---
title: "Drone no-fly zones in New Zealand: airports, official map and permits"
description: "54 drone zones in New Zealand, 54 of them restricted: the largest airport zones, the official map and how to get authorization to fly in a restricted zone."
canonical: https://droneweatherforecast.app/no-fly-zones/new-zealand
lang: en
site: Drone Weather Forecast
updated: 2026-09-17
html: https://droneweatherforecast.app/no-fly-zones/new-zealand
markdown: https://droneweatherforecast.app/no-fly-zones/new-zealand.md
llms_txt: https://droneweatherforecast.app/llms.txt
---

# Drone no-fly zones in New Zealand

> 54 drone zones in New Zealand, 54 of them restricted: the largest airport zones, the official map and how to get authorization to fly in a restricted zone.

*Last updated: 2026-09-17*

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)](https://www.aviation.govt.nz/drones/)
- **Airspace authorization:** [Airways New Zealand (AirShare)](https://airshare.co.nz/log-a-flight-via-airshare/)
- **Maximum height:** 120 m (400 ft) above the ground, unless an authorization allows more.
- **Official map:** [AirShare](https://airshare.co.nz/log-a-flight-via-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.

1. Check the airspace on AirShare before you fly. [Official page](https://www.aviation.govt.nz/drones/flying-your-drone-safely/check-the-airspace/)
2. To fly in controlled airspace, get an air traffic control clearance from Airways through My Flights in AirShare. [Official page](https://airshare.co.nz/log-a-flight-via-airshare/)
3. 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](https://www.aviation.govt.nz/drones/flying-your-drone-safely/check-the-airspace/)
4. For restricted areas or military operating areas, get permission from the authority that administers the area. [Official page](https://www.aviation.govt.nz/drones/regulations/part-101-rules-for-drones/)
5. Flying a DJI drone? With the authorization in hand, request an unlock on [DJI FlySafe](https://fly-safe.dji.com/unlock/unlock-request). 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.

→ [Drone pre-flight checklist](https://droneweatherforecast.app/guides/drone-pre-flight-checklist)

## 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).

[Drone no-fly zones by country](https://droneweatherforecast.app/no-fly-zones)

*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.*

## Check the weather and the no-fly zones in New Zealand

Drone Weather Forecast shows no-fly zones on a map, plus the hourly wind, gusts, rain, KP index and satellites for your drone model. Free on Android and iOS, no ads.

- [Get it on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.droneweather.app)
- [Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/drone-weather-forecast/id6768126094)