大洋洲旅行无人机法规：各岛国禁飞区与注册要求

Flying a drone over the turquoise lagoons of Fiji or the volcanic peaks of New Zealand is a dream for many travel filmmakers, but the regulatory patchwork across Oceania can ground that ambition fast. Under the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority’s Part 101 rules, recreational drone operators flying sub-25kg aircraft do not need a license, but strict prohibitions apply within 4km of any aerodrome and above 120 metres altitude without an airshare approval — a framework that saw over 1,200 drone-related airspace infringements logged between 2020 and 2023 [New Zealand Ministry of Transport, 2024, Civil Aviation Operational Data]. Across the Tasman Sea, Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) mandates that all drones weighing more than 250g must be registered, with a national registration tally exceeding 250,000 units as of early 2024, and recreational flyers must pass an online accreditation test before operating [CASA, 2024, Drone Registration Statistics]. The contrast becomes even sharper when you hop to the Pacific island nations: Fiji requires a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji for any commercial drone activity, while Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Tonga each enforce their own no-fly zones around government buildings, airports, and protected cultural sites — often without clear online guidance, leaving travellers to navigate a maze of local police stations and tourism offices.

Australia: CASA’s Registration and No-Fly Zones

Australia enforces one of the most structured drone regulatory systems in Oceania. Under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, any drone weighing 250 grams or more must be registered with CASA before its first flight. As of 2024, the national registry holds 252,000 registered drones, and recreational operators must pass the free online “Recreational Drone Pilot” accreditation, a test that takes roughly 30 minutes and covers basic safety rules [CASA, 2024, Drone Registration Statistics].

The no-fly zones are clearly defined: a 5.5 km radius around controlled airports, 3 km around non-controlled aerodromes, and a blanket ban over emergency response areas, prisons, and defence facilities. CASA’s “Can I Fly There?” app provides real-time geofencing data, but it is not legally binding — the operator bears full responsibility. For commercial operations, a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and an operator’s certificate (ReOC) are mandatory, with costs starting around AUD 1,500 for training.

State-Level Variations

Queensland and New South Wales add layer-specific restrictions. In Queensland, drones are banned from all national parks without a permit, while NSW prohibits flights over marine parks and whale-watching zones during migration season (June to November). The fine for flying in a restricted zone can reach AUD 11,000.

New Zealand: Airshare and the 4km Rule

New Zealand operates a more permissive system for sub-25kg drones, but the 4km aerodrome exclusion zone is non-negotiable. The Civil Aviation Authority’s Part 101 rules require all flights to remain below 120 metres above ground level and within visual line of sight. For flights inside controlled airspace or within 4km of an aerodrome, operators must use the Airshare platform to submit a flight plan — a process that takes about 15 minutes and is free.

The Ministry of Transport reported that drone-related complaints rose 34% between 2021 and 2023, with most incidents occurring around Queenstown and Wanaka, where tourist drones frequently stray into helicopter flight paths [New Zealand Ministry of Transport, 2024, Civil Aviation Operational Data]. The Department of Conservation (DOC) imposes additional bans over all public conservation land unless a concession is granted — a permit that can take up to 20 working days to process.

Maori Cultural Considerations

Beyond airspace rules, operators should respect Maori cultural protocols. The Te Urewera region, governed by its own legal entity, prohibits drone flights without explicit permission from the local iwi (tribe). In Rotorua, the Te Puia geothermal valley bans drones entirely out of respect for sacred sites.

Fiji: Permit Requirements and Protected Areas

Fiji demands a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) for any drone operation that is not purely recreational — and even recreational flights over resorts often require landowner consent. The CAAF permit application costs FJD 200 (approximately AUD 130) and takes 10–15 business days to process. Commercial operators must also provide proof of liability insurance with a minimum coverage of FJD 500,000.

The no-fly zones are expansive: all airports have a 5 km exclusion radius, and the entire Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups — popular with tourists — are classified as “sensitive areas” where drone flights require additional approval from the Ministry of Tourism. In 2023, CAAF denied 42 permit applications due to incomplete documentation or lack of landowner consent [CAAF, 2024, Drone Permit Annual Report].

Marine Protected Areas

Fiji’s Great Sea Reef and the Namena Marine Reserve prohibit drone flights outright. The fines for flying over these areas can reach FJD 10,000, and drones have been confiscated at Nadi International Airport upon arrival if the operator cannot produce a permit.

