Both Barrels July 2025 - Northland

Upland Game Opportunities

The upland game season ends on 24 August. There are around 20 pine blocks that Northland Fish and Game has negotiated access for upland game hunters. These are spread throughout the Northland area. Pheasant, California and brown quail are common throughout the blocks. Additionally, there are several more DOC reserves and Fish and Game owed properties that hold populations of upland game.  Hunting is permitted on weekends only in the pine plantations.

Obtaining a permit is easy. Just follow the link below.

https://fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-in-new-zealand/where-to-hunt/regional-info/northland/northland-hunting-permit/permit-request/

What’s available:

Lower Northland

• Topuni
• Waipu

Whangarei/Dargaville

• Glenbervie
• Puhipuhi
• Waiotama
• Maropiu
• Tangowahine
• Opanaki
• Whatoro
• Mamatanui
• Rotu
• Hikurangi
• Patutahi
• Awakino
• Avoca
• Pipiwai
• Bissett (F&G)
• Greenheart (F&G)
• Flaxmill (F&G)
• Underwood (F&G)
• Borrow Cut (F&G)
• Wairua (DOC)

Mid North

• Waiomio
• Tung Grove
• Rakautao

Far North

• Summit forest

Hunter Surveys and Game Returns

We will be conducting regular hunter surveys throughout the season. Staff will call a number of Northland gamebird license holders and ask them series of harvest related questions.

We collate the results to calculate how many birds were taken over the game season and in conjunction with the trend counts use this to determine bag limits and season lengths for subsequent seasons.

Key Season Dates: 

Paradise shelducks and swans can be hunted up until 27 July 2025

California quail, brown quail, cock pheasants and pukeko can be hunted out to 24 August 2025.

The paradise shelduck special weekend is for nine days from 14 February 2026 until 22 February 2026. Swan and pukekos can also be hunted during this time.