Where to hunt when wanting to consistently fill a LARGE Meat locker/freeza from Auck?

I realise these questions get asked a lot, so did a search and found some good info, but would like some personal help from ya'll if thats ok.

Im hoping to retire in the deep south for its hunting and quality underwater gathering. Until then, Im stuck working in Auckland.

Living in Auckland, havnt been hunting NZ for 25 years. Not asking for X spots. Just what would be the most productive public property areas close to Auckland that would consistently produce deer? I have a large family and am not fond of factory farming, so prefer to eat wild meats. I do enjoy red deer but will eat anything (almost). I also spearfish so hunt under water a lot. I got most of my hunting gear sorted, due to doing a lot of hiking overseas and the occasional hunt, but will need top layer Camos and a new pack and meat bags, and a solid rifle, have already been looking into that side of things but any good quality budget options appreciated ( when it all adds up it is not cheap but at same time being cheap just buys rubbish)

Will probably join a club here in the not too distant future. Any tips on finding like minded hunting buddies? (it takes all sorts in this world, Im more of a Commerce guy by day, hunter by weekend and appreciate the company of fairly cultured sorts, but at same time am not a snob, hope that makes sense) But any tips on the better public blocks that hold good numbers close enough to Auckland to get my juices up watching some videos would be appreciated. I was thinking Kaimanawa's but if there are more productive areas within 3 hours of there Id rather go where my chances are higher. I tend not to be a hunter for sport but one for a means of protein source, I do enjoy meat, Ive tried not to, but honestly, that is cruelty to me haha.

I also eat smaller game like Rabbits, eaten possum but not so keen. Are there any public blocks Taupo upward I can go to plink a few furry stew stockings?

Kaimais,pureora,kaimanawas,as usual you need to spend time in the bush finding the areas that hold deer,no ones going to tell you where the best spots are you have to do the legwork yourself ,something we used to do before the internet was invented.

Your username would suggest that you are not unfamiliar with goats. If you really just want to fill the freezer, I would target them to begin with, there's nothing wrong with the meat from young animals. I can't help with location, I struggle to find goats in the deerless north.

There is a place in the Kaimanawas at the end of a track that runs from a car park to a clearing.
From the clearing you go up into the bush,sidle along for a while with the wind in your face.
I shot a nice Sika beside a big Tree above a river.
To get home you reverse the steps in the first sentence.

Happy to help!

Like said above time you drive half a dozen times to a block and come home empty handed you might be better paying for a meat hunt.

Joined in 2018 and this is your first post?

I have a few spots but i dont think im cultured enough for ya.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dyls

I have a few spots but i dont think im cultured enough for ya.

---

Ouch...

If such a place existed people would be all over it, I know I would that would be a luxury. If you want a consistent stream of venison you may have to go private or even just pay someone to access meat animals. Goats and rabbits should be easier to find as meat animals on private land, and the occasional deer if you are successful on public land.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dyls

I have a few spots but i dont think im cultured enough for ya.

---

I don’t think goathead is asking for spots, just which general public hunting area has good animal numbers to live near for him to explore himself.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by norsk

There is a place in the Kaimanawas at the end of a track that runs from a car park to a clearing.
From the clearing you go up into the bush,sidle along for a while with the wind in your face.
I shot a nice Sika beside a big Tree above a river.
To get home you reverse the steps in the first sentence.

Happy to help!

---

Great spot that.:thumbsup:

Well I will be of no help no man ban don’t own any pointy shoes but I do have plenty of socially unacceptable tattoos on the bright side I don’t drink alcohol or smoke another flaw I also hunt with dogs and I do have a 270 but it might be all right because it’s a wsm so could be cultured enough no but wait I left school with no qualifications so definitely can’t help

Kaimais, Kaimanawas are about the 2 closest spots. If your not that fit, then kaimais isnt for you. Normally involves some climbing/crawling before you get to good hunting areas.

