OUTDOORNZ.ORG
Activity Guidelines

Activity Guidelines · Flatwater Kayaking

Flatwater Kayaking

May be regulated — check your specific operation

Flatwater Kayaking operations may fall under the Adventure Activity Regulations depending on whether your operation meets the four statutory criteria (commercial, guided, recreational/educational, serious risk). Check the Operator obligations guide or contact WorkSafe at aao@worksafe.govt.nz.

Qualifications

NZOIA Kayak Leader (sit-on)

NZ Outdoor Instructors Association · NZOIA-KY-L-SO

4-year currency

View details →

Upcoming Training

See all

No upcoming training dates yet. Check back soon.

Browse full calendar

Legislation & Regulation

Adventure Activity Regulations

WorkSafe registration, safety audit, and compliance requirements

Operator obligations — OutdoorNZ.org guide

Regulatory timeline, key obligations, and WorkSafe links

Managing natural hazard risks

WorkSafe guidance — required under Safety Audit Standard v2.0 (April 2024)

Safety References

ASGs, guidelines, and templates for flatwater kayaking

Guide

Kayaking Risk Assessment Template

Risk assessment guide for kayak operations

GPG

Flatwater Floating & Paddling Good Practice Guide

Good practice guidance for flatwater paddle and float activities on rivers, lakes, and harbours not covered under the Adventure Activity Regulations

Natural Hazards

Flooding, Landslips & Snowfall

New WorkSafe guidance (April 2025) — applies to all outdoor activity providers.

Read guidance
Technical Advisors

Need a TA audit?

Operators must have their SMS audited by an approved Technical Advisor every three years.

Find a Technical Advisor
All safety resources