NZ Council Flood Viewers & LIM Requests by Region (2025)

This comprehensive guide provides direct links to flood viewers, hazard maps, and LIM request systems for all major New Zealand councils. Use this resource to check preliminary flood risk information and request official LIM reports.

How to Use This Guide

  1. Find Your Region: Scroll to your territorial authority
  2. Check Online Flood Viewers: Most councils have free online tools (indicative only)
  3. Request Official LIM: Follow the links for formal LIM reports with legal disclosure

Important: Online flood viewers provide indicative information only. Official flood risk ratings come from LIM reports requested on or after October 17, 2025.

URL Notice: Many council websites frequently update their structure. This guide provides navigation pathways rather than direct URLs where possible. If a specific link doesn’t work, start from the council homepage and follow the suggested navigation path.

Auckland Council

Population Served: 1.7 million | Area: 5,600 km²

Online Flood Viewers

Auckland Council GeoMaps

How to Use:

  1. Go to Auckland Council homepage
  2. Navigate to property services section
  3. Access GeoMaps mapping service
  4. Search for your specific property address
  5. Enable flood hazard layers in map view

LIM Requests

Cost: $235.50 (inc GST) standard processing Fast-track: $470.50 (5 working days) Standard turnaround: 10 working days

Request Online:

What You Need:

  • Property address or legal description
  • Valid email address
  • Credit card payment

Contact:

Wellington Region

Wellington City Council

Population Served: 215,000 | Area: 290 km²

Wellington Region Emergency Management (WREMO) Hazards

  • Direct URL: https://www.wremo.nz/hazards/floods/
  • Alternative: https://wremo.nz/hazards/ (general hazards page)
  • Features: River flooding, coastal flooding, storm surge mapping
  • Data: Hutt River flood modeling, harbor inundation scenarios
  • Alternative: Greater Wellington Regional Council website > “Our environment” > “Natural hazards”

LIM Requests:

Hutt City Council (Lower Hutt)

Population Served: 107,000

Flood Hazard Information:

LIM Requests:

Upper Hutt City Council

Population Served: 44,000

Flood Information:

  • Website: https://www.upperhuttcity.govt.nz/
  • Navigation: “Property and planning” > “Natural hazards” or “Resource consents” LIM Cost: $270 standard Online: Search “LIM” from council homepage Contact: 04 527 2169

Porirua City Council

Population Served: 60,000

Hazard Information:

  • Website: https://poriruacity.govt.nz/
  • Navigation: “Council services” > “Property and planning” > “Natural hazards”
  • Focus: Porirua Stream flood modeling and catchment management LIM Cost: $255 standard Online: Search “LIM request” from council homepage Phone: 04 237 5089

Christchurch & Canterbury

Christchurch City Council

Population Served: 390,000 | Area: 1,426 km²

Canterbury Maps - Official Regional Mapping Platform

  • Website: https://canterburymaps.govt.nz/
  • Features: Comprehensive flood hazard layers, property information
  • Post-earthquake: Includes land subsidence impact on flood risk
  • Rivers: Avon, Heathcote, Styx flood modeling and scenarios
  • Navigation: Use address search or enable “Natural Hazards” layers

Special Considerations:

  • Land changes post-2011 earthquakes affect flood risk
  • TC3 land may have elevated flood risk
  • Sea level rise impacts eastern suburbs

LIM Requests:

Environment Canterbury (Regional Council)

Regional Flood Hazard Information:

  • Website: https://www.ecan.govt.nz/
  • Navigation: “Our environment” > “Natural hazards” or “Living with natural hazards”
  • Coverage: Regional flood hazards across Canterbury region
  • Rivers: Waimakariri, Rakaia, Rangitata, Waitaki flood systems
  • Features: Regional floodplain mapping, climate change projections

Hamilton & Waikato

Hamilton City Council

Population Served: 176,000

Hamilton City Council Flood Information:

LIM Requests:

Waikato Regional Council

Regional Flood Hazard Portal:

Tauranga & Bay of Plenty

Tauranga City Council

Population Served: 155,000

Tauranga City Council Flood Information:

LIM Requests:

Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Flood Information:

  • Website: https://westernbay.govt.nz/
  • Navigation: “Council services” > “Property and planning” > “Natural hazards” LIM Cost: $230 Online: Search “LIM” from council homepage Phone: 07 571 8008

Dunedin & Otago

Dunedin City Council

Population Served: 134,000

Dunedin City Council Flood Hazard Information:

  • Website: https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/
  • Navigation: “Council services” > “Property and planning” > “Natural hazards”
  • Features: South Dunedin flooding, urban stream catchments
  • Notable: Leith Water flooding, coastal low-lying areas
  • Alternative: Search “flood hazard” or “natural hazards” from homepage

LIM Requests:

  • Cost: $260 standard
  • Online: Navigate to “Council services” > “Property and planning” > “LIM reports”
  • Alternative: Search “LIM request” from council homepage
  • Phone: 03 477 4000
  • Email: dcc@dcc.govt.nz