But seriously. The King Country has loads of goats. On private land though so you would need to do some door knocking.
As far as Deer are concerned if you have to ask then you probably aren't skilled enough. Put in the hard yards though and you will eventually have regular success. Pureora, Kaimais and Te Urewera are worth a look. Just don't expect to shoot something first trip.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Chur Bay

But seriously. The King Country has loads of goats. On private land though so you would need to do some door knocking.
As far as Deer are concerned if you have to ask then you probably aren't skilled enough. Put in the hard yards though and you will eventually have regular success. Pureora, Kaimais and Te Urewera are worth a look. Just don't expect to shoot something first trip.

---

Actually what are the general rules behind door knocking etiquette? Like what times of the day, how to approach with the topic of hunting, and what to offer, etc. the closest I’ve been comfortable with door knocking is asking friends at work if they know someone with farmland. Been too nervous to actually randomly drive up someone’s driveway and ask a stranger if they have animals I can shoot. hunting native public land is a lot more fun and challenging for the sport side of things but sometimes it’s nice to just get meat from a friends house and offer some drinks or other treats as thanks.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sometimes1

Well I will be of no help no man ban don’t own any pointy shoes but I do have plenty of socially unacceptable tattoos on the bright side I don’t drink alcohol or smoke another flaw I also hunt with dogs and I do have a 270 but it might be all right because it’s a wsm so could be cultured enough no but wait I left school with no qualifications so definitely can’t help

---

dont sell yourself short kyle i have conversed with you and found you very cultured .....and dont even question the cuisine .but then i guess im just a panelbeater and you used to be but had the sense to leave the trade

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GoatHead

I realise these questions get asked a lot, so did a search and found some good info, but would like some personal help from ya'll if thats ok.

Im hoping to retire in the deep south for its hunting and quality underwater gathering. Until then, Im stuck working in Auckland.

Living in Auckland, havnt been hunting NZ for 25 years. Not asking for X spots. Just what would be the most productive public property areas close to Auckland that would consistently produce deer? I have a large family and am not fond of factory farming, so prefer to eat wild meats. I do enjoy red deer but will eat anything (almost). I also spearfish so hunt under water a lot. I got most of my hunting gear sorted, due to doing a lot of hiking overseas and the occasional hunt, but will need top layer Camos and a new pack and meat bags, and a solid rifle, have already been looking into that side of things but any good quality budget options appreciated ( when it all adds up it is not cheap but at same time being cheap just buys rubbish)

Will probably join a club here in the not too distant future. Any tips on finding like minded hunting buddies? (it takes all sorts in this world, Im more of a Commerce guy by day, hunter by weekend and appreciate the company of fairly cultured sorts, but at same time am not a snob, hope that makes sense) But any tips on the better public blocks that hold good numbers close enough to Auckland to get my juices up watching some videos would be appreciated. I was thinking Kaimanawa's but if there are more productive areas within 3 hours of there Id rather go where my chances are higher. I tend not to be a hunter for sport but one for a means of protein source, I do enjoy meat, Ive tried not to, but honestly, that is cruelty to me haha.

I also eat smaller game like Rabbits, eaten possum but not so keen. Are there any public blocks Taupo upward I can go to plink a few furry stew stockings?

---

I've got a few reliable deer spots, but I'm just an uncultured oik, so I'd be too awestruck to deign to converse with you, so I'll just keep them to myself. Just off out to the garage and chill out by looking in my big chest freezer and figure out how to fit the next one in. Be hard work dragging my knuckles on the way, but I'll manage, us oiks have a higher pain threshold than the upper classes.....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dyls

I have a few spots but i dont think im cultured enough for ya.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sometimes1

Well I will be of no help no man ban don’t own any pointy shoes but I do have plenty of socially unacceptable tattoos on the bright side I don’t drink alcohol or smoke another flaw I also hunt with dogs and I do have a 270 but it might be all right because it’s a wsm so could be cultured enough no but wait I left school with no qualifications so definitely can’t help

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

I've got a few reliable deer spots, but I'm just an uncultured oik, so I'd be too awestruck to deign to converse with you, so I'll just keep them to myself. Just off out to the garage and chill out by looking in my big chest freezer and figure out how to fit the next one in. Be hard work dragging my knuckles on the way, but I'll manage, us oiks have a higher pain threshold than the upper classes.....

