The Drone Weather Forecast zone map has 530 drone zones in New Zealand, from DJI FlySafe. 338 of them close the airspace from the ground up. Below are the zone types, the largest zones, the rules at a glance and the official links to request permission when you need to fly inside a zone.
Zone types
| Zone | Count | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 🟧 Authorization required | 338 | You may fly only with an authorization from the aviation authority or the airspace manager, for example around airports and in controlled airspace. |
| 🟨 Warning | 192 | Not closed, but fly with care and follow the local rules: heliports, small airfields, military training areas, stadiums, nature reserves. |
Largest restricted zones
| Zone | Strictest part |
|---|---|
| Gisborne Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| Tauranga Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| Oamaru Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| Christchurch International Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| RNZAF Base Auckland | 🟧 Authorization required |
| Hamilton International Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| New Plymouth Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| Woodbourne Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| RNZAF Base Ohakea Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| Napier Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| Timaru Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| Wanganui Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| Hokitika Airfield Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| Kaitaia Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
| Taupo Airport | 🟧 Authorization required |
Drone rules in New Zealand at a glance
- Aviation authority: Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA)
- Airspace authorization: Airways New Zealand (AirShare)
- Maximum height: 120 m (400 ft) above the ground, unless an authorization allows more.
- Official map: AirShare
- Taking off, landing or hovering on conservation land needs a Department of Conservation permit.
- Get consent before flying over people or property.
How to get authorization to fly in a restricted zone
Steps and links from official sources, checked in September 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official website (CAA) before you fly.
- Check the airspace on AirShare before you fly. Official page
- To fly in controlled airspace, get an air traffic control clearance from Airways through My Flights in AirShare. Official page
- Within 4 km of an aerodrome, hold the required qualification (or be supervised by someone who does) and get the aerodrome operator's consent, plus ATC clearance if the airspace is controlled. Official page
- For restricted areas or military operating areas, get permission from the authority that administers the area. Official page
- Flying a DJI drone? With the authorization in hand, request an unlock on DJI FlySafe. DJI's unlock does not replace the authority's permission.
Check zones and weather before you fly
The Drone Weather Forecast app shows these zones on a map with their real shapes and height limits, next to the hourly wind, gusts, rain, KP index and satellites for your drone model.
Frequently asked questions
Where can't you fly a drone in New Zealand?
Around airports, military bases and other restricted areas. The app's map has 338 zones in New Zealand where you cannot fly from the ground up without an authorization; the official map is AirShare. Temporary restrictions can appear at any time, so check before every flight.
Do I need permission to fly a drone near an airport in New Zealand?
Yes. Flying inside an airport zone or other restricted airspace needs an authorization. Responsible authority: Airways New Zealand (AirShare). The official steps and links are on this page.
How high can you fly a drone in New Zealand?
Up to 120 m (400 ft) above the ground under the general rules, unless an authorization allows more. Near airports the limit can be lower, or zero.
Where does this zone data come from?
From DJI FlySafe's GEO zones: no official zone dataset in New Zealand can be used in the app yet. DJI's GEO zones are a safety layer built into DJI drones, not the official airspace: the binding zones and rules are the ones published by the aviation authority, Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (official map: AirShare).
Zone counts and names: DJI FlySafe, as shipped in the Drone Weather Forecast app on October 14, 2026. A safety guide, not the official airspace: the aviation authority publishes the binding zones and temporary restrictions.