The provision of Waterways Regulatory Services in the Queenstown Lakes District is undertaken by Cougar Group who have been appointed to oversee navigational safety on all of the district’s waterways.

The provision of waterways regulatory services includes the education and enforcement of our Navigation Safety Bylaw, and the Maritime Transport Act (1994) over all lakes and rivers within the Queenstown Lakes District.  This includes undertaking all Harbourmaster duties for the district. 

The key aim in providing this service is to facilitate the safe use of our waterways for all recreational and commercial users by undertaking education, monitoring, issuing infringement notices where needed and responding to complaints received (Requests For Service).

 

For issues in regards to non-compliance of waterways rules such as not wearing life jackets, please contact QLDC using one of the following methods:

•    For Emergencies, always call 111
•    Phone us on 03 441 0499
•    Email us at services@qldc.govt.nz
•    Lodge a Request for Service on the QLDC website at www.qldc.govt.nz/contact-us.

  
For Emergencies, always call 111. 

 

For enquires in regards to Waterways Regulatory Services or to discuss matters such as proposed events taking place on lakes and rivers in our district that require Harbourmaster approval, please contact QLDC.

FURTHER INFORMATION | KĀ PĀROKO TĀPIRI: 
For general information regarding boating on the district’s waterways and lakes visit: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/recreation/lakes-and-boating For regulatory and bylaw information relating to the use of the district’s waterways and lakes visit: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/council-documents/bylaws  

 

Relevant bylaws include: 
- Navigation Safety Bylaw 2018
- Shotover River Bylaw 2021
- Waterways and Ramp Fees Bylaw 2014
 

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