Vessel speeds (5 knot rule) update

Stick to the 5 knot rule

The 5 knot rule for the Waikato region varies depending on it you are boating on inland or coastal waters.

Inland

Go no faster than 5 knots (a fast walking pace) within:

• 50m of a vessel or swimmer
• 30m of the shore
• 200m of any vessel that is flying a dive flag.

For full information, go to clause 2.4 of the Navigation Safety Bylaw.

Coastal

Go no faster than 5 knots (a fast walking pace) within:

• 50m of another vessel or swimmer
• 200m of the shore, any structure, or any vessel flying a dive flag.

For full information go to clause 2.5 of the Navigation Safety Bylaw.

Who the rule is for

The 5 knot rule is for all recreational vessels, including jetskis.

 Where the rule applies

There are 5 knot zones within some boating areas, set by the Navigation Safety Bylaw. To read location specific information, go to Schedule 1 of Navigation Safety Bylaw.

Where the rule varies

In the following areas, the 5 knot rule varies. You can find out the vessel speed rules for each area in the Navigation Safety Bylaw.

Awakino River	Mercury Bay
Coromandel Harbour	Mokau River
Firth of Thames	Motukakaho Island upstream to Meremere
Hamilton	Ngaruawahia
Kawhia Harbour	Port Waikato
Lake Arapuni	Tairua Estuary
Lake Karapiro	Waikato River – Rangiriri
Lake Maraetai	Waikato River (Huntly) Lakes Waahi, Weaver and Kainui
Lake Ohakuri	Whaingaroa (Raglan) Harbour
Lake Whakamaru	Whangamata Harbour
Lakes Aratiatia, Atiamuri and Waipapa	Whangapoua Harbour
Marokopa River

Breaking the rules

Waikato Regional Council harbourmasters are on patrol and issuing infringement notices with fines of up $200 for people breaking the rules. But if you break the rules, you’re not just breaking the law – you could damage property and cause injury or loss of life.