ENR 5.3 OTHER HAZARDOUS AIRSPACE

• 1 PARACHUTE LANDING AREAS
  • 1.1 Description
    • 1.1.1 Parachute landing areas (PLA) are established to warn pilots of an area where intensive parachuting may be present. Pilots should treat the airspace near and above active parachute landing areas as a danger area, particularly airspace upwind of the PLA. Table ENR 5.3-1 includes the frequency used in the parachute landing area, although parachute jumps may require the use of other frequencies, including air traffic control.
    • 1.1.2 Parachuting within any controlled airspace requires approval from the appropriate ATC unit. If the PLA is located within a Mandatory Broadcast Zone (MBZ), the parachute drop aircraft must transmit information on the MBZ frequency regarding the parachute drop prior to dropping.
    • 1.1.3 Parachute landing areas are depicted on charts with the designation P---.
  • 1.2 List of PLA
    • 1.2.1 PLA, with geographical co-ordinates, are listed in the Air Navigation Register.
    • 1.2.2 A list of PLA (not including geographic co-ordinates) is provided in Table ENR 5.3-1.

    Table ENR 5.3-1
    Parachute Landing Areas

    Code	Name, location	Freq (MHz)	Using Agency
    NZP112	Whangarei AD, Northland	118.6	Skydive Ballistic Blondes, Tel (021) 519 577
    NZP114	Kerikeri AD, Northland	119.4	Skydive Bay of Islands Tel 021 062 8993
    NZP116	Parakai AD, North Auckland	123.5	Skydive Auckland Ltd, Tel 021 472 848
    NZP131	Haruru Falls, East Kerikeri	119.4	Skydive Bay of Islands Tel 021 062 8993
    NZP132	Paihia, Northland	119.4	Skydive Ballistic Blondes, Tel (021) 519 577
    NZP133	Ruakaka Beach, Northland	118.6	Skydive Ballistic Blondes, Tel (021) 519 577
    NZP134	Kaikohe AD, Northland	119.1	Skydive Ballistic Blondes, Tel (021) 519 577
    NZP138	Whenuapai AD, North Auckland	134.5	RNZAF Base Auckland, Tel (09) 417 7441
    NZP139	Hobsonville, North Auckland	134.5	RNZAF Base Auckland, Tel (09) 417 7441
    NZP211	Thames AD, Waikato	124.5	Blue Skies Skydiving, Tel 0800 727 2524
    NZP212	Mercer AD, Waikato	133.05	NZ Skydive Ltd, Tel (09) 232 6767 or (027) 440 0747
    NZP216	Matamata AD, Waikato	122.25	Blue Skies Skydiving, Tel 0800 727 2524
    NZP217	Tauranga AD, Bay of Plenty	118.3	Tauranga Tandem Skydiving Ltd, Tel (027) 496 8408
    NZP315	New Plymouth AD, Taranaki	124.7	Taranaki Skydiving Club, Tel (06) 758 0878, (027) 273 3959
    NZP316	Stratford AD, Taranaki	119.1	Taranaki Skydiving Club, Tel (06) 758 0878, (027) 273 3959
    NZP317	Hawera AD, South Taranaki	119.1	Taranaki Skydiving Club, Tel (06) 758 0878, (027) 273 3959
    NZP318	Ohakea AD, Manawatu	134.5	RNZAF Base Ohakea, Tel (06) 351 5442
    NZP417	Taupo AD, Central North Island	118.4	Taupo Tandem Skydive Ltd Tel (07) 377 0428 Skydive Taupo Ltd Tel (07) 378 4662
    NZP510	Hastings AD, Hawkes Bay	119.1	Sky Sports NZ Ltd, Tel (06) 879 7393 or (027) 443 6094
    NZP512	Masterton AD, Wairarapa	119.1	Sky Sports NZ Ltd Tel (06) 879 7393 or (027) 443 6094
    NZP616	Picton AD, Marlborough	123.0	Skydive The Sounds, Tel (03) 573 9101
    NZP617	Motueka AD, Nelson Bays	119.1	Skydive Abel Tasman Tel (03) 528 4091
    NZP619	Kaikoura AD, Marlborough	124.9	Skydive Kaikoura Ltd, Tel (03) 319 3309
    NZP620	Kaikoura township, Marlborough	124.9	Skydive Kaikoura Ltd, Tel (03) 319 3309
    NZP710	Westport AD, West Coast	119.1	Skydive NZ, Tel (03) 751 0080
    NZP713	Franz Josef AD, West Coast	118.6	Skydive Franz Josef Ltd, Tel (03) 752 0714
    NZP714	Fox Glacier, West Coast	118.6	Skydive NZ, Tel (03) 751 0080
    NZP715	Jardines, South Queenstown	118.1	Nzone Skydive, Tel (03) 442 2256
    NZP716	Glenorchy AD, Fiordland	119.2	Skydive Paradise, Tel (03) 442 8333
    NZP717	Waiho Flats, Franz Josef	118.6	Skydive Franz Josef Ltd, Tel (03) 752 0714
    NZP816	Hagley Park, Christchurch	118.4	Skydiving Kiwis Ltd, Tel (022) 101 1537
    NZP811	Hanmer Springs, North Canterbury	119.1	Skydiving Kiwis Ltd, Tel (022) 101 1537
    NZP812	Sumner Beach, Christchurch	118.75	Skydiving Kiwis Ltd, Tel (022) 101 1537
    NZP910	Pukaki, North Otago	119.1	Inflite Ski Planes Ltd, Tel 0800 835 083
    NZP911	Rangitata Island AD, Canterbury	119.5	Skydiving Kiwis Ltd, Tel (022) 101 1537
    NZP916	Ashburton AD, Canterbury	119.1	Skydiving Kiwis Ltd, Tel (022) 101 1537 Skydivingnz.com Ltd, Tel (03) 302 9143
    NZP917	Pudding Hill AD, West Canterbury	119.1	Skydivingnz.com Ltd, Tel (03) 302 9143
    NZP918	Wanaka AD, Wanaka	119.1	Skydive Wanaka Ltd, Tel (03) 443 7207 or 0800 786 877
    NZP920	Harts, Canterbury	119.1	Skydivingnz.com Ltd, Tel (03) 302 9143

