Drone Regulations FAQ: New Zealand

Drone operations in New Zealand are governed by the Civil Aviation Act 1990 and the Civil Aviation Rules, specifically:

• Part 101 — Gyrogliders and Parasails, Unmanned Aircraft, and Rockets: sets default operating rules for all unmanned aircraft operators without requiring certification
• Part 102 — Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certification: provides a pathway for operators who need to fly outside Part 101 limitations

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA NZ) is the regulatory body responsible for administering and enforcing these rules.

Source: Civil Aviation Act 1990; Civil Aviation Rules Part 101, Part 102

Part 101 sets the default operating rules that any drone operator can follow without certification. If you stay within Part 101 limits (e.g., below 120m AGL, within visual line of sight, at least 25m from people), no licence or registration is needed.

Part 102 is an operator certification that allows you to fly outside Part 101 rules. To obtain Part 102 certification, you must submit an approved exposition (operations manual) to CAA NZ demonstrating how you will safely manage operations beyond Part 101 limits.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101 Subpart C; Part 102

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA NZ) is the sole regulatory authority for all civil aviation activities, including unmanned aircraft (drone) operations. CAA NZ administers the Civil Aviation Act 1990 and the associated Civil Aviation Rules, including Parts 101 and 102.

CAA NZ is responsible for:

• Setting and enforcing safety rules for drone operations
• Issuing Part 102 operator certificates
• Investigating incidents and enforcing penalties for violations

Source: Civil Aviation Act 1990, Section 72B; CAA NZ regulatory framework

Yes. Part 101 applies to unmanned aircraft weighing up to 25 kg. If your drone exceeds 25 kg, you must obtain Part 102 certification from CAA NZ before operating it.

All drones under 25 kg may operate under Part 101 rules without registration or licensing, provided all other Part 101 conditions are met.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101.207

No. New Zealand does not currently require drone registration for operations under Part 101. There is no mandatory licensing or registration system for recreational or commercial drone operators who stay within Part 101 rules.

New Zealand has one of the more permissive recreational drone frameworks globally. However, if you wish to operate outside Part 101 limits, you must obtain Part 102 certification, which involves an application process with CAA NZ.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101 Subpart C

No licence or certificate is required for recreational drone flying in New Zealand, provided you comply with all Part 101 rules. This includes staying below 120m (400ft) AGL, maintaining visual line of sight, and keeping at least 25m from people not associated with the flight.

New Zealand's framework is designed so that anyone can fly a drone responsibly without formal certification, as long as Part 101 conditions are followed.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101 Subpart C

Part 102 certification is required for any drone operator who needs to fly outside the boundaries of Part 101. This includes operations such as:

• Flying above 120m (400ft) AGL
• Operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
• Flying within 4 km of an aerodrome without separate authorisation
• Operating drones heavier than 25 kg
• Flying closer than 25m to people (without shielded operations)

To obtain certification, you must submit an exposition (operations manual) to CAA NZ that details your safety procedures, risk management, and operational protocols.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 102.11, 102.13

To apply for Part 102 certification from CAA NZ:

• Step 1: Develop an exposition (operations manual) that covers your intended operations, safety management system, pilot competency, maintenance procedures, and risk assessments
• Step 2: Submit the exposition along with the application form (CAA 24102) to CAA NZ
• Step 3: CAA NZ reviews the exposition and may request amendments or additional information
• Step 4: Once approved, CAA NZ issues the Part 102 certificate with specific operating conditions

The certification process typically takes several weeks depending on the complexity of operations proposed.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 102.11, 102.13, 102.15

No. Drone insurance is not legally mandatory in New Zealand for operations under either Part 101 or Part 102. However, it is strongly recommended, particularly for commercial operators.

If your drone causes damage to property or injury to persons, you may be held personally liable under common law and the Civil Aviation Act 1990. Third-party liability insurance can protect you against potentially significant claims.

Many Part 102 certified operators include insurance as part of their safety management system, even though it is not a regulatory requirement.

Source: Civil Aviation Act 1990; Part 102 advisory circular guidance

Foreign visitors can fly drones in New Zealand under Part 101 rules without any special permission, registration, or licensing — the same rules that apply to New Zealand residents.

Key requirements for all operators, including visitors:

• Drone must weigh 25 kg or less
• Maximum altitude 120m (400ft) AGL
• Maintain visual line of sight at all times
• Stay at least 25m from people not associated with the flight
• Do not fly within 4 km of any aerodrome
• Obtain landowner/occupier consent before takeoff and landing

Visitors planning operations outside Part 101 rules would need Part 102 certification.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101 Subpart C

Under Part 101, the maximum altitude for drone operations is 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level (AGL). This limit applies to all unmanned aircraft operating without Part 102 certification.

