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WAIKATO
Special Feature: Abundant waterfowl
in Waikato/Hauraki wetlands
One hour’s drive south of Auckland brings you to a region of
fertile plains that is one of the richest dairying areas in the
world.
The Waikato embraces the lower reaches of the Waikato, New
Zealand’s longest river. Amongst the fertile pastureland are
a number of low bush clad ranges, which provide good habitat for
wild pigs.
The Maramarua Forest is a pine plantation in the east with a grid
pattern of logging roads that provide excellent access. To the
west are the native forest areas of Hakaramata, Pirongia and
Karioi, craggy remnants of ancient volcanoes. On the coast are
rounded limestone hills extending from Port Waikato to Raglan
Harbour and the Waitomo Caves. Low populations of wild pigs are
present in all these ranges but require a team effort between a
hunter and his dogs to bail them up and despatch them.
Goats are an easier proposition once the hunter acquires local
knowledge of their herd movements along the west coast ranges,
particularly Pirongia and Karioi.
East of Cambridge, in Waikato heartland, is a group of 500 metre
high hills, which are home to a small fallow deer herd. Their
restricted range is in a triangular area between Cambridge,
Matamata and Morrinsville. Hunting is possible on a DOC permit
but it is difficult to make contact with the herd, which is
struggling to survive.
Waterfowl are abundant in the broad wetland areas around the
Waikato Basin and Hauraki Plains particularly near Te Kauwhata
and the Whangamarino and Kopuatai wetland areas. Mallard and grey
ducks are prolific in this area along with shovelers, paradise
ducks, black swan and lesser numbers of Canada geese. Scattered
populations of waterfowl can be found along the Waikato River, on
the numerous hydro lakes and the adjacent floodplains. Pheasant,
California quail and brown quail are found throughout the region
in low numbers.
Guided hunting trips for red and fallow deer can be arranged with
operators in Hamilton.
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