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BAY OF PLENTY
Special Feature: Localised
herds of red, fallow, sambar and rusa deer
The broad Bay of Plenty basin embraces a surprising variety of
seascapes, landforms, flora and fauna.
A narrow coastal farm belt separates golden summer holiday beach
resorts from the impressive backdrop of the bush clad Kaimai
Ranges and Te Urewera National Park. The park terrain is rugged
and the hunting tracks are steep, but the close proximity to the
sea and low altitude means that the climate is very mild by
mountain standards.
Red deer are relatively common throughout the region, with
moderate densities in the Whakatane, Waimana, Whirinaki and
Rangitaiki river catchments of the Ureweras. Fallow deer are
present in low numbers along the Oropi-Otawa Range inland from Te
Puke. This narrow strip of forest has complex land tenures
adjoining it, and is sufficiently rugged to be compass country,
but persistent effort can be well rewarded.
The Rotorua lakes region is an interesting and productive hunting
area. Sambar deer territory extends from Mt Tarawera to the
Galatea slopes of the Ureweras. A small herd at Lake Rerewhakaitu
has spread through the northern fringe of the Kaingaroa Forest as
far as Mt Edgecumbe, and produces a few good trophies each year.
The rusa deer range overlaps the sambar territory in the
Kaingaroa exotic pine plantations and Galatea Plains. The main
concentration of rusa is in the Ikawhenua Range between the
Horomanga and Waiohau rivers. The best hunting period is during
the rusa roar in August.
Wild pigs are present throughout the Bay of Plenty in scattered
pockets in the Kaimai, Oropi, Whirinaki and Urewera forest areas.
Goats are common in most areas despite periodic attempts at
extermination.
Ducks are common throughout the Bay of Plenty, particularly on
the 14 Rotorua Lakes and Tauranga harbour. Pheasants, California
quail and brown quail are widely spread and the production
forests offer some of the best upland game hunting in New
Zealand.
Guided hunting with helicopter fly-ins to the Kawekas and
Ureweras is available from Murupara. Guided deerstalking and pig
hunting services are based in Opotiki. Sika hunting in the
Kaimanawas and Ureweras can be arranged in Rotorua and Te Puke.
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