When flying in controlled airspace, obtain an air traffic control clearance issued by Airways Corporation of New Zealand

Part 101 rule states: have knowledge of airspace restrictions that apply in the area you want to operate…

This means you need to understand which airspace you are operating in, and whether you are within 4km of an aerodrome of not.

What is an aerodrome? This includes airports, airstrips, heliports and helipads (e.g. at hospitals), and smaller airstrips.

There are also low flying zones around local airspaces where aircraft may be flying.

You can find airspace maps to download in the materials section (see Materials tab on this page) or buy them here: VNC Charts

You can download the CAA GAP airspace rules book and read the RPAS section.

You can visit an interactive chart on airshare.co.nz showing you where you can and can’t fly drones.