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Guidelines on Flying Drones in our Parks and Reserves

Request Permission for Council Parks or Reserves

Please email [email protected] to apply for permission to fly a drone over Council parks or reserves. Please allow three working days' notice.

Drones are an aircraft so can be a hazard to people, property and other aircraft. So it’s important to know the rules before you fly. Drone pilots must abide by New Zealand Civil Aviation rules to keep people and property safe.

Ruapehu District Council encourages you to log your flight through the AirShare website as this will provide you with the most up to date flying conditions in the District.

Drone Rules – Share the Skies

Consider others, be responsible:

  • Fly no higher than 120m (400ft) above the ground
  • Stay a safe and considerate distance away from people and buildings
  • Don't fly over private land, such as farms or houses, unless the owner says it's OK
  • Keep your drone in sight at all times
  • Pre-approval is needed to fly within 4 km away anywhere aircraft are landing or taking off, email [email protected] (see below image)
  • It's dangerous to fly drones anywhere other aircraft are operating

Download Key Rules and Checklist

Restricted Zone for Drone Flight

Approval must be sought when flying within the highlighted areas

Using Drones in National Parks

You must have a permit from the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai to fly a drone of any size in national parks, including for recreational and commercial purposes.

There are a number of national parks including the Tongariro National Park where drone use is not generally allowed and applications are discouraged.

For more information see the DOC website.

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