Generally you have to ask the riverbed owners for permission. Riverbed ownership is complicated. It cannot be assumed that riverbeds are all in public ownership. There are many areas in riverbeds which are in private ownership. If they are in public ownership they are administered by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). Some of the land is vested in the Department of Conservation and some in Environment Canterbury. Some of the land vested in Environment Canterbury is used for regional parks. If you are unsure about who owns the particular piece of land where you want to go shooting consult the LINZ land database by phoning LINZ 03-379 9793.

Environment Canterbury owns huge areas of riverbed in the lower Rakaia, Waimakariri, and Ashley Rivers. However rabbit and possum shooting is not permitted in riverbed areas belonging to Environment Canterbury. To shoot rabbits or possums on Environment Canterbury leased land you must get prior permission of the lease holder.