Recreational boating

Whether you have a kayak, personal water craft, waka, sail or power boat, you must know the rules, have the right equipment, and be a responsible skipper.
Related information:
The Safer Boating guide covers essential information for recreational boaties on the sea, river and lakes of New Zealand.

Safer Boating Guide

This booklet gives you essential information for an enjoyable and safe time on the water.

[PDF: 3.87MB, 24 pages]

Download
Maritime NZ encourages recreational boaties to use apps built for maritime use.

Maritime on mobile

Get updates, weather forecasts, relevant local information and more on your smartphone.

Get it on mobile
 

Under this topic

Safety

Our key safety messages address the common factors that contribute to deaths in recreational boating.

Lifejackets

Communications

Check your gear

Weather

Alcohol

Applying for a temporary maritime event

Regional safety information

The basics

Learn about responsibilities, the essential gear you need, boat maintenance, avoiding accidents and more.

You and your boat

Skipper responsibilities

Before you go out

Environment

Taking your boat overseas

Rules on the water

It is your responsibility to know and understand the rules before heading out.

Rules on the water

Boating courses

Coastguard Boating Education have a range of training and education opportunities for boaties, experts and schools.

Boating courses

Our safety campaign

Learn about our latest safety campaign and safety messages for recreational boaties.

Our safety campaigns

Boating research