Safe Drone Flying
Information about operating a drone in New Zealand and restrictions around Queenstown Airport.
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly popular for both recreational and commercial purposes, but they are also dangerous if not flown responsibly. Every drone operator in New Zealand must follow Civil Aviation Authority rules to keep our airspace safe for everyone. Whether you're flying for fun or working on a business project, make sure you understand where and how you can fly. Breaking the rules isn't just risky – it's illegal.
AirShare is an online information hub for recreational and commercial drone operators. It's where you'll find the information and access you need to learn how to operate your drone safely in all types of airspace, plane drone flights, identify safe places to fly, and gain authorisation to fly from air traffic services provider Airways New Zealand and aerodrome operators. It includes:
Maps: to know where to fly
Traveller FAQs: for visitors bringing drones to New Zealand
My Flights: to log your flights and request access to controlled airspace
Top Tips: to understand Civil Aviation Rules
Property Owner Consent: information on consent for flying over parks and other publicly owned property
Civil Aviation Rules include restrictions on flying drones within a 4km radius of an airport and any drone flight within controlled airspace must be authorised by Airways Air Traffic Control (ATC).
For Queenstown Airport, this exclusion zone bisects 77 Dominion Road to the North, Hope Ave/Rere Rd to the East, 35 metres North of Woolshed Road/SH6 intersection to the South and 523/527 Frankton Road and shared Road boundary to the West as marked on the aerial plan (PDF 6.2MB).
Under CAA rules, you can use your drone within 4km of an aerodrome only if it is a ‘shielded operation’. A shielded operation is defined by CAA as flying within 100m of, and below the top of, a natural or man-made object. An example is a flight that takes place near a stand of trees.
Because this area is within the Air Traffic Control zone, an operator must apply for approval from ATC via the Airshare website at least 24 hours in advance. Air Traffic Control checks the website twice a day to ensure a smooth and fast turnaround of requests.
Any approvals would be subject to the drone operator meeting certain necessary prerequisites, including a demonstrated understanding of the Civil Aviation rules.
Operators need to be aware of other relevant airspace restrictions as well. Drones need to be flown below 400 feet (120m) above ground level, during daylight hours only, within visual line of sight, and in a manner that does not create a risk or hazard to aircraft, or to persons or property.
Operators who intend to fly over public spaces also need to get permission from the land owner. For example, if an operator wants to fly over a park or beach, they will need to get permission from the local council.
If a drone is under 25kg, the operation of it is governed by Civil Aviation Rule Part 101 unless the operator holds a Civil Aviation Rule Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate.
If a drone is over a maximum weight of 25kg, the operator will need to hold a Civil Aviation Rule Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate.
If a drone presents an immediate danger, please call 111 and ask for the police.
To report a rule breach, contact Civil Aviation Authority by emailing isi@caa.govt.nz or freephone 0508 4 SAFETY (0508 472 338).
You will need to provide the time and location of the incident, and any other details about the person flying the drone.
New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority rules for drone flying are available both on the Airshare website airshare.co.nz and CAA’s own website www.aviation.govt.nz/drones.
