Council Forests Open To Recreational Use

More than three thousand hectares of forests are owned by the ratepayers of Marlborough and Kaikoura and administered by Merrill and Ring New Zealand Ltd on their behalf.

For much of the year, the paths through these pine forests are open to the public, during weekends normally – so long as permission is sought first.

There are many kilometres of tracks that may be enjoyed by trail bike riders, mountain bikers, horse riders and walkers.

Access permission is granted by way of a permit.

Weekend hunting is also allowed in some areas, by permit only, from now until September. The permits allow hunting in daylight only; spotlighting is banned. Hunting areas are segregated from areas being used by other groups because the presence of hunters creates a safety risk. Some users, like trail bike riders, are allowed to use hunting areas but only during the hours of 11.00 am to 4.00 pm to avoid interaction with hunters. This is because they make so much noise and so are unlikely to be mistaken for game by hunters.

Recreational users also need to remember that two professional possum trappers currently have contracts for operating inside the forest.

At times of high fire risk, forests are closed to the public.

Applications for a permit may be made to:
Merrill and Ring NZ Ltd
Cnr Warwick & Farmar Streets
PO Box 871
Blenheim
Ph: 03 578 2298
Fax: 03 578 2468
Email: mr.nz.ltd@xtra.co.nz