FPV drones

FPV drones and racing quadcopters in New Zealand

Updated 4 November 2026

In New Zealand, a ready-to-fly FPV racing drone costs from about NZ$365, a micro drone starts near NZ$147, and a long-range or heavy-lift build can cost NZ$1,800 to NZ$5,600. Prices depend mostly on frame size and what is included. For a current price for your build, describe it in a BlaBlaPrice request: the AI looks through local sellers' websites and shows the prices it finds.

Flying rules in New Zealand

Drones fly under the Civil Aviation Act 2023, and Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Rules sets out the rules for drones that do not need a certificate or licence. A drone must weigh less than 25 kg, and a drone heavier than 15 kg must be certified as airworthy. Do not fly FPV goggles without a spotter, and get the consent of the property owner before you fly over their land. Auckland Council also requires permission to fly a drone heavier than 2.5 kg on council-managed land, so check these rules before you buy a large build.

Season and daylight

November marks the start of the long days. From December to February there is more daylight for flying after work, and most people fly outdoors then. June to August has short days, and winter wind and rain make flying shorter and harder, especially in windy Wellington and in Christchurch on cold evenings.

What to specify and how it is sold

Frame size is given in inches, so a 10-inch frame is about 25 cm across and an 18-inch frame about 46 cm. Ask whether the listing includes goggles, transmitter, batteries and the quantity you need. Your request should include the size, the intended use (racing, freestyle or long range), the camera, the video link and radio frequency, the payload and range, what is included, the budget, and the delivery city: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton or Tauranga. Ask the seller about payment and paperwork before you order.

On BlaBlaPrice you describe the build in your own words, and the request is free. Sellers registered on BlaBlaPrice receive it and reply in the chat with their price, terms and delivery, while your contact details stay hidden until you choose to share them. For related parts see FPV drone parts and drones.