Forest Access & Recreation

Permit Applications & Recreational Access

Permits are issued free of charge, but please allow at least two weeks for your permit application to be processed.

A note for visitors to this web page who intend to apply for a permit, please be aware that our forests are all located in Otago, (within 80 km of Dunedin)

Note that permits may be cancelled in times of high fire danger or for operational requirements. For your safety, do not enter the forests during strong winds!

Due to the high number of applications, we are generally not able to respond to unsuccessful applicants.

City Forests operates a fully digital , paperless permit system. If your application is successful you will receive an emailed permit. You will need to present this email on your phone or other device if asked by a City Forests' officer when in our forests. You can of course still print a copy to carry if you wish.

Online Applications insert form here

Email: permits@cityforests.co.nz.

 Phone: +64 3 467 7730.

Processing Time: Minimum 2 weeks advance notice required.

Cost: Free permits with terms and conditions.

Recreational Services include commercial access (contract operations, sub-contract, contract operation support, research, commercial dog walking, pest control, bees), hunting permits (ballot system), motorised vehicle access, horse riding access, special event permits, educational group visits, and photography and filming permits.

Emergency & Safety

• Fire or Medical Emergency - Dial 111 immediately.

• Forest Safety Concerns: +64 3 467 7730.

• Suspicious Activities: +64 3 467 7730.

Report hazards, safety concerns, or suspicious activities through our website or by calling our main number.

Community & Partnerships

We welcome discussions with community groups seeking access, sponsorship, or partnership opportunities; educational institutions planning forest visits or research projects; local organisations interested in environmental collaboration; and Mana Whenua for cultural consultation and partnership development.

City Forests collaborates with universities for biodiversity and conservation research, research institutions for forestry and environmental studies, conservation organisations for species protection programmes, and government agencies for policy development and implementation.

Media & Information

For media requests, interview opportunities, and information about our sustainable forestry practices and innovations, environmental conservation programmes, economic contribution to Dunedin, community partnership initiatives, and carbon sequestration and climate change contributions.

We provide information about Forest Stewardship Council® certification processes, sustainable forest management practices, biodiversity conservation programmes, carbon trading and emissions reduction, and employment and contractor opportunities.

Digital Services

Website Resources include forest access permits through our online application system, safety updates on current forest conditions and closures, news and updates on latest developments and achievements, educational resources on sustainable forestry information, and community events listing upcoming opportunities and partnerships.

Stay connected with City Forests for forest safety alerts and weather-related closures, community event announcements, environmental achievement updates, and job opportunities and contractor positions.

Get involved

We welcome community involvement in conservation projects such as native species monitoring and protection, educational programmes through school visits and community education, research assistance with biodiversity surveys and environmental monitoring, and community events for forest-based recreation and education activities.

City Forests actively seeks partnerships with organisations sharing our values of environmental sustainability and biodiversity protection, community benefit and social contribution, economic development and local employment, and cultural respect and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Visit us

Our Crawford Street office location provides central Dunedin access with easy public transport connections, professional meeting facilities for business discussions, resource library with forest management information, and display materials showcasing our sustainability initiatives.

Street parking is available on Crawford Street and surrounding areas.

Business Enquiries

Contractor Opportunities

 We work with qualified contractors for harvesting and silviculture operations, road construction and maintenance, environmental monitoring and research, and recreation facility development and maintenance.

Supply Chain Partnerships

 Value-added wood processing collaboration, transportation and logistics partnerships, equipment and technology suppliers, and professional services and consultation.

Investment & Development

For discussions about forest acquisition and expansion opportunities, value-added processing investments, carbon credit and emissions trading, and technology innovation and implementation.

Why contact City Forests?

Environmental Leadership

Connect with New Zealand's sustainable forestry pioneers, contributing to carbon reduction and biodiversity protection since 1906.

Economic Partnership

Explore opportunities with a company delivering 978% investment growth and supporting 85+ local jobs while generating millions in community dividends.

Community Collaboration

Join our network of 13 supported community groups and help us expand our 57km of public recreational tracks and $56,000 annual community contributions.

Professional Excellence

Work with FSC® certified forest managers who protect 2,400 hectares of native reserves while maintaining world-class sustainable forestry standards.