How drone filming works in New Zealand

Drone shots can open a film or show the scale of a place, but every flight sits inside Civil Aviation rules. This is a general overview of how drone filming works in New Zealand, not legal advice.

The rules that apply

In New Zealand, drones are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Most drone flying, including a lot of commercial filming, happens under Civil Aviation Rules Part 101, which sets out conditions every operator has to meet. Operations that fall outside those conditions need certification under Part 102, which the CAA grants after assessing the operator and the risks of what they plan to do. Under either part, the person flying is responsible for knowing which rules apply to that flight.

Rules change, so treat this page as a general overview and check the current rules with the Civil Aviation Authority before any flight. This is not legal advice.

The core Part 101 conditions

The headline conditions under Part 101 include the following. Several have exceptions under specific conditions set out in the rules, which is why the CAA’s own guidance is the place to check.

The drone must weigh 25 kg or less
It must be flown no higher than 120 m (400 ft) above ground level, unless the rules’ conditions for going higher are met
It must be kept within the pilot’s visual line of sight
Flights are in daylight only, unless it is a shielded operation
The pilot must give way to all crewed aircraft
It must not be flown within 4 km of an aerodrome unless the rules’ conditions are met, such as an agreement with the aerodrome operator
Flights in controlled airspace need a clearance from air traffic control
Restricted areas and other special use airspace need permission from whoever administers them

Controlled airspace and Airshare

Parts of New Zealand’s main cities sit within controlled airspace because of the airports nearby and the aircraft using them. To fly a drone there, the operator needs a clearance from air traffic control, which in practice is requested through Airshare, the online service drone operators use to check airspace and request clearances. Its airspace map is a useful first check for anyone planning a shoot, because it shows where controlled airspace and aerodromes are.

Clearance is not automatic. A request can be declined or approved with conditions, such as a lower height limit or a set time window. That is why aerial shots near a city centre or an airport are planned well ahead, with a ground-based alternative ready if the flight cannot go ahead.

Consent from people and property

Part 101 also protects people on the ground. Before flying above people, the operator needs their consent. Before flying above property, the operator needs the consent of the owner or occupier, or whoever is in charge of the area. For a shoot this often means planning the flight path so it stays over the location you have permission for, briefing anyone who will be underneath, and timing flights to avoid crowds. At events and weddings it usually means flying away from the guests rather than over them, or getting their agreement in advance.

A drone camera can also see into places people expect to be private, so good operators plan their framing and flight paths to respect that as well.

Parks, reserves and conservation land

Aviation rules are only part of the picture, because landowners can set their own conditions on taking off and landing. Public conservation land is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and flying a drone on it generally needs DOC authorisation. Councils manage parks and reserves and have their own drone rules, which vary from one council to the next. Some places, including some sites of cultural significance, ask that drones are not flown at all.

Private land is simpler in one way, since the owner can give consent directly, but the aviation rules still apply above it. For any shoot on public land, these permissions are part of pre-production, alongside location access and any filming permits.

How Billie plans aerial shots

Billie plans aerial work as part of the whole film rather than as a bolt-on. That starts with whether a drone shot is the right tool at all, then checks the airspace, any aerodromes nearby, landowner and council rules, and the people who will be on site. Flights are planned within the rules that apply to that location, and the footage is graded alongside the ground footage so it cuts in naturally.

If the airspace or permissions make a flight impractical, there are usually other ways to get the shot: a high vantage point, a longer lens or a different location. See drone videography for what is included, or send Billie the location and the idea.

Before you book a drone shoot

A few details make the planning faster and the answer clearer:

The exact location, not just the suburb or town
Any airport, airfield or helipad you know of nearby
Who owns or manages the land you will fly from and over
Whether people will be underneath, such as guests at a wedding or a crowd at an event
Room in the schedule for permissions, and a backup plan for wind, rain or a declined clearance

Questions

Do I need permission to film with a drone?

It depends on where and how it is flown. Part 101 applies to commercial and recreational flying alike, and controlled airspace, aerodromes, people, property, conservation land and council parks can each need their own permission or clearance. Check the CAA and Airshare for the current rules.

Can a drone film at night?

Under Part 101, night flying is limited to shielded operations. Flights outside the Part 101 conditions need Part 102 certification from the CAA.

Why can a drone shot be cancelled on the day?

Wind, rain, low cloud, or a declined or changed air traffic clearance can all stop a flight. A good plan always has a ground-based alternative.

Is this a paid service?

Yes. Billie is a paid production company. Production Retainers are $1,500 NZD a month for Essential and $3,000 NZD a month for Creative, and Studio Partner is priced on enquiry. Projects outside a retainer are quoted per project as Bespoke Production, and Billie Private events are quoted per project.

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Tell Billie about the project, the timeline and which retainer suits, or ask for a Bespoke Production quote.

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