Country guide · Civil Aviation Authority (New Zealand) Part 101
Drone rules in New Zealand
Where can I fly?
Registration
No registration currently required. Proposed rules under the Civil Aviation Act 2023 would require registration for drones 250 g and over, but no implementation date has been set.
No registration required under current Part 101 rules. Future rules (not yet in force) may require registration for drones 250 g+.
Same as 250 g+ band. No current registration requirement. Drones over 25 kg fall outside Part 101 and require Part 102 certification.
Pilot test / certificate
No certificate required for Part 101 operations.
No certification legally required for standard Part 101 recreational or commercial (within limits) operations. An optional Part 101 Pilot Certificate is available from approved training providers (80% pass mark). Part 102 certification is mandatory for operations outside Part 101 limits.
Same as 250 g+ band. Drones 15–25 kg require an airworthiness inspection before flight; drones over 25 kg require Part 102 certification.
Marking & altitude
No marking currently required. Proposed future registration rules would require drones 250 g+ to display a unique registration number via permanent label, engraving, or indelible ink. Not yet in force.
120 m (400 ft) above ground level for Part 101 operations. Specific exceptions are defined in Civil Aviation Transport Instrument (CATI:101-1).
Key restrictions
- Must stay at least 30 m away from people not involved in the flight, and at least 20 m from buildings.
- Do not fly within 4 km of any aerodrome boundary (airports, helipads, airfields) without authorisation from the aerodrome operator or ATC.
- Must maintain visual line of sight at all times; no flying through cloud, fog, or behind obstructions.
- Must give way to all manned aircraft and land immediately if manned aircraft approach.
- Daylight hours only. Night flying and BVLOS operations require Part 102 certification.
New Zealand specifics
New Zealand's Civil Aviation Act 2023 (in force 5 April 2025) enables future drone registration and Remote ID rules, but neither is yet mandated. Commercial drone operations are permitted under Part 101 limits without additional certification. Department of Conservation (DOC) permits are required for all flights on conservation land.