--- title: "New Zealand Hunting Ballot and Permit Calendar " date: "2025-09-24" author: "Bushbuck Team" category: "How-Tos" tags: [how-tos] image: "https://images.ctfassets.net/vqzddtz845zg/4WF34L93VTwfU2prSoWseY/2d2aaf670d88a4b1e801180f9f730319/IMG_0231.jpg" --- # New Zealand Hunting Ballot and Permit Calendar **By Bushbuck Team — September 24, 2025** **Category:** How-Tos | **Tags:** how-tos --- ## 📖 Overview When it comes to planning a year of hunting in New Zealand, the calendar isn’t just about the Roar or the rut. For many hunters, the key dates are when the ballots and permits open. These systems give you access to some of the country’s best hunting blocks – from Fiordland’s legendary wapiti to fallow in the Blue Mountains – but only if you’re organised enough to apply on time. This guide walks you through the ballot system, why it matters, and what you need to know to plan your hunting adventures for the year ahead. --- ## Understanding the Hunting Ballot System In New Zealand, many prime hunting blocks are managed through a **ballot system**. Rather than a free-for-all, hunters apply for access to specific areas during set periods. - **Application windows** open months before the hunting season. - **Names are drawn at random**, allocating successful hunters to specific blocks or weeks. - **Permits are non-transferable** – you can’t swap or sell them. This system ensures fair access, manages hunting pressure, and helps maintain healthy game populations. It’s your ticket into otherwise restricted blocks where animal numbers are higher, trophy potential is better, and the wilderness experience is unbeatable. ### ### Why Hunt Ballot and Permit Blocks? Hunting ballot areas isn’t just about exclusivity – it’s about opportunity. - **Less pressure, more animals** – With limited hunters allowed in each block, animals are less wary, giving you a better shot at success. - **Access to trophy genetics** – Fiordland wapiti, Woodhill fallow, and Blue Mountains fallow are renowned for quality heads. - **Pristine wilderness** – From remote valleys in Southland to alpine tahr country in the Southern Alps, ballot hunting puts you in landscapes that feel untouched. - **Memorable experiences** – For many Kiwi hunters, drawing a ballot is a rite of passage. The anticipation, planning, and adventure make it special. ### ### Hunting Without a Permit: What You Need to Know Skipping the ballot or sneaking into restricted blocks isn’t just frowned upon – it’s illegal. - **DOC and forestry operators patrol these areas**. If you’re caught without a permit, you can face hefty fines, loss of hunting privileges, and even prosecution. - **Safety risks** – Ballots ensure only a set number of hunters are in each area at once. Without it, overcrowding could lead to dangerous situations. - **Conservation impact** – These systems exist to balance hunting with protecting ecosystems. Ignoring them puts both game and habitat at risk. Bottom line: play by the rules, and you’ll protect both your own hunting future and that of the generations to come. --- ## NZ Hunting Ballot and Permit Calendar Here’s a snapshot of the major ballots and permits throughout the year. Mark your diary and get your applications in early. *Note: This information has been compiled from various sources and is subject to change. Make sure to check the latest information via the links provided. * **Ballot / Permit** **Application Period** **Area / Operator** **Target Species (General)** **Link** DoC Open Area Anytime DOC-managed lands Various game per region [Apply here](https://huntingpermits.doc.govt.nz/) GWRC Permits (Wellington) Anytime Wellington regional parks Local game species [Apply here](https://www.gw.govt.nz/parks/permit-applications/) Big Hill Jun 1 – Aug 31 Ruahine Forest Park Red and fallow deer [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/manawatu-whanganui/places/ruahine-forest-park/access-to-no-mans-road-via-big-hill-station/) Greenstone/Caples (Apr–May) Nov 1 – Nov 30 Otago (Greenstone/Caples RHA) Red deer, fallow deer, chamois, small game [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/where-to-hunt/otago/greenstone-caples-recreational-hunting-area-rha/permits/) Greenstone/Caples (Jun–Sept) Feb 1 – Feb 28 Otago (Greenstone/Caples RHA) Same as above [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/where-to-hunt/otago/greenstone-caples-recreational-hunting-area-rha/permits/) Fiordland Wapiti Oct 1 – Nov 30 Fiordland Wapiti (elk) [Apply here](https://fwf.net.nz/ballot/) Woodhill