Commerical forests are multi-hazard working sites, therefore anyone wishing to access forest estate managed by TIMBERLANDS Limited, for hunting or fishing, must obtain and carry a valid Recreational Access Permit, photo ID and abide by the  General Forest Access Rules & Safety Behaviour for Recreational Permit Holders. This ensures TIMBERLANDS Limited can provide information on hazards and other access conditions. See link to Forest Access & Closures page.

Recreational access applies between the hours of 6am to 6pm weekend and public holidays only. It is also subject to safety, weather and fire conditions. HUNTING access is available in Kaingaroa and Rotoehu forests only. FISHING access is available to the water bodies only in Kaingaroa Forest (i.e: Rangitaiki River, Flaxy Lake Wheao River) and to Lake Rotomahana through Waimangu Forest. 

How to obtain a Recreational Access Permit

Please click here to begin your Recreational Forest Access Permit application.

There are 3 steps to obtaining your permit:

Step 1: Health & Safety Induction

Step 2: Online Quiz

Step 3: Application

Permit applicants may need to provide FIRST Security with the following information if applicable:

  • Driver's License
  • Vehicle details including proof of Warrant of Fitness and Vehicle Registration
  • Firearms License
  • Fishing or Game Bird License
  • $50 Permit Registration Fee (not required by Verified Land Owners). Refer to the  Registration Fee Update Notice for further information.
  • Land Owners not already verified, please click here:  Land Owner Registration Form (for Iwi affiliated land owners only).

All permits will be posted to applicants.

If you have any queries regarding this process please contact:

FIRST Security Rotorua (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)
Phone: 07 347 0297
Email: timberlands.permits@firstsecurity.co.nz

Please Note:

  • Anyone can apply for a recreational permit unless you have been trespassed or in a receipt of a warning from TIMBERLANDS Limited.
  • Due to safety and commercial reasons, permits are not issued to the general public for firewood.
  • When the fire danger (BUI) exceeds 15 (MODERATE Fire Danger Level - see Fire Danger Levels here), all forests may be closed to Recreational users.
  • Hunting and fishing is NOT permitted at any time in CLOSED or OPERATIONAL areas or where 1080 has been applied. Refer to the Forest Access & Closures page.
  • Access without a valid permit will result in a trespass notice.

 

Back to Top