Balloted Wetlands Gate Restrictions 2025 Hunting Season

Hunters entering the below and other Fish & Game managed wetlands require both a game bird hunting licence and a hunting permit issued by Fish & Game/ DOC. Ballot holders have exclusive use of their stand for opening weekend, and the following two weeks concluding Sunday 18^th  May. Thereafter any permitted hunter may access the wetland to hunt. Access is via vehicle (where authorised), quad / mule, or by walking. All game bird hunting in balloted wetlands ceases 6.15pm Sunday 15th June 2025.

Awaiti

The main gate and the wetland eastern access gate on Turners (previously Looney’s) driveway beside Greig Road will be unlocked from 7.00am Thursday 1^st May – these two gate will be relocked at the conclusion of the exclusive ballot holder period from 7.00pm Sunday 18^1h May. Quad / mule gate will be open for mallard season. The main gate only will be unlocked for the last weekend of the mallard season, plus two extra days for the recovery of gear – open from 7.00pm Friday 13^th June and closed 7.00pm Tuesday 17th June. The western wetland access gate on Turners (previously Looney’s) driveway down beside the cowshed will be locked at all times.

Awakaponga

Gate locked all season, walking access only

Kaituna

The two main car park gates and the western access gate will be unlocked from 7.00am Thursday 1^st May – the two main gates and western access gate will be relocked at the conclusion of the exclusive ballot holder period from 7.00pm Sunday 18^th May. Signage will show ‘no vehicle access tracks’ and ‘designated parking areas’ – please comply! Quad / mule gates will be open for the mallard hunting season only. The main gates and western access gate will be unlocked for the last weekend of the mallard season, plus two extra days for the recovery of gear – open from 7.00pm Friday 13^th June and closed 7.00pm Tuesday 17^th June.

** For those balloted hunters having physical difficulty accessing their maimai during the period when gates are closed, should contact the office to discuss options.

Lake Tamurenui

Main access track gate will be unlocked from 7.00am Thursday 1^st May – gate relocked 7.00pm Tuesday 6^th May . The mountain bike track will be closed to bikers from 22^nd  April and reopened 16th  June.

Ohaaki

Main gate unlocked from 7.00am Thursday 1^st May – main gate relocked 7.00pm Tuesday 6^th  May.

Orotu

Main road gate is to be locked at all times. Vehicle access keys may be obtained by contacting the landowner as shown in the reserve access details.

Thornton

Main access gate will be unlocked from 7.00am Thursday 1^st May – main access gate will be relocked 7.00pm Wednesday 17^th June.

All other managed wetland reserves have vehicle access for the duration of the mallard hunting season (3rd May – 2^rd June). However please note that some require landowner consultation as per reserve access details. Where possible it is preferable that vehicles are parked outside the reserve and walking access is taken to reduce disturbance.