• 2 LOW FLYING ZONES
  • 2.1 Description
    • 2.1.1 Low flying zones (LFZ) are established to allow low level flight training by using agencies (normally training organisations). Pilots not associated with the designated using agency are required to obtain a briefing and comply with any conditions that may be applicable to the LFZ, as a result of the agreement between the designated using agency and the landowner or lessee. A LFZ is active only during daylight hours when it is being used, from the surface to 500 ft AGL.
    • 2.1.2 It should be noted that military low level flying may be conducted throughout the New Zealand FIR outside controlled airspace, clear of built-up areas, aerodromes, restricted areas, LFZ, and other such locations as identified in RNZAF low flying orders.
    • 2.1.3 LFZ are depicted on charts with the designation L---.
  • 2.2 List of LFZ
    • 2.2.1 LFZ, with geographical coordinates, are listed in the Air Navigation Register.
    • 2.2.2 A list of LFZ (not including geographic coordinates) is provided in Table ENR 5.3-2.

  Table ENR 5.3-2
  Low Flying Zones

  Code	Name, location	Using agency
  NZL160	Motutangi, North Kaitaia	Kaitaia Aero Club, Tel (09) 406 7320
  NZL161	Hokianga Harbour, Northland	Bay of Islands Aero, Tel (09) 407 8400
  NZL162	Dargaville, Northland	Dargaville Aero Club, Tel (09) 438 3769
  NZL163	Whangarei Harbour, Northland	Twin Coast Helicopters, Tel (021) 251 9271 Whangarei Flying Club, Tel (020) 4099 4866
  NZL164	Kaipara Harbour, Northland	Otamatea Aero Club, Tel (09) 439 2346
  NZL165	East Kaipara Harbour, Northland	North Shore Aero Club (Inc), Tel (09) 426 4273 Rodney Aero Club (Inc), Tel (09) 425 5612
  NZL166	Purerua Peninsula, North Kerikeri	Swanair Ltd, 34 Puketiro Place, Te Haumi Tel 021 061 4703
  NZL168	Riverhead Forest, North Auckland	North Shore Helicopter Training Ltd, Tel (09) 426 8748
  NZL260	Whangapoua Harbour, Coromandel	Mercury Bay Aero Club, Tel (07) 866 5128
  NZL262	Thames, Waikato	Hauraki Aero Club, Tel (07) 868 6445 Southern Air Services Ltd, Tel (07) 868 3232
  NZL263	Rukuhia, West Hamilton	Waikato Aero Club Inc, Tel (07) 843 5655
  NZL264	Tauranga Harbour, Bay of Plenty	Tauranga Aero Club, Tel (07) 575 3210
  NZL265	Matakana Island, Bay of Plenty	Tauranga Aero Club, Tel (07) 575 3210
  NZL267	Wairoa River, East Auckland	Auckland Aero Club, Tel (09) 299 8590
  NZL268	Whakatane, Bay of Plenty	Frontier Helicopters Ltd, Tel 0800 804 354
  NZL361	Waitara River, Taranaki	New Plymouth Aero Club, Tel (06) 755 0500
  NZL363	Mokoia, South Hawera	Hawera Aero Club, Tel (06) 278 6301
  NZL364	Waitotara, West Whanganui	Wanganui Aero Club (Inc), Tel (06) 345 0914
