Specialist survey aircraft may be visible in the skies above the Eastern Bay in coming weeks.

The flights are part of Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand’s (LINZ) 3D Coastal Mapping programme, which aims to map up to 40 percent of New Zealand’s coastline using LiDAR and multi-beam echosounder technologies.

Mapping is in progress – dependent on weather – between Ōpōtiki and Maketu.

Mapping of the coast from Ōpōtiki to Torere has already been completed and published.

Programme lead Stuart Caie said the 3D Coastal Mapping information would help build a clearer picture of New Zealand’s coastal environment and the risks it faced.

“New Zealand’s coastline is exposed to natural hazards including tsunamis, storm surges, erosion, land movement and earthquakes.

“By creating a clearer picture of the coast, this information will help communities understand what may be at risk and support councils and other organisations to plan infrastructure and essential services for the future.

“People may notice the aircraft flying backwards and forwards along the coast. Flying in these repeated lines allows us to collect consistent and accurate information about the land and shallow seafloor,” said Caie.

The purpose of gathering this data is to support the creation of detailed maps of the coastline, across the land and seabed in shallow water. The areas being surveyed have been selected because they have substantial populations, important infrastructure, or are at higher risk of coastal flooding.

Flying is planned through to May 2027 and depends on suitable weather and water conditions.