DJI's GEO zone database lists 54 drone zones in New Zealand, 54 of them restricted, mostly around airports and military bases. Below are the zone types, the largest restricted 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 🟥 Restricted | 54 | DJI drones cannot take off or fly inside. Most are airports and military bases; flying there needs an authorization and a DJI unlock. |
Largest restricted zones
| Zone | Radius |
|---|---|
| Christchurch International Airport | 2.3 km |
| Auckland International Airport | 2.0 km |
| Hamilton International Airport | 1.4 km |
| Invercargill Airport | 1.3 km |
| RNZAF Base Ohakea Airport | 1.2 km |
| RNZAF Base Auckland | 1.2 km |
| Wellington International Airport | 1.1 km |
| Queenstown Airport | 1.1 km |
| Palmerston North Airport | 1.1 km |
| Tauranga Airport | 1.0 km |
| Dunedin Airport | 1.0 km |
| Manapouri Airport | 1.0 km |
| Kaitaia Airport | 1.0 km |
| Pukaki Airport | 0.9 km |
| Wanaka Airport | 0.9 km |
Radius of the circle in DJI's database. The official zone can have another shape and reach further, for example along the runway approach.
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 DJI's colours, 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. DJI's database lists 54 restricted zones in New Zealand; 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.
Is the DJI no-fly zone map official?
No. DJI's GEO zones are a safety layer built into DJI drones. 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 GEO database, snapshot of February 3, 2026. It is a safety guide, not the official airspace: the aviation authority publishes the binding zones and temporary restrictions.