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
The Single Fin Mingle, Sumner Beach
This longboard surfing competition will take place from 7am on Friday 27 March - 6pm Sunday 29 March at Sumner Beach.
No vessel can navigate within the Reserved Area during this time.
Power boat racing, Wairewa Lake Forsyth
April 2026
- Sunday 19, 7am - 5pm
May 2026
- Sunday 3, 7am - 5pm
- Sunday 17, 7am - 5pm
No vessel can navigate within the Reserved Area during this time.
South Island Rowing Regatta, Lake Ruataniwha
March 2026
- Saturday 21 and Saturday 28 - NZ Secondary Schools Championships
- Sunday 29 - NZ Secondary Schools Championships Spare Day
No vessel can navigate within the Reserved Area during this time.
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
- Revocation - Harbourmaster's Direction - All vessels - Excluded 200m from Black Cat wreck - Nikau Palm Gully Scenic Reserve Bay - Akaroa Marine Reserve - 20 March 2026 (PDF file, 314.38KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval - French Farm Aquatic Club December 2018
- Harbourmasters Approval - Canterbury Jet Sport Authorisation Identification (PDF file, 465.19KB)
- Harbourmaster’s Approval - Canterbury Water Sports Club - 5 October 2017 (PDF file, 661.32KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Canterbury Outboard Boating Club (PDF file, 178.55KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Lake Tekapo Powerboat and Water Ski Club Inc (PDF file, 71.86KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Jet Boating NZ; Yachting NZ; Little Rakaia Boating Club (PDF file, 354.21KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Surf Life Saving NZ (PDF file, 353.16KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Surf Life Saving New Zealand (PDF file, 420.83KB)