  NZL365	Pauri, East Whanganui	Wanganui Aero Club (Inc), Tel (06) 345 0914
  NZL366	South Foxton, Manawatu	Massey University School of Aviation, Tel (06) 350 9200
  NZL367	Oroua River, North Manawatu	Massey University School of Aviation, Tel (06) 350 9200
  NZL368	Manawatu River, East Palmerston North	HeliSolutions Tel (06) 356 3230
  NZL369	Waikawa Beach, Kapiti Coast	Kapiti Districts Aero Club, Tel (04) 902 6536
  NZL460	Taupo, Central North Island	Helipro Taupo Tel (07) 377 8805
  NZL461	Ahuriri, West Napier	Air Napier Ltd, Tel (06) 835 6192
  NZL462	Ngaruroro River, North Hastings	Hawkes Bay and East Coast Aero Club, Tel (06) 879 8466
  NZL464	Moanatuatua, South Hamilton	Waikato Aero Club, Tel (07) 843 5655
  NZL466	Muriwai, Gisborne	Air Gisborne Ltd, Tel (06) 867 4684
  NZL468	Maungatera, South Taupo	Air Charter Taupo, Tel (07) 378 5467 Taupo Air Services, Tel (07) 378 5325
  NZL562	Hatuma Lake, South Waipukurau	Central Hawkes Bay Aero Club, Tel (06) 858 8226
  NZL563	Gladstone, Wairarapa	Wairarapa and Ruahine Aero Club, Tel (06) 378 7309
  NZL663	Lake Wairarapa, Wairarapa	Wellington Aero Club, Tel (04) 388 8444 Wellington Flight Centre, Tel (04) 387 3997
  NZL664	Motueka, Nelson Bays	Nelson Aviation College, Tel (03) 528 8382
  NZL666	Waihopai River, West Blenheim	Marlborough Aero Club, Tel (03) 578 5073
  NZL760	Kapitea Creek, North Hokitika	Greymouth Aero Club, Tel (03) 768 0407
  NZL761	Clutha River Mouth, Southland	South Otago Aero Club, Tel (03) 418 0518
  NZL763	North Te Anau, Fiordland	Fiordland Aero Club, Tel (03) 249 7300
  NZL765	Oreti, West Invercargill	Southern Wings, Tel (03) 218 6171
  NZL766	Mataura River, South Gore	Southern Districts Aero Club, Tel (03) 208 5400
  NZL769	Cecil Peak, South Queenstown	Wakatipu Aero Club, Tel (03) 442 3148
  NZL860	Eyrewell, Canterbury	Garden City Helicopters, Tel (03) 358 4360 Christchurch Helicopters, Tel (03) 359 0470 Canterbury Aero Club, Tel (03) 359 2121
  NZL862	West Melton, Canterbury	Canterbury Aero Club, Tel (03) 358 8234 Canterbury Helicopters Ltd, Tel (03) 312 6710
  NZL863	Waimakariri, Canterbury	Canterbury Aero Club, Tel (03) 358 8234 Canterbury Helicopters Ltd, Tel (03) 312 6710
  NZL960	Ashburton River Mouth, South Canterbury	Mid Canterbury Aero Club, Tel (03) 308 7850
  NZL961	Taieri Plain, West Dunedin	Otago Aero Club, Tel (03) 489 6158
  NZL963	Waitaki River, North Oamaru	North Otago Aero Club, Tel (03) 431 3891
  NZL966	Wanaka, Central Otago	Wanaka Helicopters, Tel (03) 433 1085
  NZL968	Seadown, North Timaru	South Canterbury Aero Club, Tel (03) 688 2355
  NZL969	Pleasant Point, North Timaru	South Canterbury Aero Club, Tel (03) 688 2355
  NZL970	Galloway, Alexandra	Central Otago Flying Club, Tel (03) 448 9050