Operators with Part 102 certification may be approved to fly above 120m AGL, depending on the conditions specified in their approved exposition.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101.207

Under Part 101, you must not fly your drone in the following areas without appropriate authorisation:

• Within 4 km of any aerodrome (airport, helipad, or airstrip)
• In controlled airspace (typically around major airports and above certain altitudes)
• In restricted or danger areas as published in the New Zealand Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)
• Near emergency operations (fire, search and rescue, police incidents)

Use Airshare (airshare.co.nz), New Zealand's airspace management platform, to check restrictions and identify no-fly zones before every flight.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101.207, 101.209; NZ AIP

Under Part 101, you must maintain a minimum distance of 25 metres from any person who is not directly associated with the flight operation.

Shielded operations provide an exception to this rule. Under shielded operations, you may fly closer than 25m to people if:

• The drone remains below the height of the nearest obstacle (building, wall, tree) that provides a physical shield between the drone and people
• The obstacle effectively provides protection to people in the event of a drone malfunction

This makes shielded operations practical for flying in backyards, near buildings, or in enclosed spaces where structures act as natural barriers.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101.207; CAA NZ Advisory Circular AC101-1

Yes. Night flying is permitted under Part 101 in New Zealand, provided:

• The drone has appropriate lighting that allows the pilot to determine its orientation and position
• The pilot can still see the aircraft and maintain visual line of sight at all times
• All other Part 101 rules continue to be followed (altitude, distance from people, airspace restrictions)

New Zealand is relatively permissive regarding night operations compared to many other countries that prohibit or heavily restrict nighttime drone flights under default rules.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101.207; CAA NZ guidance

Yes. Under Part 101, you must obtain consent from the property owner or occupier before taking off from or landing on any property. While the rules regarding overflying private property are less explicit, privacy laws and common law property rights apply.

Additionally:

• You must have consent of any person being filmed or photographed by your drone
• The Privacy Act 2020 governs the collection and use of personal information, including images and video captured by drones
• Flying over private property without consent may also constitute trespass in certain circumstances

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101.207; Privacy Act 2020; Trespass Act 1980

Airshare (airshare.co.nz) is New Zealand's airspace management platform developed in partnership with Airways New Zealand and CAA NZ. While using Airshare is not always legally mandated for Part 101 operations, it is strongly recommended and essential for responsible flying.

Airshare allows you to:

• Check airspace restrictions and identify no-fly zones on an interactive map
• File flight plans and notify other airspace users of your intended operations
• Request access to controlled airspace or areas near aerodromes
• View real-time information about temporary flight restrictions

If you want to fly within 4 km of an aerodrome or in controlled airspace, you must obtain authorisation, and Airshare is the primary tool for managing this process.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101.209; Airways New Zealand; CAA NZ guidance

Penalties for drone regulation violations in New Zealand include:

• Part 101 violations: Fines of up to NZD 5,000 for individuals who breach Part 101 operating rules
• Endangering safety (Civil Aviation Act 1990): More serious offences that endanger the safety of persons or aircraft can result in fines of up to NZD 10,000 or imprisonment
• Operating without required Part 102 certification: Operating outside Part 101 rules without the appropriate certification is an offence under the Civil Aviation Act

CAA NZ has the authority to investigate incidents, issue infringement notices, and pursue prosecution through the courts for serious violations.

Source: Civil Aviation Act 1990, Sections 43, 44, 46; Civil Aviation Rules Part 101

While there is no specific provision in Part 101 for routine confiscation, the Civil Aviation Act 1990 provides CAA NZ and law enforcement with broad powers in relation to aviation safety:

• If a drone poses an immediate risk to safety, authorities can take action to mitigate the danger, which may include seizing the aircraft
• In the context of criminal prosecution, drones may be seized as evidence under standard New Zealand criminal law procedures
• Courts can order forfeiture of equipment used in the commission of offences

In practice, CAA NZ typically focuses on education, warnings, and infringement notices before escalating to prosecution for repeat or serious offenders.

Source: Civil Aviation Act 1990, Sections 43-46; Search and Surveillance Act 2012

If your drone is involved in an incident or accident, you should take the following steps:

• Ensure safety: Secure the area and provide assistance to any injured persons
• Report to CAA NZ: Under the Civil Aviation Act 1990, accidents and incidents involving aircraft (including drones) that result in injury, property damage, or pose a risk to other aircraft must be reported to CAA NZ
• Report to TAIC: Serious accidents must also be notified to the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) under the Transport Accident Investigation Commission Act 1990
• Preserve evidence: Do not alter the scene or the drone until authorities advise
• Document details: Record time, location, weather conditions, and circumstances of the incident

Failure to report a notifiable incident is an offence under the Civil Aviation Act 1990.

