Port Blakely

Visit our Forests

Explore and enjoy the forest.

We care for the land, and welcome you to enjoy it responsibly. Since forestry operations may be underway, please follow our guidelines and posted signs to protect your safety and the environment.

What you need to know

If you're planning to explore our working forests, a free access permit is usually required. This applies to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and general recreation. Hunting access is managed separately through local hunting clubs. To request a permit, please contact the nearest Port Blakely office.

Please note: Access may change at short notice due to weather, fire risk, or forestry operations. Permit holders will be notified of any changes.

Hunting Access

We do not issue individual hunting permits. Due to safety considerations and existing agreements, general recreational hunting is not available on a permit basis. Port Blakely has arrangements with local hunting clubs. These clubs:

  • Operate independently
  • Often have their own membership requirements (e.g., local residency)
  • Do not manage access on our behalf
  • Are the only groups allowed to coordinate hunting in our forests

For more information, please contact us at info-NZF@portblakely.com.

Public Recreation Areas

Some forest lands are open for walking and mountain biking without a permit, but only on designated tracks. These include:

Herbert Forest
Herbert Forest

Walking tracks and mountain bike access are available. For details on mountain biking tracks, please visit Trail Forks

Herbert Forest

Walking tracks and mountain bike access are available. For details on mountain biking tracks, please visit Trail Forks

Raincliff Forest
Raincliff Forest

Walking tracks are available

Raincliff Forest

Walking tracks are available

Staying Safe in Our Forests

These are working forests. Harvesting and other operations may be happening at any time. For your safety:

  • Follow all permit conditions and obey signage
  • Stay clear of operational areas
  • Never enter during active forestry work
  • Avoid visiting during high winds or extreme weather
  • No open flames, fires, or BBQs

If you see smoke, call 111 immediately

Before you visit, check weather conditions

Fire danger and restrictions

Weather updates