• 3 VOLCANIC HAZARD ZONES
  • 3.1 General
    • 3.1.1 Volcanic Hazard Zones (VHZ) have special conditions that must be complied with before entry and operation within the airspace. There is no administering authority for entry to volcanic hazard zones.
    • 3.1.2 Volcanic Hazard Zones are depicted on charts with the designation V---.
    • 3.1.3 VHZ are established to provide increased protection to aircraft in an area where volcanic activity may be present. Operation within a VHZ requires pilots to operate in VMC by day, in order to be able to observe any volcanic ejecta or ash plume. Pilots intending to operate within a VHZ must therefore receive relevant NOTAM and SIGMET information.
    • 3.1.4 Volcanic activity at other places may require a temporary VHZ to be designated.
  • 3.2 List of VHZ
    • 3.2.1 VHZ, with geographical coordinates, are listed in the Air Navigation Register.
    • 3.2.2 A list of VHZ (not including geographic coordinates) is provided in Table ENR 5.3-3.

  Table ENR 5.3-3
  Volcanic Hazard Zones

  Code	Name, location	Vertical limits	Active
  NZV010	Raoul Island, Kermadec Islands	SFC - 4500 ft	Permanent
  NZV215	White Island, Bay of Plenty	SFC - 4500 ft	Permanent
  NZV312	Mt. Tongariro, Central N.I.	SFC - 9500 ft	Permanent
  NZV313	Mt. Ngauruhoe, Central N.I.	SFC - 10,500 ft	Permanent
  NZV314	Mt. Ruapehu, Central N.I.	SFC - 12,200 ft	Permanent

  • 3.3 VHZ Alert Levels
    • 3.3.1 VHZ provide protection when the volcano source is at Alert Level One. During an increase in volcanic activity permanent VHZ may be increased in size with the full extent of ash cloud being advised by SIGMET. The lateral and upper vertical limits will be amended in accordance with Table ENR 5.3-4, and notification of any change in dimensions will be via NOTAM.

