Leaving next week to New Zealand and was going to take the Mavic Mini with me, but after researching and obtaining responses back from various New Zealand officials, I am leaving it home. Here is my response to a bunch of officials in New Zealand. If you dare to take it, good luck!
Naturally, I would use the New Zealand air share app to avoid any airport or aerodrome. However, after reading many internet forums (horror stories and potential fines) regarding New Zealand and droning there appears to be an unhealthy reaction towards drones and many obstacles in order to fly a drone (even one that weighs less than 250 grams.) I don’t see how flying a mini-drone over a lake, mountain, or beach (not over people) for 20 minutes would have a negative impact on anything. You can’t even hear ( or barely hear) drones when they are in the air. Instead of posting a million signs where people can’t drone you should post signs where droning is permitted (not just at your parks but where people would actually want to drone; your beautiful vistas).
Your tourist industry would skyrocket if people would get to see your country from different perspectives. You should allow permits right on the spot and set time limits (fly your drone here for 20 minutes, not more than ____meters, for $_____NZ). Note: Most drones can’t fly more than 20 minutes. Pretty funny that New Zealand’s own marketing materials were captured by drone. Also, there was a time when there was a “selfie drone day” at one of your tourist spots which appeared to be a huge hit. I would have loved that!
In any event, I do not want to fear being fined and/or arrested and I don’t want to waste my time and yours trying to get permission for a place that I may or may not visit (as a tourist who knows where I will be and when). Therefore, I have decided not to bring my drone.
Still can’t wait to visit your country this week. Hopefully, you guys are laid back about everything else (can’t wait to take pictures of your glow worms). LOL
Thank you for taking your time to read this and maybe someday New Zealand will be more drone friendly.
Naturally, I would use the New Zealand air share app to avoid any airport or aerodrome. However, after reading many internet forums (horror stories and potential fines) regarding New Zealand and droning there appears to be an unhealthy reaction towards drones and many obstacles in order to fly a drone (even one that weighs less than 250 grams.) I don’t see how flying a mini-drone over a lake, mountain, or beach (not over people) for 20 minutes would have a negative impact on anything. You can’t even hear ( or barely hear) drones when they are in the air. Instead of posting a million signs where people can’t drone you should post signs where droning is permitted (not just at your parks but where people would actually want to drone; your beautiful vistas).
Your tourist industry would skyrocket if people would get to see your country from different perspectives. You should allow permits right on the spot and set time limits (fly your drone here for 20 minutes, not more than ____meters, for $_____NZ). Note: Most drones can’t fly more than 20 minutes. Pretty funny that New Zealand’s own marketing materials were captured by drone. Also, there was a time when there was a “selfie drone day” at one of your tourist spots which appeared to be a huge hit. I would have loved that!
In any event, I do not want to fear being fined and/or arrested and I don’t want to waste my time and yours trying to get permission for a place that I may or may not visit (as a tourist who knows where I will be and when). Therefore, I have decided not to bring my drone.
Still can’t wait to visit your country this week. Hopefully, you guys are laid back about everything else (can’t wait to take pictures of your glow worms). LOL
Thank you for taking your time to read this and maybe someday New Zealand will be more drone friendly.