Fast, Effective Gorse Spraying by Drone Across Bay of Plenty & Waikato
Gorse is one of New Zealand's most persistent pest plants - and one of the hardest to control on steep, rugged, or inaccessible land. Traditional methods like ground crews with knapsacks or helicopter spraying are either too slow, too expensive, or too imprecise for most gorse infestations.
Agrodrone provides drone-based gorse spraying across Bay of Plenty and Waikato, delivering precise herbicide application to terrain that ground crews can't safely reach and at a fraction of the cost of helicopter work.
Why Drone Spraying Is the Best Way to Control Gorse
Gorse typically grows in the places that are hardest to get to - steep hillsides, gullies, cliff faces, riverbanks, and regenerating bush margins. Drones are purpose-built for this:
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Access steep and difficult terrain - our drones operate over hills, gullies, and land that's unsafe or impossible for ground crews and tractors
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Precision targeting - GPS and RTK-guided spray routes hit the gorse and avoid surrounding pasture, native bush, and waterways
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Lower cost than helicopter spraying - drone application delivers comparable coverage at a fraction of the hourly rate
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Reduced chemical use - precision nozzles and calibrated pump rates mean less herbicide, less drift, and less environmental impact
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Faster than ground crews - cover large infestations in hours, not days
How Our Drone Gorse Spraying Works
Our XAG P100 Pro platform uses four atomiser nozzles delivering adjustable droplet size for optimal penetration into dense gorse canopy. The downward thrust from the propellers pushes herbicide into the plant rather than sitting on top.
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For larger gorse infestations, we use our surveying drone to map the area first. This generates a GPS-precise spray plan that ensures full coverage of the target area while protecting any sensitive zones nearby - waterways, native plantings, or neighbouring properties.
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For smaller or patchier gorse jobs, we fly manually for quick, targeted spot spraying.
Gorse Spraying for Farms & Lifestyle Blocks
Gorse spreads fast and left unchecked it takes over productive pasture, reduces land value, and creates a serious fire hazard. Regular drone spraying keeps gorse under control before it becomes a major clearance job.
We work with farmers and lifestyle block owners across Bay of Plenty and Waikato on both one-off gorse knockdowns and ongoing annual spray programmes to keep regrowth managed.
Gorse Control for Councils, DOC & Land Managers
We work with local councils, the Department of Conservation, and land management companies on large-scale gorse control programmes. Our drones can cover council reserve land, roadsides, riverbanks, and conservation areas efficiently and with minimal disruption.
Drone spraying is particularly effective for council and DOC work because it eliminates the safety risks of sending ground crews into steep or unstable terrain.
​Chemicals & Application Rates
We carry a range of herbicides suitable for gorse control, or you can supply your own product. Application rates are calibrated to the density and maturity of the gorse - from light regrowth through to dense, established stands.
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Our variable rate control applies from 15L/ha up to 450L/ha depending on the job requirements, and our pump system is calibrated to ensure even distribution across the target area.
Gorse Spraying Pricing
We offer flexible pricing depending on the job:
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Hourly rate - best for spot spraying, smaller areas, or patchy gorse infestations
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Per-hectare rate - best for larger areas or blanket spraying of established gorse
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A modest travel fee applies from our Tauranga base
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All quotes are obligation-free
Service Area
We provide gorse spraying services throughout Bay of Plenty and Waikato, including Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Whakatane, Te Puke, Katikati, Kawerau, Opotiki, Rotorua, Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Aroha, Morrinsville, Matamata, Tokoroa, Putaruru, and all surrounding areas.
