Filming, Photography and Drones

Lyttelton Port is a secure, operational and private facility. It is a Customs Controlled Area and a hazardous workplace. We must manage safety, security, privacy and operational risk at all times.

All filming or photographing within the port requires a Filming Permit. 

Filming and photography in an operational area also requires an Authority to Work Permit.

These approvals ensure that filming activity does not place people at risk and disrupt port operations.

This applies to all commercial, editorial, media, and contractor activity inside the port boundary.

No filming or photography is permitted inside the port without prior approval.

All photography and filming requests must be submitted in advance for approval.

To apply, you must complete a filming and photography request and provide full details of your proposal. Requests are assessed on a case by case basis.

We may decline requests where safety, security or operational requirements cannot be met.

Key requirements and conditions

Before any filming or photography activity takes place within the port, the following conditions apply.

• A permit must be approved by Lyttelton Port Company.
• All film crew members are required to complete an online safety induction.
• Permission must be obtained from all filming subjects, such as individuals and shipping companies.
• Individuals must not be identifiable in footage unless they have given their expressed permission.
• All film crew members must be escorted by authorised port staff at all times.
• All instructions from port staff must be followed, especially in an emergency.

Applicants are asked to complete the relevant Filming Permit application form via the APPLY NOW link (top right) and forward any relevant supporting documents to LPC Communications via email to lpccommunications@lpc.co.nz