Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly popular for both recreational and commercial use, but they can be 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: your online information hub

AirShare is an online information hub for recreational and commercial drone operators. It's where you'll find the information you need to learn how to operate your drone safely in all types of airspace.

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 you will need to gain consent for flying over parks and other publicly owned property.

Flying rules around Queenstown Airport

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 this aerial plan.

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 ATC approval 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. 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, persons, or property.

Operators who intend to fly over public spaces must obtain permission from the landowner. 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 weighs less than 25kg, its operation 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 exceeds 25kg, the operator will need to hold a Civil Aviation Rule Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate.

How to report unsafe flying

If a drone presents an immediate danger, please call 111 and ask for the police.

To report a rule breach, contact the Civil Aviation Authority by emailing [email protected] or freephone 0508 4 SAFETY (0508 472 338).

More resources

New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority rules for drone flying are available both on the Airshare website airshare.co.nz and the CAA’s own website www.aviation.govt.nz/drones.

You will need to provide the time and location of the incident, as well as any other details about the person operating the drone.