# Flying Drones in New Zealand: Rules for Visiting Groups > Drone rules for clients: CAA limits, consent over people and property, and the DOC permit needed on conservation land. Source: https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-23-flying-drones-new-zealand-rules-visiting-groups/ Planning 23 October 2026 · Explera Trade Desk · 3 min read ![A white camera drone flying above forested hills under a cloudy sky](https://www.explera.co.nz/assets/blog/white-drone-flying-over-forested-hills-1400.webp) **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. ![A traveller holding a small folding drone ready to launch outdoors](https://www.explera.co.nz/assets/blog/traveller-launching-small-drone-by-hand-1400.webp) *A traveller holding a small folding drone ready to launch outdoors* ## 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. ![Hands holding a drone remote controller with a phone attached as a screen](https://www.explera.co.nz/assets/blog/hands-drone-remote-controller-phone-1400.webp) *Hands holding a drone remote controller with a phone attached as a screen* ## 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](https://www.explera.co.nz/services/group-tours-new-zealand/), [scenic flights and helicopters](https://www.explera.co.nz/services/scenic-flights-and-helicopters-new-zealand/) and [guided walks](https://www.explera.co.nz/services/great-walks-and-guided-walking-new-zealand/) for travel agents and tour operators. See our [Tiaki Promise briefing](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-10-tiaki-promise-briefing-clients-caring-for-new-zealand/) and our [pre-departure client briefing](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-08-new-zealand-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](https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/apply-for-permits/recreational-drone-use/), Department of Conservation, checked 20 October 2026 - [Drone operating conditions](https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/apply-for-permits/all-permissions/drone-use-on-conservation-land/drone-operating-conditions/), Department of Conservation, checked 20 October 2026 - [Part 101 rules for drones](https://www.aviation.govt.nz/drones/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](https://b2b.expleradmc.com). Destinations in this briefing [Milford Sound](https://www.explera.co.nz/destinations/milford-sound/) ## Talk to the trade desk *Your New Zealand DMC partner* From a single FIT to series groups and full MICE programmes, every New Zealand proposal is costed by hand against your brief at net rates. Send your requirements as a new email with a descriptive subject line. [b2b@explera.co.nz](mailto:b2b@explera.co.nz) [WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090](https://wa.me/66936568090) ## More from the trade blog. *Keep reading* [All posts](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/rss.xml) - [Halal Travel in New Zealand: Muslim Group Planning](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-23-halal-travel-new-zealand-muslim-groups/) - [New York to Auckland Nonstop: US East Coast Groups](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-23-new-york-auckland-nonstop-flights-us-east-coast-groups/) - [New Zealand Anniversary Days 2026–27: Group Planning](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-23-new-zealand-anniversary-days-2026-27-group-planning/)