Hawke’s Bay

Napier City Council

Population Served: 66,000

Flood Hazard Information:

Post-Cyclone Gabrielle Considerations:

  • Significantly updated flood modeling (2023-2024)
  • New risk areas identified following severe weather events
  • Ahuriri coastal inundation and storm surge risk

LIM Requests:

Hastings District Council

Population Served: 87,000

Flood Information:

  • Website: https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/
  • Navigation: “Council services” > “Property and planning” > “Natural hazards”
  • Extensive updates following Cyclone Gabrielle (2023-2024)
  • Focus: Ngaruroro, Tukituki river flood plains and Heretaunga Plains
  • Features: Groundwater interactions, revised flood modeling

LIM Requests:

  • Cost: $245
  • Online: Navigate to “Council services” > “Property and planning” > “LIM reports”
  • Alternative: Search “LIM” from council homepage
  • Phone: 06 871 5000

Nelson & Tasman

Nelson City Council

Population Served: 52,000

Nelson City Council Flood Information:

  • Website: https://www.nelson.govt.nz/
  • Navigation: “Council services” > “Property and planning” > “Natural hazards”
  • Features: Maitai River flooding, Brook Stream catchment modeling
  • Focus: Coastal storm surge and sea level rise scenarios
  • Alternative: Search “flood hazard” or “natural hazards” from homepage

LIM Cost: $258 Online: Search “LIM request” from council homepage Phone: 03 546 0200

Tasman District Council

Population Served: 56,000

Flood Hazard Information:

  • Website: https://tasman.govt.nz/
  • Navigation: “Council services” > “Property and planning” > “Natural hazards”
  • Features: Comprehensive river flood modeling for major catchments
  • Rivers: Motueka, Takaka, Aorere river systems
  • Climate change projections and future flood scenarios LIM Cost: $260 Online: Search “LIM” from council homepage Phone: 03 543 8400

Palmerston North & Manawatū

Palmerston North City Council

Population Served: 91,000

Palmerston North City Council Flood Information:

  • Website: https://pncc.govt.nz/
  • Navigation: “Council services” > “Property and planning” > “Natural hazards”
  • Features: Manawatū River flood plain mapping and modeling
  • Focus: Stopbank protection areas, overland flow paths
  • Alternative: Search “flood hazard” or “natural hazards” from homepage

LIM Requests:

  • Cost: $265
  • Online: Navigate to “Council services” > “Property and planning” > “LIM reports”
  • Alternative: Search “LIM request” from council homepage
  • Phone: 06 356 8199

Other Major Districts

New Plymouth District Council

  • Population: 87,000
  • Website: https://newplymouth.govt.nz/
  • LIM Cost: $250
  • Online: Search “LIM request” from council homepage
  • Phone: 06 759 6060
  • Focus: Coastal inundation, stream flooding

Rotorua Lakes Council

  • Population: 79,000
  • Website: https://rotorualakescouncil.nz/
  • LIM Cost: $248
  • Online: Search “LIM” from council homepage
  • Phone: 07 348 4199
  • Focus: Lake level changes, stream flooding

Invercargill City Council

  • Population: 51,000
  • Website: https://icc.govt.nz/
  • LIM Cost: $255
  • Online: Search “LIM request” from council homepage
  • Phone: 03 211 7777
  • Focus: Ōreti River, Waihōpai River flooding

Queenstown Lakes District Council

  • Population: 48,000
  • Website: https://qldc.govt.nz/
  • LIM Cost: $280
  • Online: Search “LIM” from council homepage
  • Phone: 03 441 0499
  • Focus: Shotover, Kawarau rivers, alpine flooding

Understanding Online Flood Viewers

What They Show (Typically)

  • 1% AEP Events: 1-in-100 year flood modeling
  • Overland Flow Paths: Where water flows during heavy rain
  • Flood Plains: Areas historically prone to flooding
  • Coastal Inundation: Sea level rise and storm surge scenarios
  • Climate Projections: Future flood risk (often to 2100)

Important Limitations

Online viewers are NOT official:

  • Indicative only, not legal disclosure
  • May be based on older modeling
  • Don’t account for recent changes
  • Don’t include all assessment factors

Only LIM reports provide:

  • Official flood risk category (after Oct 2025)
  • Legally binding information
  • Most recent modeling
  • Council assessment and supporting data

How to Use Online Viewers Effectively

  1. Initial Research: Use before buying to eliminate obvious high-risk properties
  2. Seller Preparation: Check your property before listing
  3. Insurance Quotes: Share maps with insurance brokers
  4. Professional Assessment: Give to engineers/surveyors for detailed reports

Never: Rely solely on online viewers for property purchase decisions

LIM Request Tips

Before You Request

  1. Check What’s Included: LIM scope varies by council
  2. Consider Timing: Standard vs urgent processing
  3. Budget Appropriately: $240-$280 typical cost
  4. Have Details Ready: Legal description or address

