Recreational boating
New navigation safety bylaw changes - boats must have ID
If you belong to a sporting body you should check with your organisation or Environment Canterbury as your organisation’s ID system may have already been approved by the Harbourmaster’s Office. If you’re already approved, it can be used instead of your trailer registration. If you have an existing Maritime NZ registration number or a radio call sign, then this can be displayed.
If your boat is towed on a trailer you should:
Have the registration number of the trailer on each side of the vessel, and it must be at least 90mm high. It has to be seen in daylight from 50m away – this could be a sticker with a colour that contrasts with your boat’s hull.
If your boat isn’t towed on a trailer:
You must display a unique identifying name and/or number either side of the hull.
If you are in a non-powered vessel 6m or less in length, or a paddle craft, or solely powered by oars:
You must have the current owner’s name and contact details somewhere on the vessel. It can be as simple as writing it with marker pen inside the hull.
Remember: If you’re on the water in any type of vessel 6m or less in length, you must wear a lifejacket
There are a wealth of activities and competitive sports you can do on Canterbury's waterways. Whether you're rowing, kayaking, on a jet ski, sailing or on a stand up paddleboard we want all recreational boaties to stay safe, no matter what you're doing.
Please check if there are any hazards you need to know about before heading out.
We'd also like to hear about any accidents or bad behaviour you see.
Key information
See any current or upcoming events, and changes to local boating requirements. This includes temporary regulations made under the Bylaw for specific short term purposes, such as power boat races or large scale swim events, but also minor changes to Bylaw rules for particular areas the water user community has asked for and supports.
Temporary Reservation Certificate - Avon River - December 2017 (PDF File, 558.62KB)
Temporary Reservation Certificate - Waitaki District Council - December 2017 (PDF File, 190.19KB)
Temporary Reservation Certificate - Waitaki River Fulton Hogan (PDF File, 168.04KB)
Harbourmaster's Approval - Mark Morgan - NS Bylaw 2016 - November 2017 (PDF File, 170.64KB)
Temporary Reservation Certificate - CC Avon River (PDF File, 469.08KB)
Harbourmaster’s Approval - Canterbury Water Sports Club - 5 October 2017 (PDF File, 661.32KB)
Temporary Exemption and Reservation Certificate - New Brighton Power Boat Club (PDF File, 474.5KB) for Lake Forsyth in accordance with the Harbourmaster for the dates: 8 Oct 17, 19 Nov 17, 3 Dec 17, 17 Dec 17, 7 Jan 18, 28 Jan 18, 10 Feb 18, 11 Feb 18, 18 Mar 18, 8 Apr 18 and 22 Apr 18
Temporary Reservation Certificate - Fit and Able (PDF File, 352.54KB)
Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Canterbury Outboard Boating Club
Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Surf Life Saving NZ
Access restrictions at Gollans Bay due to rock blasting
Temporary Reservation Certificate - Harbourmasters Office - Speed Uplifted Zone for Lake Middleton
Temporary Reservation Certificate - Harbourmaster's Office - Surf Lifesaving NZ
Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Surf Life Saving New Zealand
Please also check for hazards in Canterbury.
Personal flotation devices (PFDs) — commonly known as lifejackets and buoyancy vests — come in a variety of designs and sizes. It’s important to wear the right one in the right situation, as it could save your life. Looking after your PFD properly will ensure it has a longer life.
PFDs provide more than flotation. They allow a person in the water to keep still and conserve energy, which helps delay the onset of hypothermia. PFDs also provide protection from injury in boating collisions or if your boat runs aground. Find out more from Maritime New Zealand.
Under Canterbury boating rules:
- PFDs must be *worn at all times on craft 6m or less in length except when the craft is tied up or at anchor.
- All craft must *carry PFDs of an appropriate size for every person on board.
- Everybody must wear their PFD if there are circumstances which cause danger or risk to the safety of people aboard.
- tides, river flows, rough seas (eg bar crossing)
- adverse weather, adverse visibility or emergencies
- poor visibility including hours of darkness
- other risk situations can include coast or lakes with many hazards (eg Kaikōura); or areas where there is very high intensity boating activity, which occurs at peak times in many smaller lakes (eg Lake Opuha and Lake Ruataniwha).
We patrol the region during peak summer periods to help ensure all water users are safe. If you see any bad behaviour on our water ways please contact us.
Whether you report via email or phone, please supply as much information as possible.
- Date and time of the incident
- Detailed location (eg Timaru, Caroline Bay, south end of beach)
- Offending vessel details — length, colour, type of boat, identifying marks if any
- Details of the trailer or vehicle connected with the vehicle (if possible)
- Details of what you witnessed and the concerns you have.
In some cases we will be able to identify the person or vessel responsible. This will allow us to ensure those responsible understand the bylaws. In some cases we will be unable to identify those responsible but we are able to keep a record and may be able to identify them in future. In both cases we are able to better understand where our enforcement patrols need to be undertaken and at what times of the year.
If you become involved in an accident, or a near miss, please also report this to us. The Bylaw requires you to do this, and it is likely your insurance company will contact us to ensure the accident is reported and check if we are taking enforcement action.
For generic rules regarding speed and general rules of the water see the Navigation Safety Bylaw and Maritime Rules part 91 and Maritime Rules part 22.
The Bylaw also contains more information on boating safety requirements on most lakes and waterways, including many rivers, in the Canterbury region.