Hi Team,
Our next NZDA Auckland Branch Party Hunt is confirmed for Friday 28 – Sunday 30 August 2026 in the Pureoras, with the option to arrive early or stay on later if it suits your plans.
Pureora Forest Park is an easily accessible hunting area, offering a mix of mature podocarp forest, regenerating bush, open faces, and old skid sites that should hold animals. The terrain varies from easy walking on old logging tracks and the Timber Trail, through to steeper bush faces and tight gullies that reward patient hunters. Pureora is a shared‑use environment, with mountain bikers, trampers, and other hunters often present, so good etiquette and clear target identification are essential. Species in the area include red deer, with the chance of pigs and goats also.
Two long‑time club stalwarts, Mike Morse and Dave Nicol, have generously offered to lead hunts for this trip, so we’ll be splitting into two groups. Final numbers are still TBC, but we’re planning for around 15 people.
Mike’s group will be based around Piropiro Campsite, accessed via Highway 30 through Te Kuiti, then Waimiha Rd, Ongarue Stream Rd, and Kokomiko Rd.
Dave’s group will head into the northern Pureora’s (Okahukura Loop – TBC). This area is 4WD access only (expect a few scratches) and is a great spot to bring a quad or trail bike if you have one.
Both locations are road‑end hunts. Plan to sleep in your vehicle or bring a tent. It will be cold, so pack warm gear, and if you can throw a sack of firewood in the truck, even better.
We’ll do our best to place people according to preference, but no promises.
Get your name in the ballot. We’ll draw attendees on 22 July, and aim to have confirmed groups sorted by 28 July.
Kind regards,
NZDA Auckland Committee
