Forest

Access Permits

Access permits into the Lake Rotoaira Forest are available for recreational and cultural purposes. To date, the main reasons permits are being obtained are for pig hunting, deer hunting, fishing and food gathering.

Those eligible to be issued a permit for Lake Rotoaira Forest are:

  • Current owners in Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust lands (Trust blocks)
  • The children and grandchildren of current owners
  • The spouse of a current owner

Eligible persons must first register with the Trust to be entered on to the ‘permit database’ – this entails providing relevant information about yourself, and also requires a visit to the Lake Taupo Forest Trust office, 81 Town Centre, Turangi 3334.

Download an application form here

Once you have registered on to the 'permit database' you may obtain a permit from either one of the following sites:

  • Lake Taupo Forest Trust office, 81 Town Centre, Turangi (get directions) Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
  • NZ Forest Managers’ office, Atirau Road, Turangi (get directions) Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board, 81 Horomatangi Street,Taupo (get directions) Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm

Lake Rotoaira Forest is a commercial forest and due to Health and Safety regulations, owners' access to the forest has to be restricted.  The current hours of access to Lake Rotoaira FOrest are:

  • Between 4:00pm and 8:00pm on weekdays; and
  • Between 7:00am and 8:00pm on weekends and public holidays

Rotoaira Forest Permits are allocated for an 8-week period.  A key (FOB Key) is required to get into the forest. The first time you get a FOB you must do so from NZ Forest Managers’ office, Atirau Road, Tūrangi.  Thereafter you can get your FOB key from either NZ Forest Managers, Turangi or from the Tuwharetoa Māori Trust Board office, Taupo . Firewood is permitted from the designated woodsite on Rotoaira Road, State Highway 47. Extraction of firewood from any other area is prohibited.  More details on access can be found in our Access Policy.