      Table ENR 5.3-4
      VHZ Alert Level Dimensions

      Alert Level	Radius from Vent (NM)	Upper limit
      One	3	Refer Table ENR 5.3-3
      Two	8	FL150
      Three	16	FL330
      Four	27	FL480
      Five	50	FL660

  • 3.4 Volcanic Activity Events -- ATS Procedures
    • 3.4.1 Terrain contour levels depicted on ATC radar take into account the lateral and vertical dimensions of the volcanic hazard zones at Alert Level One.
    • 3.4.2 Published instrument flight procedures do not take into account the lateral and vertical dimensions of the volcanic hazard zones at Alert Level One.
    • 3.4.3 ATC will not clear an aircraft to operate on any route or procedure that infringes the VHZ, unless specifically requested by the pilot during daylight hours only. Aircraft under radar control will be vectored clear of the boundary of any VHZ, unless specifically requested otherwise by the pilot. Pilots and operators should amend flight plans as necessary.
    • 3.4.4 Volcanic activity reports received by ATS units will be passed on to MetService, CAA, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (IGNS), regular airline and freight operators, and aircraft that may be affected by the activity.
    • 3.4.5 ATC will not separate aircraft from the extent of an ash cloud, as advised by SIGMET or reported by pilots, as it is the responsibility of the pilot to evaluate the information and request an alternative route.
    • 3.4.6 If the activity level of a Volcanic Hazard Zone changes, a NOTAM is issued redefining the dimensions of a volcanic hazard zone (refer table ENR 5.3-4). An additional NOTAM will be issued advising which ATS routes and instrument procedures infringe the redefined VHZ.
• 4 MANDATORY BROADCAST ZONES (MBZ)
  • 4.1 General
    • 4.1.1 MBZ are established to provide increased protection to aircraft in areas of uncontrolled airspace where high density or special operations may occur.
    • 4.1.2 A pilot is required to broadcast position and intention reports on a specified frequency on entry, when joining an aerodrome traffic circuit, prior to entering a runway, and at regular specified intervals when operating within the MBZ.
    • 4.1.3 As an extra safety measure, landing lights or anti collision lights must be used when fitted.
    • 4.1.4 Non-radio (NORDO) aircraft must not enter a MBZ unless they have another station, such as an ATS unit or an aircraft, broadcasting the required reports on their behalf.
    • 4.1.5 Mandatory Broadcast Zones are depicted on charts with the designation B---.
  • 4.2 List of MBZ
    • 4.2.1 MBZ, with geographical coordinates, are listed in the Air Navigation Register.
    • 4.2.2 A list of MBZ, not including geographic coordinates, but including the zone frequency, is provided in Table ENR 5.3-5.

