These safety guidelines are for commercial operators who hire or provide paddle craft and equipment to the public for use that is not directly supervised on the water by a guide or instructor. The free use of canoes or kayaks as part of an accommodation incentive is also covered by these guidelines.

Safety Guidelines Paddle craft rental activites–August 2010 [PDF: 85Kb, 9 pages]

Kayaking and canoeing safety strategy 2009–2014

This strategy sets out priority areas for Maritime New Zealand programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting safety in kayaking over the next 3–6 years. The strategy was developed following extensive dialogue and consultation with the industry.

Kayaking and canoeing safety strategy 2009–2014 [PDF: 44Kb, 6 pages]

Adventure activity guidelines

These guidelines set out the minimum standards for commercial operations that are not required to have a safe operational plan.

The guidelines reflect the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and the Maritime Transport Act 1994. They are issued by Maritime New Zealand under the terms of its statutory responsibility to promote safety in the use of navigable craft.

The guidelines were developed with substantial input from the sectors concerned. We welcome feedback on operators' experience working with the guidelines, with a view to their ongoing development.

Safety guidelines: commercial kayaking and canoeing operations [PDF:86Kb, 6 pages]

Safety guidelines: commercial white water boarding operations, February 2009 [PDF:226Kb, 26 pages]

Contact for further information

If you require any further information about adventure activity guidelines, please contact Maritime New Zealand's Safety Auditor Adventure Tourism.

Contact Maritime New Zealand