What to Ask For

Standard LIM includes flood risk, but you can request:

  • Full Hazards Report: All natural hazards, not just flood
  • Resource Consents: Building consents and conditions
  • Rates Information: Arrears, special rates
  • Plan Changes: Upcoming zone changes

After Receiving Your LIM

  1. Review Thoroughly: Don’t just check flood rating
  2. Ask Questions: Council must explain assessments
  3. Get Professional Opinion: Show to lawyer, engineer if high risk
  4. Keep Records: You’ll need for insurance, future sale

Regional Differences in Flood Modeling

Auckland

  • Method: High-resolution LiDAR, advanced hydraulic modeling
  • Updates: Rolling 5-year cycle
  • Strengths: Very detailed urban flood modeling

Wellington

  • Method: River modeling + coastal surge analysis
  • Updates: Post-flood event reviews
  • Challenges: Earthquake liquefaction impacts flood risk

Christchurch

  • Method: Post-earthquake adjusted modeling
  • Updates: Ongoing as land continues settling
  • Unique: TC3 land special considerations

Other Regions

  • Variation: Smaller councils may use regional models
  • Updates: Often triggered by significant flood events
  • Considerations: Limited modeling in rural areas

What to Do if You Find High Flood Risk

  1. Request Detailed Information

    • Ask council for full flood modeling report
    • Request assumptions and data sources
    • Get historical flood event information

  2. Consider Independent Assessment

    • Hire civil engineer ($2,000-$5,000)
    • Commission surveyor ($1,500-$3,000)
    • May find council modeling has errors or is outdated

  3. Explore Mitigation Options

    • Floor level raising
    • Flood barriers/walls
    • Improved drainage

  4. Challenge if Appropriate

    • Submit formal review request to council
    • Provide engineering evidence
    • Timeline: 20-60 business days

Emergency Flood Information

During Flood Events

National Emergency Management:

  • Get Ready: National emergency management website (search “Get Ready NZ”)
  • Local CDEM Groups: Check your regional Civil Defence Emergency Management

Weather Warnings and Flood Monitoring:

Regional Emergency Management Contacts

Find Your Local CDEM:

  • Auckland: Auckland Emergency Management (part of Auckland Council)
  • Wellington: WREMO (Wellington Region Emergency Management Office)
  • Canterbury: Canterbury CDEM (via Environment Canterbury)
  • Hawke’s Bay: Hawke’s Bay CDEM (post-Cyclone Gabrielle coordination)
  • Bay of Plenty: Bay of Plenty CDEM
  • Waikato: Waikato CDEM (via Waikato Regional Council)
  • Other Regions: Search “[Region name] CDEM” for local emergency management

Conclusion

Every major New Zealand council provides some form of online flood hazard information, but official flood risk ratings require a formal LIM report requested on or after October 17, 2025.

Use online viewers for preliminary research, but always obtain an official LIM before making significant property decisions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Online viewers = indicative only
  • LIM reports = official disclosure
  • Costs range $235-$280 typically
  • Processing takes 10 working days standard
  • All councils have challenge processes for incorrect assessments

URL Stability Notice: Council websites frequently update their structure. If specific navigation paths don’t work, use the council homepage search function with terms like “LIM”, “flood hazard”, or “natural hazards”.

Additional LIM Resources

General LIM Information and Ordering Guide:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which council flood viewer should I use?

Start with your local territorial authority’s flood viewer (Auckland Council, Wellington City Council, etc.). This will have the most detailed and up-to-date information for your specific area.

Are online flood viewers official?

No. Online viewers are indicative only and not legal disclosure. Only a LIM report provides official flood risk information that’s legally binding.

How much does a LIM cost in NZ?

Most councils charge $235-$280 for standard processing (10 working days) or $450-$500 for urgent/express service (5 working days). Exact costs vary by council.

Can I get flood information without paying for a LIM?

Yes, most councils provide free online flood viewers that show indicative flood risk. However, these are for preliminary research only and don’t replace official LIM disclosure.

How do I challenge incorrect flood information?

Request the detailed flood modeling from your council, then commission an independent assessment from a qualified engineer ($2,000-$5,000). Submit your evidence through your council’s formal review process.

Do all councils use the same flood mapping?

No. Each territorial authority uses its own flood modeling methods, data sources, and risk categorization systems. This is why official LIM reports are necessary for property decisions.

How long does it take to get a LIM report?

Standard processing typically takes 10 working days. Urgent/express service is usually available for 5 working days at roughly double the cost.

Council websites frequently update their structure. If direct links fail, use the council homepage search function with terms like “LIM”, “flood hazard”, or “natural hazards” to find the correct pages.

This guide provides navigation assistance based on current council website structures (October 2025). For the most current information, costs, and exact service locations, please check directly with your local council.

Sources: Council website navigation research, New Zealand territorial authority websites, regional council flood management portals, direct URL verification