Cook Strait Submarine Cable Protection Zone

This booklet is a guide to a specially protected area of Cook Strait called the Cook Strait Cable Protection Zone (CPZ). The CPZ protects vital submarine electricity and telecommunication cable links between the North and South Islands.

If you are a commercial operator or a recreational user of Cook Strait, you should read this booklet carefully.

This booklet is a guide to a specially protected area of Cook Strait called the Cook Strait Cable Protection Zone (CPZ). The CPZ protects vital submarine electricity and telecommunication cable links between the North and South Islands.

If you are a commercial operator or a recreational user of Cook Strait, you should read this booklet carefully.

The Cook Strait Cable Protection Zone (CPZ) protects vital submarine electricity and telecommunications cable links between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Activities that can be carried out in the CPZ are restricted and the area is periodically patrolled to ensure compliance. Failure to comply with the law (Submarine Cables and Pipelines Protection Act 1996) may lead to fines of up to $250,000 and the forfeiture of vessels. More details in Cook Strait Submarine Cable Protection Zone.