The changes apply across C MAP’s DISCOVER, REVEAL, and X Gen chart ranges and are aimed squarely at improving clarity for people on the water. The new protection zones are now shown directly on electronic charts, making it easier for skippers to understand where restrictions apply without having to cross check separate documents or notices.
Protection areas are displayed using a simple colour system designed to be read at a glance. Seafloor Protection Areas are marked in green, High Protection Areas appear in yellow, and fully protected Marine Reserves are shown in red. For boaties planning a day trip, a fishing session, or an overnight anchor, that visual clarity matters.
The update reduces the risk of accidental non-compliance. Knowing exactly where protection boundaries sit helps with passage planning, anchoring choices, and fishing decisions, particularly in a busy and heavily regulated waterway like the Hauraki Gulf.
The updated charts are expected to begin shipping by the end of January. Boaties with a current C-MAP subscription can update their charts via the C-MAP website or through the X Chart Manager on compatible Simrad and B&G chartplotters. Registered charts continue to receive free updates for 12 months from the date of purchase.
For New Zealand boaties, it is a small change on screen, but a meaningful one on the water, and failure to comply with the new areas can mean an expensive lesson in fines.
