Forest Access
SWEL allows recreational use of its forests for hunting and other special events. However, all access is by permit only. Permits can be obtained by contacting the SWEL office. There is no charge for these permits but certain conditions must be met and these will be explained to you at the time of application. At a minimum you will need to bring proof of Public Liability Insurance with at least $5 million cover. Hunters can achieve this by becoming members of their local NZ Deerstalkers Association. Be warned, anyone caught breaching our permit conditions will be tresspassed from our forest estate and potentially liable for prosecution. Maps of our forest estate can be found below:
Map 1 - Western Estate
Map 2 - Northern Estate
Map 3 - Eastern Estate
For safety reasons, access to particular forests may be restricted or cancelled from time to time. This is particularly true during periods of extreme fire danger. Fire danger levels can be checked by visiting fireweather.niwa.co.nz/ or phoning the Southwood Office on (03 218 2073)
SWEL encourages those with permission to access the forests to notify them if they have encountered a species that is classified as Rare, Threatened or Endangered. A pamphlet containing pictures and descriptions can be downloaded here:
Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species Pamphlet
Map 1 - Western Estate
Map 2 - Northern Estate
Map 3 - Eastern Estate
For safety reasons, access to particular forests may be restricted or cancelled from time to time. This is particularly true during periods of extreme fire danger. Fire danger levels can be checked by visiting fireweather.niwa.co.nz/ or phoning the Southwood Office on (03 218 2073)
SWEL encourages those with permission to access the forests to notify them if they have encountered a species that is classified as Rare, Threatened or Endangered. A pamphlet containing pictures and descriptions can be downloaded here:
Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species Pamphlet