      Table ENR 5.3-5
      Mandatory Broadcast Zones

      Code	Name, location	Vertical limits	Frequency (MHz), reports
      NZB169	Whangarei, Northland	SFC - 6500 ft TM 1500 ft - 6500 ft and 2500 ft - 6500 ft TM 2500 ft - 6500 ft and 4500 ft - 6500 ft TM 4500 ft - 6500 ft	118.6, 5 min
      NZB173	Whenuapai, Auckland	SFC - 2500 ft TM	134.5, 5 min
      NZB174	Great Barrier, Auckland	SFC - 4500 ft	124.4, 10 min
      NZB175	Auckland City, Auckland	SFC - LL CA TM 1500 ft - 2500 ft	120.4, 10 min
      NZB176	Kaitaia, Northland	SFC - 6500 ft TM 1500 ft - 6500 ft and TM 3000 ft - 6500 ft	119.1, 5 min
      NZB177	Kerikeri, Northland	SFC - 6500 ft TM 2000 ft - 6500 ft and 3000 ft - 6500 ft TM 3000 ft - 6500 ft	119.4, 5 min
      NZB178	Parakai, North Auckland	SFC - 2500 ft	123.5, 5 min
      NZB180	Kerikeri South, Northland	3500 ft - 9500 ft TM 3500 ft - 9500 ft and 6500 ft - 9500 ft TM 6500 ft - 9500 ft	119.4, 5 min
      NZB269	Mercer, North Waikato	SFC - 4500 ft	133.05, 10 min.
      NZB273	Matamata, Waikato	SFC - 4500 ft; except when advised by NOTAM	122.25, 15 min.
      NZB274	Ardmore, South Auckland	SFC - LL CA	118.1, 5 min.
      NZB276	White Island, Bay of Plenty	SFC - 4500 ft	120.9, 15 min
      NZB277	Whakatane, Bay of Plenty	SFC - 3000 ft TM 1500 ft - 3000 ft	118.6, 5 min.
      NZB371	National Park, Central N.I.	4500 ft - LL CA	119.6, 10 min.
      NZB375	Whanganui, Manawatu	SFC - 3500 ft TM 1500 ft - 3500 ft	120.2, 10 min.
      NZB472	Tarawera, East Rotorua	SFC - LL CA	120.9, 15 min.
      NZB475	Wairoa, Hawkes Bay	SFC - 3000 ft	119.1, 5 min.
      NZB477	Taupo, Central N.I.	SFC - 6500 ft TM 2500 ft - 6500 ft	118.4, 10 min.
      NZB680	Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast	SFC - LLCA TM 1500 ft - LL CA	118.3, 10 min.
      NZB683 Motueka, Nelson Bays	SFC - 9500 ft	127.3, 15 min.
      NZB773	Westport, West Coast	SFC - 3000 ft TM 1500 ft - 3000 ft	119.1, 5 min.
      NZB775	Ryans Creek, Stewart Island	SFC - 3000 ft	130.2, 5 min.
      NZB776	Stewart Island	SFC - 3000 ft	130.2, 15 min.
      NZB777	Hokitika, West Coast	SFC - 7500 ft TM 1500 ft - 7500 ft	119.8, 5 min.
      NZB778	Hokitika East, West Coast	4500 ft - 13,500 ft TM 4500 ft - 13,500 ft and 7500 ft - 13,500 ft TM 7500 ft - 13,500 ft	119.8, 10 min.
      NZB871	Kaikoura, Marlborough	SFC - 3500 ft	124.9, 10 min.
      NZB875	West Melton, Canterbury	SFC - 1500 ft	119.2, 5 min.
      NZB876	Rangiora, Canterbury	SFC - LL CA	120.2, 5 min.
      NZB971	Timaru, South Canterbury	SFC - 9500 ft TM 1600 ft - 9500 ft	119.5, 5 min.
      NZB972	Timaru North, South Canterbury	4500 ft - 9500 ft TM 4500 ft - 9500 ft	119.5, 10 min.
      NZB973	Timaru East, South Canterbury	2500 ft - 9500 ft TM 2500 ft - 9500 ft	119.5, 10 min.
      NZB974	Timaru South, South Canterbury	4500 ft - 9500 ft TM 4500 ft - 9500 ft	119.5, 10 min.
      NZB978	Southern Alps, Central South Island	SFC - 12,500 ft	118.6, 5 min.

• 5 COMMON FREQUENCY ZONES (CFZ)
  • 5.1 Description
    • 5.1.1 CFZ have been established to encourage pilots to use a single VHF frequency specified for the zone. Pilots should transmit their position, altitude and intentions relevant to prominent reporting points or features at entry, or at other times for traffic safety.
    • 5.1.2 CFZ are not mandatory and are advisory in nature.
  • 5.2 List of CFZ
    • 5.2.1 CFZ, with geographical coordinates, are listed in the Air Navigation Register.
    • 5.2.2 A list of CFZ, not including geographical coordinates, but including the recommended radio frequency, is provided in Table ENR 5.3-6.

