Agrodrone Completes 42-Hectare Gorse Spraying Job Near Te Puke
- michaelvisser66
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
A large gorse control project near Te Puke has demonstrated how agricultural drones can provide a practical alternative to traditional helicopter spraying on suitable rural properties.
Tauranga-based drone contractor Agrodrone recently completed aerial spraying across approximately 42 hectares in a single day. The client had previously used a helicopter for the work but selected drone application for this operation.
The site contained extensive gorse across rural terrain where ground-based spraying would have been slow and difficult. Using a commercial agricultural drone, Agrodrone mapped the treatment area, planned the flight paths and applied the spray across the block.
An Alternative to Helicopter Spraying
Helicopters remain an important option for large-scale aerial application, particularly across very large or remote properties. However, agricultural drones are becoming a useful alternative for selected jobs where accurate application, difficult terrain or smaller treatment areas are involved.
Agrodrone owner Michael Visser said the Te Puke project showed that drones can also complete substantial areas when the site, access and weather conditions are suitable.
“The client had normally used a helicopter, so it was a good opportunity to demonstrate what an agricultural drone could achieve on a larger gorse spraying job,” Michael said.
“We completed around 42 hectares in one day while following mapped flight paths and calibrated application rates.”
Unlike ground-based spraying, the drone did not need to travel through the gorse or across the treated terrain. This reduced the need for workers to walk through dense vegetation or operate machinery on difficult ground.
Designed for Difficult Terrain
Gorse often becomes established on steep hillsides, gullies, forestry margins and areas where tractors, quad bikes or manual spray teams cannot easily operate.
Drone spraying allows the operator to remain at a safe working location while the aircraft follows planned routes over the target area. The drone can also treat irregular boundaries, corners and difficult sections that may be challenging for larger aircraft or ground equipment.
Each job still requires careful assessment. Terrain, wind, temperature, nearby properties, waterways, obstacles, product requirements and no-spray areas all need to be considered before flying.
For the Te Puke operation, Agrodrone planned the work around the size of the block, the gorse coverage, access for equipment and water, and the available weather window.
Growing Use of Agricultural Drones
Agricultural drones are increasingly being used in New Zealand for weed spraying, forestry work, crop application, fertiliser spreading, seeding and hard-access vegetation control.
They are not intended to replace helicopters or ground crews in every situation. Instead, drones provide another tool that landowners and contractors can consider based on the size, terrain and requirements of each project.
For gorse control, the best method depends on factors such as plant size, density, growth stage, access, chemical choice and the likelihood of follow-up treatment. Effective control may require monitoring and further work after the initial application.
The 42-hectare Te Puke project adds to Agrodrone’s experience across farms, forestry blocks, orchards, commercial properties and conservation sites throughout Bay of Plenty, Waikato and the wider North Island.
“Every site is different,” Michael said. “The aim is to look at the property, understand what the client needs and decide whether drone spraying is the right option for the job.”
Agrodrone provides drone gorse spraying and hard-access weed control across Bay of Plenty, Waikato and the wider North Island.
More information: www.agrodrone.co.nz/gorse-spraying
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