in local papers in late February or early March. The stands are located at: Ealing Springs near Rangitata, Wainono Wetland near Waimate and Devils Bridge Wetland and All Day Bay Lagoon near Oamaru. For more information about applying for the ballots email: csi@fishandgame.org.nz.

Northern Regional Boundary

The Rakaia River bed is not within the Central South Island Fish & Game (CSIFG) Region. The northern boundary of the region adjacent to the Rakaia River extends along Acton Road, Rakaia Barrhill Methven Road and Rakaia River Road.

Rangitata Diversion Race

Hunting along the Rangitata Diversion Race is possible but strictly with permission from RDR Management Ltd (ph 03 3080828) and the adjoining landowners.

Lake Wainono and Wainono Wetlands

Lake Wainono is near the township of Waimate and some 35 km south of Timaru. Adjacent to the coastal shingle beach barrier, the lake at its normal water level (1m above sea level) covers about 350 hectares. The beach barrier, lake, and surrounding wetlands provide habitat for some 57 different bird species, many resident and others migratory.

Lake Wainono is a ‘Conservation Area’ managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Hunting is permitted and a permit to carry a firearm is required. This can be obtained free of charge from the DOC Raukapuka Field Centre in Geraldine, ph (03) 6931010.

Within the Wainono Wetlands area, six to nine hunting stands are balloted each year depending on water levels. There is no ballot system for the lake and many of the existing stands are reserved for traditional hunters. Other than possibly during opening weekend, there is still plenty of opportunity for visiting hunters.

Access to the lake and wetland:

North side – via Hook Beach Road and then a 4WD track along the beach
Middle – via Wainono Lake Road; a track opposite Waimate turnoff on SH1
South side – via Foleys Road and then Poindestres Road over the Dead Arm Bridge to the beach and then a walking track along the beach past Maori Lake and the Wainono wetlands.

All Day Bay Lagoon

This small coastal lagoon, 11 ha in area, is located 15 km south of Oamaru on the Kakanui-Waianakarua coastal road. The area was purchased by CSI Fish and Game in 1989. Planting of vegetation, and the construction of a low level weir to maintain a stable water level, has secured the lake as a wetland habitat for both waterfowl and wading birds. The lagoon and its bird life are readily observed from the road. Visits from the occasional White Heron or Royal Spoonbill are not uncommon which add to the scenic attraction of the area. All Day Bay Lagoon is also protected by a QE II National Trust Open Space Covenant. Three hunting stands are balloted annually by CSI Fish and Game.

Devil's Bridge Wetland

Owned by the Meikle Family Trust, this 15 ha lake and associated wetland is situated on Devil’s Bridge Road some 6 km north west of Oamaru. By agreement between the owner and CSI Fish and Game, the area is managed by the Devil’s Bridge Management Committee. Three stands are balloted each year by CSI Fish and Game. Should you wish to hunt at the wetland, phone Aaron on 0274 989703.

Mid Summer Duck Season

In February 2005, a two-weekend summer duck hunting season was trialed, on condition that it was monitored to ensure there was no adverse impact on the traditional May duck season opening before it was to be considered for more permanent application. The season is now well established and provides opportunities to hunt mallards and paradise shelduck that congregate around grain and green feed crops in February.

Chukar hunting permit information

Chukar hunting within the Central South Island Region is by permit only, in additional to holding a valid game bird hunting licence. Permits can be obtained by contacting Fish & Game Officer Hamish Stevens on (03) 615 8400 or alternatively emailing hstevens@fishandgame.org.nz.

The permit is free and takes the form of a diary where hunters are asked to record hunting activity within the CSI region. The diary gives Fish and Game the opportunity to assess observation of Chukar abundance and habits which would otherwise be an unfeasible to monitor by undertaking traditional population surveys.

All permit holders receive a summary report of Chukar hunting activity at the conclusion of the hunting season.

On or near Public Land

When hunting on or near public land be aware of two relevant sections of the Arms Act 1983. Section 45 states “Every person commits an offence who, except for some lawful, proper, and sufficient purpose carries; or is in possession of…any firearm.” And “…the burden of proving the existence of some lawful, proper, and sufficient purpose shall lie on the defendant.

” Section 48 states “Every person commits an offence … who, without reasonable cause, discharges a firearm … in or near (a) a dwelling house;

Or (b) a public place, - so as to endanger property or to endanger, annoy, or frighten, any person.

The message is clear – be careful and considerate around other people and their property.