Fallow Mar 10 – Apr 19 Woodhill (South Kaipara) Fallow deer [Apply here](https://www.fallowdeer.co.nz/) Hooker–Landsborough & Adams Winter Tahr Oct 5 – Oct 29 West Coast / Southern Alps Tahr (winter helicopter access) [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/what-to-hunt/tahr/hunting-seasons/hooker-landsborough-and-adams-tahr-ballot/) Wellington Ballots (East Harbour & Wainuiomata) Feb 1 – Feb 28 Wellington region Red stags [Apply here](https://www.gw.govt.nz/parks/permit-applications/) Haast Roar Block Aug 30 – Sep 23 Haast Red deer [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/what-to-hunt/deer/red-deer/haast-roar-block-system/) Wānaka Roar Block Oct 1 – Nov 4 Wānaka Red deer [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/what-to-hunt/deer/red-deer/wanaka-roar-block-system/) Molesworth Roar From Oct 1 (TBC) Marlborough (Molesworth) Red deer [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/what-to-hunt/deer/red-deer/molesworth-roar-block-system/) Waianakarua Roar Oct 1 – Nov 20 Otago (Coastal, Waianakarua) Red deer, pigs, feral sheep [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/where-to-hunt/otago/coastal-otago-north-of-the-catlins-hunting/where-to-hunt/waianakarua/) Waikaia Roar Block Closes Oct 31 Southland (Waikaia Forest) Red deer [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/where-to-hunt/southland/southland-restricted-hunting/where-to-hunt/waikaia-forest-conservation-area/) Leithen Bush Roar Varies (Roar ballot) Southland (Leithen Bush) Red deer [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/where-to-hunt/southland/southland-restricted-hunting/where-to-hunt/leithen-bush-scenic-reserve/) Blue Mountains Forest Conservation Area Monthly Feb – Nov Southland (Blue Mountains) Fallow deer, pigs [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/where-to-hunt/southland/southland-restricted-hunting/where-to-hunt/blue-mountains-forest-conservation-area/) Catlins–Maclennan Roar Block Varies (Roar ballot) Southland (Catlins–Maclennan) Red deer [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/where-to-hunt/otago/catlins-hunting/where-to-hunt/catlins-maclennan/) Timberlands Forestry Varies Timberlands forests Sambar deer [Apply here](https://www.tll.co.nz/recreational_access_permits) Raikoura (Stewart Island) Varies Private blocks, Stewart Island White-tailed deer [Apply here](https://www.rmlt.co.nz/hunting) Stewart Island DoC Blocks Varies DOC blocks, Stewart Island White-tailed deer [Apply here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/where-to-hunt/southland/stewart-island-rakiura-hunting/how-to-book-hunting-blocks/) Te Urewera Varies Te Urewera region Red deer, pigs, mixed game [Apply here](https://www.ngaituhoe.iwi.nz/permission_for_hunting) Blue Mountain Forest (Ernslaw Forestry areas) Varies Ernslaw Forestry Red & fallow deer (when open) [Apply here](https://ernslawone.herokuapp.com/) PanPac Forestry Contact directly PanPac forests Forestry-area species [Apply here](https://www.panpac.co.nz/contact/) ### ### Tips for Planning Your Year of Hunting - **Set reminders** – Put ballot opening dates in your calendar so you don’t miss out. - **Apply early** – Some ballots close fast; don’t leave it to the last day. - **Have backup plans** – Apply for multiple ballots to increase your chances. - **Gear up for conditions** – Alpine tahr hunts and Stewart Island block trips require different kit. Plan well in advance. ## Lock In Your Hunting Year  Ballots and permits might feel like admin, but they’re the key to unlocking some of the best hunting New Zealand has to offer. By planning ahead, applying on time, and respecting the system, you’ll give yourself the best shot at a successful year in the bush.  --- ## Related Articles - *[How to Get Roar Ready: 10 Tips for Safety & Success This Roar Season](/blogs/campfire-chats/how-to-get-roar-ready-10-tips-for-safety-and-success-this-roar-season)* - *[5 Tips for Winter Hunting in New Zealand](/blogs/campfire-chats/5-tips-for-winter-hunting-in-new-zealand)* - *[A Guide to Hunting in Fiordland New Zealand](/blogs/campfire-chats/a-guide-to-hunting-in-fiordland-new-zealand)* - *[12 Best Hunting Tips for Beginners](/blogs/campfire-chats/12-best-hunting-tips-for-beginners)* - *[A Guide to Hunting Stags in New Zealand](/blogs/campfire-chats/a-guide-to-hunting-stags-in-new-zealand)* - *[Roar Stories: Solo Packrafting Hunt in Fiordland](/blogs/campfire-chats/roar-stories-solo-packrafting-hunt-in-fiordland)* ---