All about drone in New Zealand

11 February 2018 10 Comments

couv-drone-nouvelle-zelande

After an incredible year of travel and discovery around New Zealand with our DJI mavic pro Drone, we could see very quickly that big changes were made about the flight restrictions.
Well, even if New Zealand is a country of freedoms, the growing rise of tourism and the ease of obtaining a drone, leads to the establishment of a more and more restrictive regulation.

That’s why we decided to give you a little summary of the most important informations, in order to permiss you to take the opportunity to fly in New Zealand. (We will only talk here about scenario S1 *).

General Regulations

(extracted from the official civil avitation NZ website : https://www.airshare.co.nz/rules)
  • Hight : 120 metres (400 feet) (less than in france)
  • Distance : be able to see it with your own eyes (eg, not through binoculars, a monitor, or smartphone)
  • Drone less than 25kg
  • Fly only in daylight
  • Have consent from anyone you want to film
  • Have the consent of the property owner  of the area you are wanting to fly above.
  • Keep in mind all the restriction areas (not fly closer than 4 km from any aerodrome …etc)

To make your life easier, here is the map (in addition to the DJI’s one) that we use before each of our flights in New Zealand: https://www.airshare.co.nz/maps

Specific Regulations

Le DOC (departement of conservation)
doc_logo

In New Zealand many areas are “Department of conservation” properties so we can find protected trees, birds colonies (Albatross, Gannets …), marine animals and of course beautiful landscapes.

Certain zones are formally prohibited and others require an authorization (sometimes paying), find all the requests to make on their site :
http://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/apply-for-permits/business-or-activity/aircraft-activities/

The greats walks and national parks (DOC)

These famous multi-day treks in the heart of beautiful parks, with breathtaking landscapes, does it speak to you?
To name only one, the Tongariro National Park. Today, the drone is forbidden there !

Info: No information or prohibitions were present on the Tongariro during our flight. In the space of one month, small stickers have emerged, as well as informations on the DOC  website, prohibiting flights.

“DOC also reminds people that drones are not allowed be used in the park. Tongariro Alpine Crossing is unique and a special journey, so leave your drones at home and let other walkers enjoy their experience”
extracted from the 9th of october 2017 article doc.govt.nz

Marine mammal

dolphinsFilming marine mammals like dolphins, seals or whales is possible but the rule is rather vicious.
Indeed, it’s possible to fly without a license but at least at 150 m horizontally from the animal’s location, in short you will not see much. If you wish to derogate, you will need to apply for a permit. Find the information and requests on the DOC website:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/apply-for-permits/interacting-with-marine-mammals/

Our personal warnings

The birds

keaNew Zealand is the sheep land, but it’s also the country of birds. Even if some are beautiful and really deserve to go under the lens, we advise you to pay attention.

Be aware that, especially during the breeding season, birds can become very aggressive in order to protect their young. (seagull, gull, oystercatcher …).

In addition, beware of the buzzards and hawks, very present in New Zealand, these birds are also ready to attack you if you are too close or “interesting” to their eyes.

The farmers

drone_farmerSome farmers have adopted a new game: “the drone shoot” and will love to shoot your machine if you fly above their property or animals
(just to let you know).

Flying above a private property without authorization is punishable by a fine from 500$ to 1,000$. However shoot on a drone in flight is also prohibited by law.

In summary, New Zealand is a beautiful country seen from the sky, unfortunately the increase of tourism and drones creates restrictions.
In addition to the risks and nuisances during a flight, the DOC has already found a crushed drone in the middle of an albatross colony, protected species…  With this kind of stupid event you can understand that the drone is quickly set badly by the environement protectors.
(cf : http://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2016/drone-found-within-albatross-colony/)

drone_panneauIn addition a second point is questionable but can not be discussed, it’s the touristic business that will always override on you and your little drone.
For example, it is strictly forbidden to fly near glaciers. Yes but why ?
Simply because tourist helicopters are flying below their usual level, by derogation of course, to land on the glaciers… “We protect the environment but for business we come to land helicopters and tourists on glaciers which melt, each year, on several hundred meters …” The New Zealand paradox.

Finally, between theory and practice there is still a world, New Zealand is not an exception. This is not the 10 sheep in a field that will tell you something, but stay alert, don’t take unnecessary risks, infrigements notices can be very important (Franz Josef glacier : 5000$ + confiscation) and even up to the territory expulsion in case of very dangerous flight.

We hope that we brought you more informations about the drone conditions of use in New Zealand and if you wish to read more drone articles, or just give us your opinion, let us know in comment !

See you soon.

Scenario S1: flight seen by eyes, out of town and out of populated area

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