---

Yeah ok...enough of the cynical sarcasm.
For some reason, a lot of you guys hit low number/first-time posters pretty hard.
No wonder this forum has only about 30 active members...many others get scared away.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hermitage

Yeah ok...enough of the cynical sarcasm.
For some reason, a lot of you guys hit low number/first-time posters pretty hard.
No wonder this forum has only about 30 active members...many others get scared away.

---

When they post up dumbarse crap they deserve it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JessicaChen

I don’t think goathead is asking for spots, just which general public hunting area has good animal numbers to live near for him to explore himself.

---

Some people read the post.... Its always the way, on any hunting/spearing forum, you ask for GENERAL areas that are best for your location and you get people acting pissy like you asking for their mums secret sauce.

But yes Jess that is exactly all Im asking for, and thank you to those that answered it.

I also really like the idea of these meat hunts, not something Ive had to resort to before but that will take the pressure of when I want to hunt for fun if the family is fed. They getting a bit sick of fish ;-p.

One form of hunting, more from a sporting perspective, Id like to get into is deer hunting in the push with indicator/pointing dog. The Mrs has OKd me building a Kennel so I can detach the pup from the house until old enough. Just not sure what breed yet. Ive read the NZ pointer dogs, which I presume is a mix breed, are less high maintenance to something like a German pointer. Either way I think dogs need exercise daily anyway. Id like to hunt scopeless and Im wondering if a 22 or 223 is suitable given the very close up hunting Im intending to do. It would also make a good gun for plinking bunnies.

Yep all good with Goat, I make a mean curry with it.

Not sure if there is any public land with rabbits, given they tend to like open pasture fields. So not sure who to approach to get some bun fun happening.

As for Cultured sorts, bit salty there, the sarcasm was lost, my apologies.

What I meant in honesty is more around how to find good sorts, ie people with morals that arent going to swiipe your new GPS you just spent ages saving for. I guess its just a case of joining a club and word of mouth who is a good sort to go hunting with?

Sounds like I was on the right track for good spots, especially using dogs. But will definitely look into these meat hunts.

I was planning on a 308 150 or maybe even 200 grain, and a 222 50 grain set of rifles, although if I end up getting enough meat hunting in the bush, the 223 might be good enough for both. Im not sure on optics or not though, I think bush bashing clearly no optics a gun stays true, but it might be a good idea to start with a small one?

Are there some good dog threads on here? That might be a good place for me to get started.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JessicaChen

Actually what are the general rules behind door knocking etiquette? Like what times of the day, how to approach with the topic of hunting, and what to offer, etc. the closest I’ve been comfortable with door knocking is asking friends at work if they know someone with farmland. Been too nervous to actually randomly drive up someone’s driveway and ask a stranger if they have animals I can shoot. hunting native public land is a lot more fun and challenging for the sport side of things but sometimes it’s nice to just get meat from a friends house and offer some drinks or other treats as thanks.

---

That's an incredibly good question. As a land owner with a sporadic deer problem I hate to say I would probably still say 'no' straight away to any unknown person seeking hunting rights. There are so many possible things that could go wrong with unknown shooters on private land, and there are liability issue for landowners that need to be taken seriously, as well as issues over liability if something goes wrong with neighbours.

I have found it is very difficult to guage how reliable someone might be untill I see them handling firearms. People who appear highly credible might be incredibly negligent with firearms, and I know some rough looking buggers most people would not trust to look after their spare change who are the most sensible, safe and reliable people around. In my case I don't let anyone shoot here without observing them shooting first.

You're probably on the right track seeking hunting farmland through a mutual friend.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hermitage

Yeah ok...enough of the cynical sarcasm.
For some reason, a lot of you guys hit low number/first-time posters pretty hard.
No wonder this forum has only about 30 active members...many others get scared away.

