Rotorua Airport's boundaries are within a controlled airspace. This means you need to gain consent from Air Traffic Control to fly anything manned or unmanned within this space.

Drones are classified as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), and due to their increased popularity and affordability, there has been an increase in private usage resulting in a larger number of drones being flown for recreational and commercial purposes.

Rotorua Airport encourages all operators of UAVs and RPAs to familiarise themselves with the Civil Aviation Rules (CAA) surrounding drone usage in controlled airspace, which were introduced on 1 August 2015. The purpose of the CAA is to ensure that aviation safety is maintained and that drone operators are taking responsibility for their operations near air spaces.

Please raise an Airshare Request with Rotorua Tower in the first instance otherwise contact Jayne Marsh. Thank you for your co-operation which allows us to continue to operate safely and efficiently. 

Additional information
Maps: Know where to fly within New Zealand 
Council policies: Know your rights on council land 
Rules and regulations: Civil Aviation Authority information
MyFlights: Log and register your flights