Short answer: Visitors can fly drones in New Zealand, but Civil Aviation Authority rules apply to every flight, and a permit from the Department of Conservation (DOC) is needed to fly over public conservation land, including national parks, even for a holiday video. Explera DMC New Zealand briefs groups before they pack a drone.
Many clients now travel with a small camera drone. The landscapes they want to film are often inside national parks and other conservation land, which is where the rules are strictest.
What are the basic flying rules?
New Zealand's drone rules sit in Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Rules. The points that matter most for visitors:
- Get consent first. Consent is needed before flying over people and property, including from the landowner or occupier.
- Stay low. Keep the drone no higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above the ground.
- Keep it in sight. The pilot must be able to see the drone with their own eyes at all times.
- Check the airspace. Controlled airspace near airports needs a clearance. The CAA points pilots to AirShare for maps and clearance requests.
When is a DOC permit needed?
DOC says a permit is needed to fly a drone on public conservation land for any reason, including private and non-commercial use. Its operating conditions include:
- Named land only. A permit covers only the conservation land named on it.
- Zoned areas. Conservation land is divided into zones according to how well drone use fits the Conservation Act 1987, so check the zoning of each place before flying.
- Away from busy spots. Fly away from high-use areas such as campsites, huts, car parks and picnic areas.
- Stop when asked. Stop flying if a uniformed or warranted DOC staff member asks.
- Log the flight. Record flights in AirShare.
Commercial and research flights on conservation land go through their own DOC permit routes.
What should agents tell clients?
- Ask early. Tell us at booking if a client plans to fly a drone, and where, so there is time to check the rules for each stop.
- Expect no-fly days. Many highlight stops are on conservation land. Without a permit, the drone stays in the bag there.
- Respect people and places. Flying over other visitors, private land or places of cultural significance without consent is not acceptable.
- Consider a scenic flight instead. For aerial views of Milford Sound or the glaciers, a scenic flight with a licensed operator is often the simpler choice.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We plan group tours, scenic flights and helicopters and guided walks for travel agents and tour operators. See our Tiaki Promise briefing and our pre-departure client briefing.
FAQ
Can tourists fly drones in New Zealand? Yes, within the Civil Aviation Rules: under 120 metres, in sight of the pilot, with consent before flying over people and property, and with clearance in controlled airspace.
Do I need a permit to fly a drone in a national park? Yes. DOC requires a permit to fly a drone on public conservation land for any reason, including recreational flights, and the permit covers only the land named on it.
Can a drone be flown near an airport? Controlled airspace near airports needs a clearance. The CAA directs pilots to AirShare for maps and clearance requests.
Can a drone be flown over other people? Only with their consent, as the rules require consent before flying over people and property.
Can Explera help with a client's drone plans? We check the rules for each stop at booking and tell the group where a permit is needed. Tell us early if a client plans to fly.
Sources
- When you need a recreational drone permit, Department of Conservation, checked 20 October 2026
- Drone operating conditions, Department of Conservation, checked 20 October 2026
- Part 101 rules for drones, Civil Aviation Authority, checked 20 October 2026
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