---

Its ok man, people just read titles and jump to conclusions, it happens on every forum. You get people who wanna help and you get people on forums who want to point out how dumb other people are or correct other peoples honest mistakes and thats all they will ever contribute to a forum. But thanks. Ive read between the replies and gotten some genuine help. :-)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GoatHead

Some people read the post.... Its always the way, on any hunting/spearing forum, you ask for GENERAL areas that are best for your location and you get people acting pissy like you asking for their mums secret sauce.

But yes Jess that is exactly all Im asking for, and thank you to those that answered it.

I also really like the idea of these meat hunts, not something Ive had to resort to before but that will take the pressure of when I want to hunt for fun if the family is fed. They getting a bit sick of fish ;-p.

One form of hunting, more from a sporting perspective, Id like to get into is deer hunting in the push with indicator/pointing dog. The Mrs has OKd me building a Kennel so I can detach the pup from the house until old enough. Just not sure what breed yet. Ive read the NZ pointer dogs, which I presume is a mix breed, are less high maintenance to something like a German pointer. Either way I think dogs need exercise daily anyway. Id like to hunt scopeless and Im wondering if a 22 or 223 is suitable given the very close up hunting Im intending to do. It would also make a good gun for plinking bunnies.

Yep all good with Goat, I make a mean curry with it.

Not sure if there is any public land with rabbits, given they tend to like open pasture fields. So not sure who to approach to get some bun fun happening.

As for Cultured sorts, bit salty there, the sarcasm was lost, my apologies.

What I meant in honesty is more around how to find good sorts, ie people with morals that arent going to swiipe your new GPS you just spent ages saving for. I guess its just a case of joining a club and word of mouth who is a good sort to go hunting with?

Sounds like I was on the right track for good spots, especially using dogs. But will definitely look into these meat hunts.

I was planning on a 308 150 or maybe even 200 grain, and a 222 50 grain set of rifles, although if I end up getting enough meat hunting in the bush, the 223 might be good enough for both. Im not sure on optics or not though, I think bush bashing clearly no optics a gun stays true, but it might be a good idea to start with a small one?

Are there some good dog threads on here? That might be a good place for me to get started.

---

Join your local deer stalkers association. Get up the front smartly and introduce yourself and tell what you want to the meeting. Build relationships with people who can make their assessment via eyeball Mk1. Earn it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ben Waimata

There are so many possible things that could go wrong with unknown shooters on private land, and there are liability issue for landowners that need to be taken seriously, as well as issues over liability if something goes wrong with neighbours.

---

Nobody would blame you either. Im presuming word of mouth is how you get people on yours?

I found overseas liability was the main reason people were not so keen, even on well presented people of mutual friends. Im not sure how it runs in NZ, but being a business does a farm have liability for anybody on the property or only if they are working for paid money on the property?

I think you need to become a proficient hunter before you add a dog into the mix. Once you are regularly getting animals then look at training a dog.
Training a Deer dog is a real commitment and they probably will cost you plenty deer before they start getting you Deer (I know mine did :thumbsup:) .
Clements road is a good spot. Very heavily hunted but there are plenty of deer in there and heaps of campsites along the road. Drive down on a Friday night hunt all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Just don't go in April as it will be too busy.
If you can hunt successfully in there you can do it anywhere.
Piropiro Flats is another good base to camp. Good luck and be sure to post a trip report.
As far as rifles go you cant hunt with a 22 in Doc Land. If you want open sights go for a 3030. I would suggest an NZDA Hunts course might be a good way to meet up with likeminded people.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GoatHead

does a farm have liability for anybody on the property or only if they are working for paid money on the property?

---

Yes we are technically liable for everyone, even bad buggers trying to steal stuff. There have been some strong conversations here before I've allowed regional council and farm forestry field days, ultimately I am responsible but it's likely if it came to a court case logic would win. We're supposed to point out every possible danger. One field day I deliberately made up a stupid hazard list including things like tripping over snails, meteor strikes and zombie attack just to make a point. I make jokes about tripping over snails but it's less stupid than it sounds, 20 odd years ago a local guy here slipped in the mud one cold wet winter day, fell and hit his head hard enough to lose consciousness and drowned in a very shallow puddle.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mimms2

You're surely taking the piss? I can't walk a mile in any bush or any direction without tripping over at least one goat.

