Holiday alert! Kerbside collections scheduled for ANZAC Day (Friday 25 April) will be a day later than normal. The Queenstown and Wānaka Transfer Stations will open from 1.00pm-5.00pm, likewise with the public recycling drop off on Glenda Drive. Find out more information on our Rubbish & Recycling Collection webpage.

Navigation Safety Bylaw

The Maritime Transport Act 1994 (MTA) empowers regional councils to make navigation safety bylaws to ensure maritime safety. This power has been delegated to QLDC from Otago Regional Council (ORC).  

The purpose of navigation safety bylaws is to ensure maritime safety is achieved. The MTA enables QLDC to create a bylaw that addresses a range of different matters relating to navigation safety. The MTA also provides QLDC with the power to enforce navigation safety regulations using infringement fines. 

The Navigation Safety Bylaw contains rules that apply in the QLDC region alongside those of the nationally applicable rules in Maritime Rules part 91 and Maritime Rules part 22. 

In March 2025, the current Navigation Safety Bylaw was adopted after extensive engagement with community groups and stakeholders. 

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Navigation Safety Bylaw FAQs

  • Under the 2025 navigation safety bylaw, all powered vessels must carry at least ONE form of communication while out on the water. 

    Non powered vessels such as paddle boards, kayaks and sailboats are not required under the bylaw to carry communications devices unless they are over 6m in length in which case, they too must carry ONE form of communication while out on the water. 

    Note: Explanatory note B in the bylaw states that it is recommended that all persons in charge of any vessel should carry a form of communications suitable to the location and activity.   

    Safer Boating New Zealand recommends that you always carry at least TWO reliable ways to call for help that will work when wet. 

    Specific details on communication requirements can be found in clause 19 of the 2025 Navigational Safety Bylaw 

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  • The 2025 navigation safety bylaw includes new vessel registration requirements to improve identification, safety and accountability on the district’s waterways. 
    For motorized vessels, this will mean displaying identifying name or number above the waterline on each side of the vessel. For commercial vessels registered with MNZ or those with a registered VHF radio call sign, these approved names and numbers can be used.  

    For most recreational boat owners with trailer borne vessel, the new rules will mean displaying the registration number of its trailer above the waterline on each side of the vessel.

    The vessel ID requirements do not apply to non-power-driven vessels of six meters or less in length.  

    Note: It is recommended that vessels not required to display Vessel ID under the bylaw, be marked with the current owner’s name and contact details somewhere on the vessel. 

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  • For vessels temporarily visiting from out-of-town, the minimum requirement is that they display markings that comply with an identification requirement within the Navigation Safety Bylaws of the region in which the vessel normally operates. 

    Specific details on Vessel ID requirements can be found in clause 18 of the 2025 Navigational Safety Bylaw   

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  • The bylaw establishes designated upstream/downstream vessel passage lanes at the Albert Town bridge to reduce conflicts between swimmers and powered vessels on the Clutha River / Mata-Au.   

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  • Queenstown Lakes District Council harbourmasters have a range of enforcement tools that span from education to infringement, to prosecution.

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  • The draft of the 2025 Navigation safety bylaw highlighted the safety issues resulting from the increased mixed use of the Eely Point ski lane.  Particularly as it related to conflicts from vessels approaching this popular mixed use family area at high speed. The council listened to many submissions around this and chose to keep the ski lane but narrow it so that other users such as swimmers and paddle boarders can lawfully use this area in a safe manor. The narrowed lane allows for high speed takeoff from the beach for water-skiers, biscuits, etc. However, when returning to the beach, the normal 5 knot speed restriction applies from 200m out from the shore. 

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  • The bylaw also sets out a new framework to manage temporary events on the water. 

    Any person intending to conduct a sporting event, training activity or any other organised water activity in an area to which this bylaw applies must do the following prior to the activity occurring:  

    (a) Notify the Harbourmaster in every case; and  

    (b) Apply for and obtain approval from the Harbourmaster if the activity meets one or more of the following criteria:  

    i. The activity is likely to affect normal operation of another vessel(s) or any other user(s) of the water; or  

    ii. The activity requires a temporary suspension of any clause of this Bylaw; or  

    iii. The activity requires an area to be temporarily reserved for a specific purpose; or  iv. The activity requires the temporary suspension of a reserved area or access lane; or

    v. The activity requires temporary installation of course markers or similar such  objects in the water.  

    Explanatory note:  

    Organised water activities typically include pre-planned events that involve multiple participants. This can include activities with a specified purpose such as regattas, races, group excursions, or any other event (including club events) that is coordinated and involves a group of people. They will not typically include spontaneous, impromptu or ad hoc gatherings of a small group of friends or family who do not intend to undertake a coordinated competitive activity. 

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Contact for bylaw related questions

The Waterways Regulatory Services Manager is responsible for the management of the waterways team that implements the Navigation Safety Bylaw. Should you have any questions regarding interpretation of the bylaw, please email:

waterways@qldc.govt.nz