Introduction

In order to use the Teetotal sighting-in range you must have a permit that makes you a Range Officer, or be under the supervision of a Range Officer.

Range Officer requirements

In order to become a Range Officer, you'll need to:

  • hold a Teetotal sighting-in range permit
  • be a licenced firearms holder
  • hold a standard DOC hunting permit
  • acknowledge and sign the responsibilities under the range standing orders.

Teetotal sighting-in range standing orders (PDF, 807K)

This permit is required under the Arms Act 1983. These changes came into effect from 1 July 2023.

Range users who don't follow this permit requirement will have their permits and possibly their firearms licence revoked. As it is a criminal act, they may also face prosecution by the police.

How to get your permit

You can apply for a Teetotal sighting-in range permit in person from the Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre.

Ensure you bring along your:

  • firearms licence
  • DOC hunting permit.

Teetotal 0.22 hunting permit

Licenced firearms holders who want to use 0.22s for rabbit shooting can still do so with the Teetotal 0.22 Hunting Permit. This is restricted to the lower river flats next to the Buller River. These are also available from the visitor centre. Firearms licence and DOC hunting permit required.

About Teetotal sighting-in range

Teetotal sighting-in range is located off Teetotal Road in the Teetotal Recreation Area approximately 3.3km northwest of St. Arnaud.

Hunters can safely check their rifle sightings at the Teetotal sighting-in range facility before heading into nearby parks and conservation land to hunt.

To use the sighting-in range you must have a Teetotal sighting-in range permit, or be under the supervision of a Range Officer. This is a legal requirement under the Arms Act 1983 from 1 July 2023.

More about the Teetotal sighting-in range permit

Nelson Lakes National Park Visitor Centre
Phone +64 3 521 1806
Email nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz
Address View Road
St Arnaud 7072
Hours Visitor centre hours and services
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