Source: Civil Aviation Act 1990, Section 26; Transport Accident Investigation Commission Act 1990

Yes. In New Zealand, you can conduct commercial drone operations under Part 101 without Part 102 certification, as long as you stay within all Part 101 rules. There is no distinction between recreational and commercial use under Part 101.

This means you can legally earn income from drone photography, videography, surveys, or inspections while operating under Part 101, provided you:

• Fly at or below 120m (400ft) AGL
• Maintain visual line of sight
• Stay at least 25m from uninvolved persons
• Use a drone weighing 25 kg or less
• Do not fly within 4 km of an aerodrome without authorisation

Part 102 certification is only needed when your commercial operations require you to go beyond Part 101 limits.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101 Subpart C; Part 102

Commercial operations that exceed Part 101 limits require Part 102 certification. Common examples include:

• BVLOS operations: Flying beyond visual line of sight for pipeline inspections, agricultural surveying, or delivery services
• Close-proximity operations: Flying within 25m of people (e.g., event filming, real estate photography near occupied buildings) without shielded operations
• Aerodrome operations: Regular commercial flights within 4 km of aerodromes
• High-altitude operations: Flying above 120m (400ft) AGL for tower inspections or terrain mapping
• Heavy drones: Operating unmanned aircraft exceeding 25 kg
• Night operations beyond Part 101: Complex night operations where standard Part 101 lighting conditions cannot be met

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 102.11; CAA NZ Advisory Circular AC102-1

Drone photography and filming in New Zealand must comply with both aviation rules and privacy legislation:

• Aviation rules: All Part 101 operating rules apply (120m altitude, 25m from people, VLOS, etc.)
• Consent: You must obtain consent from people being filmed or photographed by your drone
• Privacy Act 2020: The collection of personal information (including images and video) must comply with the Information Privacy Principles. Commercial operators collecting identifiable images must have a lawful purpose and handle data responsibly
• Property consent: Obtain permission from property owners or occupiers for takeoff and landing
• Special locations: Many national parks, reserves, and DOC (Department of Conservation) land require specific permits for drone use, particularly for commercial filming

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101; Privacy Act 2020; Conservation Act 1987; DOC drone policy

Record-keeping requirements depend on your certification level:

• Part 101 operators: There is no formal legal requirement to keep flight logs. However, maintaining records is considered best practice and may be valuable for insurance claims or if CAA NZ investigates an incident
• Part 102 certified operators: Must maintain records as specified in their approved exposition, which typically includes flight logs, pilot competency records, maintenance logs, and incident reports

Regarding flight plans:

• Filing through Airshare is recommended for all operators to notify other airspace users
• If flying near controlled airspace or within 4 km of an aerodrome, you must obtain authorisation, and Airshare is the standard tool for this
• Part 102 operators may have specific flight planning requirements in their exposition

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101, Part 102.15; Airways New Zealand Airshare guidance

Before your first drone flight in New Zealand, follow these steps:

• Step 1 — Learn the rules: Read Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Rules and understand the key limits: 120m altitude, 25m from people, VLOS, 4 km from aerodromes
• Step 2 — Check Airshare: Visit airshare.co.nz to check airspace restrictions at your intended flying location
• Step 3 — Get consent: Obtain permission from the property owner or occupier where you plan to take off and land
• Step 4 — Check weather: Ensure conditions are suitable — avoid strong winds, rain, and low visibility
• Step 5 — Pre-flight check: Inspect your drone's batteries, propellers, firmware, and calibrate sensors as needed
• Step 6 — Fly responsibly: Start in an open area away from people, buildings, and traffic until you are comfortable with your drone's controls

Consider taking an introductory drone course from a reputable provider, although it is not legally required under Part 101.

Source: Civil Aviation Rules Part 101 Subpart C; CAA NZ safety guidance

The following are the official sources for New Zealand drone regulation information:

• CAA NZ website (aviation.govt.nz): The primary source for all civil aviation rules, advisory circulars, and guidance material including Parts 101 and 102
• Airshare (airshare.co.nz): New Zealand's airspace management platform for checking restrictions, filing flight plans, and requesting controlled airspace access
• New Zealand Legislation website (legislation.govt.nz): Full text of the Civil Aviation Act 1990 and all Civil Aviation Rules
• Airways New Zealand (airways.co.nz): Information about airspace management and air traffic services
• CAA NZ Advisory Circulars: AC101-1 (Unmanned Aircraft) and AC102-1 (Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certification) provide detailed guidance on compliance

Always refer to the official CAA NZ website for the most current version of regulations, as rules may be amended over time.

Source: CAA NZ; Airways New Zealand; New Zealand Legislation database