---

Hard work around Whangarei. Sometimes hear them, but can't seem them a lot of the time. Bush too dense. Are you talking about DOC land?

Have you had dogs before?
It's a big commitment (as I found out once I got one). Yes they definitely require daily exercise and attention, a bit like having kids.
Training then up to indicate requires a lot of time in the bush. With my bitch I followed the deer dog blue print for the first 6 months, but to be honest most of it is common sense if you have trained dogs before. Once she hit 8 months I have had her in the bush almost every weekend for the last two years and extended trips of 4-10 days as often as I can get away from work.

I have a Viszla crossed with Heading Dog and she is great at indicating deer, but very high energy and requires a lot of work.
A lot of other people I have met run a Viszla as well but the pure breds can be a bit 'soft' in the bush.

As for scopes, for bush hunting I use a shortened .308 with a 2-7 Leupold on it. Does the job and has done me out to 150m with clean kills with good shot placement. Scope light and compact enough not to get in the way when pushing through real dense bush.

I'm not sure about finding hunting partners to be honest, I tried attending a few local NZDA meetings but it seemed very cliquey to me and I had trouble meeting anyone who I thought was like minded and would be keen to get out and go hunting (could be the club, could be me?). Doesn't seem to have much in the way of club hunts etc going on either. I am going to try my luck at a new branch this year and see how it pans out.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GoatHead

the 223 might be good enough for both. Im not sure on optics or not though, I think bush bashing clearly no optics a gun stays true, but it might be a good idea to start with a small one?
.

---

Hey Goat, have you considered irons for the bush, and QD mount scope for distance? I am a firm believer in military-style rear aperture iron sights, in the bush you get great peripheral vision, and as you say the sights stay true with rough treatment. This coming from someone who 2 years back had 12 red deer in a close group watching me as I fired 15 rounds at them at 100m with an E cat rifle that had been bumping around on the back of a farm ute. The optics were so far out I could not hit a close spaced bunch of reds at 100m, despite good accuracy the day before. Pulled that bloody optic off asap.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hermitage

Yeah ok...enough of the cynical sarcasm.
For some reason, a lot of you guys hit low number/first-time posters pretty hard.
No wonder this forum has only about 30 active members...many others get scared away.

---

I spent 36 nights under canvas away hunting plus numerous day plus range days last year I have a small team of dogs 2 German wired haired pointers the old boy will be 14 in may and he’s helped me take over 3 thousand goats in our time together plus my little jack Russell who indicates finds and bails goats on command and even at his age he is the best track and find dog I have ever seen on shot and wounded animals so I have done I little bit of hunting and shooting dog handling over the years with no real help I have taught myself along the way so sorry if my post seemed sarcastic

Mate, the amount of shit you've been given is pretty fair i reckon. Your very first post is asking for spots to fill your HUGE freezer, its literally in the title.

Second, "I'm more of a Commerce guy by day, hunter by weekend and appreciate the company of fairly cultured sorts, but at same time am not a snob, hope that makes sense". I've read this a few times and struggle to sense any sarcasm whatsoever. So now you're just grandstanding and trying to make yourself look smart by saying it was a sarcastic from the start.

Maybe im just a cunt but I dont think we'd get on in the real world. Get out there beat your feet and you'll eventually find what you're looking for.
Or just pay a guide.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by odds0und

Have you had dogs before?

---

Yep, both hunting and water dogs. Vizsla was my first pic, but Ive read articles about NZ breeds, being less high maintenance. I will have to investigate that further.

Most definitely a MAJOR commitment. But I have plenty of time. The main thing is I see no point in buying a pointer if they are not trained thoroughly to a blueprint.

There is something intangible about having your dog out there with you, Im sure you know what I mean.

Thanks to the poster for the heads up on a 22 on doc land and the preference for an iron site caliber.