      Table ENR 5.3-6
      Common Frequency Zones

      Code	Name, location	Vertical limits	Frequency (MHz)
      NZC172	North Shore	SFC - 2500 ft	118.0
      NZC173	Hauraki Gulf	SFC - LL CA (1500 ft or 2500 ft or 3500 ft as applicable)	120.4
      NZC174	Bay of Islands	SFC - 3000 ft	119.4
      NZC175	Hikurangi	SFC - 6500 ft	118.6
      NZC271	Harbour	SFC - LL CA	123.65
      NZC272	Blacksands	SFC - LL CA	123.75
      NZC273	Morrinsville	SFC - LL CA	123.25
      NZC274	Peninsula	SFC - LL CA	124.5
      NZC279	Ardmore	SFC - LL CA	118.1
      NZC372	Taranaki	SFC - LL CA	124.65
      NZC373	Maui	SFC - 5500 ft or LL CA	133.65
      NZC377	Manawatu	SFC - LL CA	122.6
      NZC378	Rangitikei	SFC - LL CA	124.1
      NZC379	River	SFC - LL CA	120.2
      NZC476	Kaimanawa	SFC - 6500 ft	134.0
      NZC478	Centennial Park	SFC - 4500 ft	134.45
      NZC479	Hastings	SFC - LL CA	125.8
      NZC677	Marlborough Sounds	SFC - LL CA	123.0
      NZC681	Tararua	SFC - LL CA	118.3
      NZC684	Tasman	SFC - LL CA	127.3
      NZC773	Milford Sound	SFC - 11,000 ft	118.2
      NZC776	Fiordland	SFC - 11,000 ft or LL CA	119.2
      NZC874	Canterbury	SFC - LL CA	119.2
      NZC875	Rangiora	SFC - LL CA	120.2
      NZC972	Wanaka	SFC - LL CA	120.1
      NZC973	Southern Alps	SFC - 12,500 ft	118.6
      NZC974	South Canterbury	SFC - LL MBZ/5500 ft	119.5
      NZC977	Banks Peninsula	SFC - LL CA	118.75

• 6 TEMPORARY HAZARDS
  • 6.1 General
    • 6.1.1 Hazards of a temporary nature, other than Free Balloon Hazards, will be notified when possible by SUP or NOTAM. Pilots are reminded to obtain up-to-date information on temporary hazards by adequate pre-flight briefing whenever possible.
    • 6.1.2 Pilots are advised that kite or kytoon (moored balloon) flying away from an active movement area of an aerodrome is possible without advice up to 400 ft AGL outside controlled airspace.
  • 6.2 Free Balloon Hazards
    • 6.2.1 Atmospheric sounding balloons are released by a number of organisations including MetService, New Zealand Army, and National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA) from various sites in New Zealand. The balloons are up to 1.3 m in diameter on release and may carry a suspended radiosonde package weighing up to 350 g. They can climb at about 1200 ft per minute to an altitude of 95,000 ft.
    • 6.2.2 Notification of balloon release is not required, and the range from point of release can be significant.
    • 6.2.3 A list of sites from which balloons are released is provided in Table ENR 5.3-7. Balloons may also be released from other indeterminate sites around New Zealand.

      Table ENR 5.3-7
      Known Balloon Release Sites

      Known Release Site	Organisation	Normal Release Times2
      Invercargill, Paraparaumu and Whenuapai aerodromes	MetService	1030, 2230 UTC (one hour earlier during NZDT)
      Christchurch INTL	MetService	Irregular
      Raoul (Kermadec Islands)	MetService	2230 UTC (one hour earlier during NZDT)
      Waiouru and Linton military camps	NZ Army	Irregular
      Lauder, Otago1	NIWA	Irregular

      Notes:
      • ¹ Balloons released from Lauder are 3 m in diameter and carry a 2.7 kg payload.
      • ² MetService may undertake a second release immediately after the Normal Release Time, or on very rare occasions during certain weather conditions, undertake additional releases at any time of the day.