SOTA | POTA | New Zealand | What is it and how to get started
Exploring New Zealand with SOTA & POTA: Radio Adventures in Aotearoa with The Ham Shack
If you're a licensed amateur radio operator in New Zealand, or simply curious about combining the thrill of outdoor adventure with the magic of RF, there's never been a better time to get involved in SOTA (Summits on the Air) and POTA (Parks on the Air). These international awards programs are growing steadily in Aotearoa, and a dedicated hub for local activity is now live: If you are interested in SOTA and POTA in New Zealand, but don't yet have your Amateur Radio Licence, then check out the NZART Page, where you can find contacts to sit a local Ham Cram at your local branch, a great way to study and get your Licence in a weekend.
SOTA and POTA are also an excellent way to get some skills behind you, which can further be put toward volunteering with AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communication to provide vital help to the community in the time of a disaster.
Here at the Ham Shack we are also heavily involved with the Disaster relief communications in the amateur radio World and the Alpine Fault Network. We get out once a month as a group to set up field stations and test our skills, some others of us get out more often, weekly for example, doing POTA as a way to prepare also.
ZL1GUD (The Ham Shack - Greg) and ZL3PAE - Phil out doing a POTA Activation
ZL On the Air – your gateway to New Zealand's portable amateur radio scene.
What Are SOTA & POTA?
Both SOTA and POTA are designed to get radio operators out of the shack and into nature, where they can activate from remote, scenic, or historic sites and connect with other hams across the country and around the world.
SOTA – Summits on the Air | Amateur Radio New Zealand
Focus: Operating portable from designated mountain summits.
Challenge: Often involves hiking to elevated locations.
Awards: Earn points for each summit activated and for contacts made.
Why NZ? With our beautiful ranges—from the Tararuas to the Southern Alps—New Zealand offers some breathtaking summits for SOTA activators.
POTA – Parks on the Air | Amateur Radio New Zealand
Focus: Portable radio from national parks, reserves, and protected areas.
Accessibility: Many locations are drive-up or have easy walking access.
Awards: Based on number of parks activated, contacts made, and other milestones.
Why NZ? Our Department of Conservation manages over 13,000 protected areas—plenty of radio-friendly locations that qualify for POTA.
SOTA and POTA in New Zealand
While both programs are global, New Zealand has a growing base of activators and chasers who are building momentum across the islands. Whether you're scaling a rugged peak in Fiordland or setting up a QRP station on a quiet beach in Northland, there's a place for you in the NZ portable scene.
A Beatuiful Location for a POTA Activation out at Arthurs Pass | Mount White Station
ZL3GUD and ZL3PAE Doing a POTA Activation out at Paddy Corner | Arthurs Pass
What You’ll Need to begin with SOTA and POTA in New Zealand
A portable HF or VHF/UHF radio setup (think lightweight and battery-powered).
An efficient antenna system (linked dipoles, verticals, end-feds, etc.).
Logging app or paper logbook.
GPS, maps, and appropriate outdoor gear (especially for SOTA)
Many activators in ZL use low-power (QRP) setups to keep things light and simple—perfect for hiking, tramping, or even a casual picnic activation. Here at the Ham Shack we have a great selection of Antennas, including our own THS Brand, as well as Alinco Radios, and a whole selectiong of SOTABEAMS and SPIDERBEAM products, two of the biggest brands in the SOTA and POTA world, for which we are the sole importers and distributers here in New Zealand.
The THS DL40 Linked Dipole Antenna - Perfect for SOTA / POTA activations
END FED HALF WAVE Antenna For Portable Operations
Why Join the ZL Community?
New Zealand’s SOTA and POTA community is welcoming, active, and growing fast. You’ll find:
Shared local knowledge: Best summits and parks to activate.
Activation planning: Coordinate trips with other hams.
Online spotting: Post alerts and see who’s on the air.
Friendly encouragement: Especially helpful for those just getting started.
And the best place to get connected?
Visit ZL On the Air – the central hub for Kiwi activators and chasers. You'll find maps, logs, guides, and a community ready to support your next adventure. You can also join the New Zealand Facebook page, The Potaholics Crew
Final Thoughts
Whether you're chasing DX from a mountain ridge or racking up QSOs in a coastal reserve, SOTA and POTA offer a unique blend of radio fun, fitness, and exploration. It’s more than just operating—it's a way to see New Zealand with fresh eyes and meet others who share a love of the outdoors and amateur radio.
So pack your gear, check your frequency, and join the movement.
The airwaves—and the hills—are calling!
Get started today at ZL On the Air