Bro's Im coming home for the first time in over 20 years and am planning a trip around the South Island.
Reading the CAA website seems clear as mud especially when it comes to parks etc. Does this include national parks?
Also what about fox/Franz Josef? anyone flown there? the maps make it look like its a no fly zone.
Starting in Queenstown then Manapouri, Stewart Island, Invers, Dunedin, Lake Tekapo, Kaikoura, Picton, Westport, Franz Josef then back to Queenstown plus all the awesome stuff in between.
If anyone lives or has flown in these areas would love to know the local do's and don'ts
Plus if anyone lives on Stewart Island and wants to loan me a car Xmas day that would be awesome!
Cheers

Hi Dave,
I am no kiwi but I know for sure that fox and Franz Josef is a no flight zone for drones. Too many helicopters in this area. Milford Sound, too!

I could not take off at Milford Sound, due to the close proximity to the Airport there. And having seen the planes take off and approach the airport, not sure I would want to fly my drone with small aircraft coming in.
I have flown in a few areas on the South Island back in June, including Lake Tekapo and Waipapa Point.
I am always considerate of others around me, so if it would be obtrusive, I don't fly. Which can be a pain, when I have traveled from the UK and only in the area for a day or so.

studioje Posted at 2016-12-8 18:13
Hi Dave,
I am no kiwi but I know for sure that fox and Franz Josef is a no flight zone for drones. Too many helicopters in this area. Milford Sound, too!

Yeah I thought that would be the case. I'm wondering what the operating hours are for the glaciers. Might be able to get in early with permission.

DaveAus Posted at 2016-12-9 00:28
Yeah I thought that would be the case. I'm wondering what the operating hours are for the glaciers. Might be able to get in early with permission.

maybe there is a chance to get a permission when the weather is too bad and the helicopters don't fly to the glaciers.

Don't make fire in the bush.