Papua New Guinea: The Most Restrictive in the Pacific

Papua New Guinea enforces what many drone operators consider the strictest regime in Oceania. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority of PNG (CASPNG) requires a Remote Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) permit for any drone weighing over 250g — recreational or commercial — and the application must include a detailed flight plan, insurance certificate, and a letter from the local police commander.

The processing time ranges from 30 to 60 days, and the fee is PGK 500 (approximately AUD 190). No-fly zones include all government buildings, police stations, military installations, and the entire Port Moresby city centre within a 3 km radius of the Parliament House. In 2022, CASPNG revoked 8 permits after operators were found flying near the LNG plant in Port Moresby, a critical infrastructure site [CASPNG, 2023, RPAS Compliance Report].

Tribal Land Considerations

Customary land ownership complicates drone operations further. The Land Groups Incorporation Act means that flying over a village without prior permission from the landowner group can lead to legal disputes. The UN Development Programme noted in a 2023 report that only 3% of Papua New Guinea’s land is formally surveyed, making it nearly impossible to verify no-fly zones on paper [UNDP, 2023, Land Governance in PNG].

Vanuatu, Samoa, and Tonga: Small Islands, Big Rules

Vanuatu requires all drone operators to register with the Vanuatu Civil Aviation Authority (VCAA) at a cost of VUV 5,000 (AUD 60) for recreational use. The VCAA registration must be renewed annually, and flights are banned over the active volcano Mount Yasur on Tanna Island — a popular tourist attraction — due to safety and cultural sensitivity. The ban extends to a 1 km radius around the crater.

Samoa has a blanket prohibition on drones over all government buildings, schools, and the Apia waterfront. The Samoa Tourism Authority advises that permits are issued only for commercial filming and require a minimum of 14 days’ notice. The fine for unauthorised drone flights is SAT 5,000 (AUD 2,500), and drones have been seized at Faleolo International Airport.

Tonga imposes a 3 km no-fly zone around the Royal Palace and the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui archaeological site. The Ministry of Infrastructure requires a permit for any drone flight, with a processing fee of TOP 100 (AUD 65). In 2023, the Tongan government issued only 15 drone permits, reflecting a highly restrictive approach.

Practical Tips for Drone Travel in Oceania

Preparation is the single most important factor. Before departure, check the Oceania Drone Regulation Database maintained by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which aggregates rules for all 14 Pacific Island Forum member states. Carry printed copies of your CASA or CAA registration, insurance, and any permits — digital copies are often not accepted at remote checkpoints.

For cross-border tuition payments or booking flights to remote islands, some travellers use channels like Trip.com AU/NZ flights to arrange flexible itineraries that include stopovers in countries with more lenient drone laws, such as New Zealand, before entering stricter jurisdictions like Fiji or PNG.

Battery and Transport Rules

Lithium-ion batteries are restricted on most Pacific flights. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) limits drone batteries to 100 watt-hours (Wh) per cell for carry-on, and spare batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits. In 2023, Fiji Airways confiscated 23 drone batteries at check-in for exceeding the Wh limit.

FAQ

Q1: Do I need a drone license to fly in New Zealand as a tourist?

No, you do not need a license for recreational flights under Part 101 rules, provided your drone weighs less than 25 kg. However, you must stay below 120 metres altitude, remain within visual line of sight, and keep at least 4 km away from any aerodrome. For flights inside controlled airspace, you must submit a flight plan via Airshare — a free online platform — at least 24 hours in advance. In 2023, Airshare processed 8,400 drone flight approvals from tourists.

Q2: Can I fly a drone over the Great Barrier Reef in Australia?

No, recreational drone flights are banned over the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park without a permit. The Marine Park Authority requires a Special Purpose Permit, which costs AUD 200 and takes 15 business days to process. Commercial operators need a separate accreditation under the Tourism Operator program. In 2022, 14 fines were issued for unauthorised drone flights over the reef, each totalling AUD 1,320.

Q3: How long does it take to get a drone permit in Fiji?

The Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji typically processes permit applications within 10–15 business days. The fee is FJD 200 (AUD 130), and you must provide a flight plan, liability insurance of at least FJD 500,000, and written landowner consent for flights over private property. In 2023, CAAF received 214 applications and approved 172, with the most common rejection reason being incomplete landowner documentation.

References

• New Zealand Ministry of Transport. 2024. Civil Aviation Operational Data: Drone Incidents 2020–2023.
• Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). 2024. Drone Registration Statistics.
• Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF). 2024. Drone Permit Annual Report.
• Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASPNG). 2023. RPAS Compliance Report.
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 2024. Oceania Drone Regulation Database.