DOC issues all activity permits. Permits can be applied for using the online application form below. Allow 10 working days for us to receive and process your application.
Apply online for an activity permit
Acheron Road is open 7 am – 7 pm daily from 1 October to Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April – whichever is later. It can close without warning.
Find out if you need an activity permit for the following activities.
Plan your visit to Acheron Road before applying. The Acheron Road is a challenging and unsealed high country route.
Vehicles under 7 m – no permit required.
Vehicles under 7m and towing trailer/4wd caravan – permit required.
The following vehicles are not allowed on Acheron Road:
Date: 1 October to Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April – whichever is later.
Permit required: No
Date: Easter Tuesday or second Monday in April – whichever is later until 30 September
Permit required: Yes. Note, due to winter road conditions and farming operations it is unusual for driving activity permits to be issued during the road closed period.
To get a permit and the latest information on the road status:
Date:1 October until Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April – whichever is later.
Permit required: No
Date: Easter Tuesday or second Monday in April – whichever is later until 30 September
Permit required: Yes
Date: Any time
Permit required: Yes. Special permit required – apply online.
Note: A hunting permit does not guarantee road access when the Acheron Road is closed. An activity permit for driving access to your hunting block will not be issued when the road is closed due to winter weather and farming operations except in exceptional circumstances. Plan for this in your block choices.
Date: 1 May to 31 December
Permit required: No
Date: 1 January to 31 April
Permit required: Yes (to travel upstream of Saxton hut)
Date: Any time
Permit required: No (unless travelling upstream of Saxton Hut between 1 January and 31 April)
When walking on marked tracks from Acheron Road:
Date: 1 October to easter Monday or the second Sunday in April – whichever is later
Permit required: No
Date: Easter Tuesday or second Monday in April – whichever is later until 30 September
Permit required: Yes
When walking off-track:
Date: Any time
Permit required: Yes
Date: 1 May to 31 December
Permit required: No
Date: 1 January to 30 April
Permit required: Yes
Date: 1 November to 30 April
Permit required: No
Date: 1 May to 31 October
Permit required: Yes
Date: Any time
Permit required: No
Date: Any time
Permit required: Yes
Date: Any time
Permit required: Yes, a fishing licence is required from Fish & Game New Zealand. Trout fishing season is 1 October to 30 April. No fishing allowed outside this time. You may require an activity permit for access if you are driving, mountain biking, walking or horse riding - the information for these activities is above.
Open areas may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions or stock movements.