Boating events, reservations and notices
Here you'll find current information about upcoming boating events in the Canterbury region.
If you're planning an event out on the water, please complete the reservation form. The form must be submitted at least 20 working days prior to the date of the proposed variation.
If you have any questions please contact us at harbourmaster@ecan.govt.nz.
Upcoming events
Akaroa Main Wharf replacement - French Bay, Akaroa
Works to replace the Akaroa Main Wharf will take place from Monday 6 July 2026 to Monday 31 August 2027 in French Bay, Akaroa (the area around Akaroa Main wharf and area adjacent to the Akaroa main boat ramp).
No vessel can navigate within the Reserved Area during this time.
For more information on this event see the Temporary Boating Notice (PDF file, 374.2KB).
Power boat racing - Wairewa Lake Forsyth
October 2026
7am-5pm Sunday 4 October
7am-5pm Sunday 18 October
November 2026
7am-5pm Sunday 1 November
December 2026
7am-5pm Sunday 6 December
January 2027
7am-5pm Sunday 17 January
February 2027
7am-5pm Sunday 21 February
April 2027
7am-5pm Sunday 11 April
7am-5pm Saturday 24 April and 7am-5pm Sunday 25 April
No vessel can navigate within the Reserved Area during these times.
For more information on this event see the Temporary Boating Notice
Kayaking event - Lake Ruataniwha
A kayaking event will take place from 6am - 12pm on Saturday 24 October on Lake Ruataniwha.
No vessel can navigate within the Reserved Area during this time.
For more information on this event see the Temporary Boating Notice (PDF file, 327.58KB)
Power boat racing - Lake Hood
Power boat racing will take place from 6am Saturday 21 November until 6pm Sunday 22 November on Lake Hood.
No vessel can navigate within the Reserved Area during this time.
For more information on this event see the Temporary Boating Notice
Kayaking event - Waimakariri River
A kayaking event will take place from 5am-3pm Saturday 12 December 2026 on the Waimakariri River from Mount White Bridge to the Gorge Birdge near Sheffield.
No vessel can navigate within the Reserved Area during this time.
For more information on this event see the Temporary Boating Notice (PDF file, 327.58KB)
South Island Rowing Regatta - Lake Ruataniwha
October 2026
Saturday 31 October - Sunday 1 November
December 2026
Saturday 12 - Sunday 13 December
January 2027
Saturday 16 - Sunday 17 January
Saturday 30 - Sunday 31 January
February 2027
Wednesday 10 - Saturday 13 February
Saturday 27 - Sunday 28 February
March 2027
Saturday 13 March
April 2027
Friday 2 - Saturday 3 April
May 2027
Saturday 8 - Sunday 9 May
No vessel can navigate within the Reserved Area during these times.
Temporary boating notices
The following information includes temporary regulations made under the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2016 and Controls (PDF File, 5.69MB) for specific short-term purposes, such as powerboat races or large-scale swim events. It also includes minor changes to Bylaw rules for particular areas the water user community has asked for and supports.
To apply for a temporary reservation or exemption for your event, fill out the application form.
Harbourmaster's approvals and directions
Approvals or exemptions are issued to organisations by the Harbourmaster, pursuant to the Canterbury Regional Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2016.
To apply for a Harbourmaster approval, fill out the application form.
View Harbourmaster's approvals and directions
- Harbourmaster's Approval - French Farm Aquatic Club December 2018 (PDF file, 615KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval - Canterbury Jet Sport Authorisation Identification (PDF file, 465KB)
- Harbourmaster’s Approval - Canterbury Water Sports Club - 5 October 2017 (PDF file, 661KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Canterbury Outboard Boating Club (PDF file, 178KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Lake Tekapo Powerboat and Water Ski Club Inc (PDF file, 71KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Jet Boating NZ; Yachting NZ; Little Rakaia Boating Club (PDF file, 354KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Surf Life Saving NZ (PDF file, 353KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Surf Life Saving New Zealand (PDF file, 420KB)