🇳🇿 Drone rules in New Zealand
Recreational flying needs no registration and no licence under Part 101 — but you must stay under 120 m and in sight in daylight, keep 4 km from aerodromes and out of controlled airspace, and get consent from anyone you fly over and from the owner of the land below.
Before you fly: drone rules change and vary by location. This page is a general summary, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules with the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA NZ) (official site). You are responsible for flying legally and safely.
Do I need to register my drone?
No. New Zealand does not run a drone registration scheme for everyday Part 101 flying. (A future registration regime has been consulted on but is not yet law — check CAA NZ before you fly.)
Do I need a licence or test?
No licence is needed to fly under Part 101 — it is rules-based, so if you follow all the operating rules you need no certificate. If you can't meet a Part 101 rule (e.g. beyond line of sight, above 120 m, closer than 4 km to an aerodrome, or a drone 25 kg or heavier) you need a Part 102 operator certificate from CAA.
Is Remote ID required?
No. There is no Remote ID requirement for Part 101 drones in New Zealand.
What is the maximum altitude?
120 m (400 ft) above ground level, unless the specific conditions in the Part 101 technical standard are met.
Where can't I fly?
Within 4 km of any aerodrome without meeting the set conditions, in controlled airspace without ATC clearance (via the AirShare app), and in restricted or special-use areas. Keep below 120 m, fly only in daylight within visual line of sight, and — distinctively for New Zealand — get consent from anyone you fly over and from the owner or person in charge of the land beneath you.
Authority: Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA NZ)