Ive found some blocks already that id like to just get out and have a scout around. Love being in the bush, prefer that to glassing and knocking over animals long range. Each to their own. Both take a lot of skill and a lot of hard work.

I started hunting in NZ at very young age and whilst I left NZ in late 20s I havnt stopped the need for a feed. It might sound a bit hips

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

Join your local deer stalkers association. Get up the front smartly and introduce yourself and tell what you want to the meeting. Build relationships with people who can make their assessment via eyeball Mk1. Earn it.

---

I think @257weatherby has hit the nail on the head!
Even better if your local branch runs a HUNTS course.
Buy a Spot X Hunting book, pick a spot and beat the feet...
Alternatively as previously suggested you could look into payed hunting access etc, in which case Kaipara/Muriwai Fallow would probably be your closest bet I imagine

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dyls

Mate, the amount of shit you've been given is pretty fair i reckon. Your very first post is asking for spots to fill your HUGE freezer, its literally in the title.

---

I didnt see I was being given a lot of "shit" but if this is one of your 53 posts I dont see how you are doing anything more than racking up posts pointing out why other people are wankers? Good for you. But I didnt ask for spots, I specifically aid not looking for somebodys spot X, I also have explained what I meant about how to find good sorts and the commerce part is a sarcasm view on my daily existence, not what Id rather be doing. if you dont want to take my sincerity when I apologised if the sarcasm was missed, thats on you. But thanks for your help all the same. Happy hunting.

Having spent more time recently researching and trying recipes on how other cultures process and cook goats, I’m inclined to put the above deer in our family as a ‘meat animal’.
Quality braised over fire is outstanding.
Mince is as good if not better than lamb
Stew cuts I’d take over venison any day.
I may just head out next time for a freezer full of goats and leave the deer alone.

Any king country/central block has good goat numbers and DOC will point you straight to them

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pav

I think @257weatherby has hit the nail on the head!
Even better if your local branch runs a HUNTS course.
Buy a Spot X Hunting book, pick a spot and beat the feet...
Alternatively as previously suggested you could look into payed hunting access etc, in which case Kaipara/Muriwai Fallow would probably be your closest bet I imagine

---

Yep I agree, it cant hurt to get reaquainted with the NZ terrain and meet some other people along the way, who I may even be able to offer some help, which is always a good way to both be a better person and make good friends, by helping others.

The meat hunts, whilst cheaper than paying retail are quite exy, even though I understand why, I thought it meant you pay for access to a block, not for a guide etc. All the same, with red meat being eaten less in a week in our house, a solid Red will last a long time.

Will find a Spot X book, is there a particular edition that is best? I have already found a number of spots that Im semi familiar with, but as you say, beat the feet, if merely for scouting and getting hiking fitness back up is a great way to go. So many options, thanks for the tips.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Freezer

Any king country/central block has good goat numbers and DOC will point you straight to them

---

Its good in'it? Check out the Fijian Indian goat curry recipes, man oh man that is Devine.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mimms2

Almost any farm with more than two trees together.
Waipu caves TRACK!! Tangihuas, Russel forrest, Whangarei heads, Mangakahia, Poutu.
Shit I could probably spit out the window and hit one.

---

Yeah, farm hunting is one thing, walking in and out of DOC bush is another. I have a couple of farms that I have access too, if the goats are there then it's too easy. Tangihuas are just nasty bush. No DOC land in the Heads that you can shoot on. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Haven't made it up to the Russell Forrest yet. 1080 spoils the vibe. Must admit I didn't know that the forests further south were open for hunting.

"Prefer the company of reasonably cultured people"

Stay away from anyone with a tikka T3 and you can't go wrong

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Freezer

Having spent more time recently researching and trying recipes on how other cultures process and cook goats, I’m inclined to put the above deer in our family as a ‘meat animal’.
Quality braised over fire is outstanding.
Mince is as good if not better than lamb
Stew cuts I’d take over venison any day.
I may just head out next time for a freezer full of goats and leave the deer alone.

---

Agree. Very underrated.