Ship routeing
New Zealand’s voluntary ship routeing code
Because ship traffic volumes around the New Zealand coast are relatively low, New Zealand does not have a formal mandatory ship‑routeing system. Instead, New Zealand operates a Voluntary Code for Ships Carrying Oil or Other Harmful Liquid Substances in Bulk(the Voluntary Code).
The Voluntary Code aims to prevent or reduce the risk of pollution or other environmental harm from ships carrying oil or other harmful liquid substances in bulk around New Zealand’s coastline. It applies to all oil and chemical tankers undertaking passages through New Zealand’s coastal waters.
The Voluntary Code:
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was first introduced in 1993 then revised in 1996 and 2001
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reduces the potential for pollution of the marine environment
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provides more lead‑time for response if an accident occurs.
The Voluntary Code recommends measures to reduce the likelihood of tankers stranding and minimise the threat of pollution. It recommends that tankers:
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keep at least 5 nautical miles from land, any charted danger, or any outlying islands
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maintain this distance until they reach the position where they must alter course to make port or depart the New Zealand coast.
The Voluntary Code also provides more specific routeing guidance for approaches to each of the 14 main commercial ports.
The Voluntary Code generally aligns with International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines. The IMO has also adopted specific mandatory measures for New Zealand waters.
For more information, see the New Zealand Nautical Almanac, available online and from chart retailers:
Precautionary areas and areas to avoid
New Zealand has one precautionary area and two areas to be avoided.
Precautionary area: extended Taranaki offshore area, off the south‑west coast of the North Island.
Areas to be avoided:
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the Three Kings Islands, off the northern tip of the North Island
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the extended area around the Poor Knights Islands, off the north‑east coast of the North Island.
Further details are in this guidance: