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Navigating International Waters off the Coast of New Zealand

August 30, 2025Tourism4843
Navigating International Waters off the Coast of New Zealand Understan

Navigating International Waters off the Coast of New Zealand

Understanding where international waters begin in any country can be intriguing and sometimes complex, especially when considering the unique geographical features of New Zealand. In general, international waters typically start around 20 to 30 nautical miles (nmi) offshore, but the specifics can vary depending on national policies and international agreements.

Officially Recognized Standards

Officially, international waters are defined as starting 12 nautical miles from 'a coast or the coastlines' of a country, as per internationally recognized standards. This means that in New Zealand, the waters 12 nautical miles from the coast of both the North and South Islands would be considered part of New Zealand's territorial sea. This premise proves true for the Cook Strait, the body of water that separates the two main islands, as these coastlines are only 22 kilometers apart. Consequently, the Cook Strait is not technically considered international waters, although it can become more ambiguous when neighboring countries have extended their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).

Extended Territorial Boundaries

Australia, for instance, has extended its EEZ to 200 nautical miles, meaning the waters beyond the initial 12 nautical mile territorial sea are part of its national jurisdiction. As one nautical mile is internationally defined as 1.852 kilometers, this extended zone allows significant control over marine resources.

Due to such extensions, it can be challenging to determine where international waters exactly begin. For example, beyond the 12 nautical mile territorial sea off the coast of Australia, the next 88 nautical miles fall under its EEZ. Only after this distance would one encounter international waters.

Policy Implications in New Zealand

The policy in New Zealand on this matter is not definitively clear, but it is likely to be similar to that of Australia. Extending the territorial sea to at least the 12 nautical mile mark protects New Zealand's fishing areas and marine resources from 'foreign fishing boats,' ensuring the sustainability and legal enforcement of national maritime laws.

In summary, while the general rule for international waters is 12 nautical miles from the coast, specific areas like the Cook Strait will fall under national jurisdiction due to the relatively close distances between the New Zealand islands. As technologies and national interests change, the delineation of these boundaries will remain a subject of international agreement and national policy.