Drone Use in Kaikōura

Flying drones on DOC land

Note if you wish to land or fly a drone on public conservation land for any reason you must have authorisation from DOC.

For more information see DOC's

• commercial drone use information
• recreational drone use information

Guidance for flying drones near marine mammals

Flying drones in the vicinity of marine mammals (such as whales, dolphins, and seals) can stress or disrupt them. Even though an animal might not appear to be disturbed, it could be quite stressed.

It is an offence to harass or disturb marine mammals. To avoid disturbing or harassing marine mammals you must:

• fly no closer than 150 m horizontally from a point directly above any marine mammal
• not disturb or harass any marine mammal with your drone; e.g. don’t chase, herd or scatter them
• not make any sudden or repeated change in speed or direction
• not make any loud or disturbing noises near marine mammals
• abandon contact at the first sign of any marine mammal being disturbed.

You should:

• take off at least 100 m from any marine mammal on the shore or the land
• not fly within 300 m of any marine mammal if there are already three drones, other aircraft, or boats within 300 m of that marine mammal
• keep at least 50 m from any other drone

Getting closer to marine mammals

If you want to fly your drone closer than 150 m horizontally from a marine mammal, whether commercially or recreationally, you must have a permit from DOC to “disturb or harass” marine mammals.

See interacting with marine mammals for more information about the marine mammal permit application process.

If you have any questions or concerns about flying your drone near marine mammals contact the Christchurch Permissions Team.