Lifejackets NZ: Types, Sizing, Prices, Brands & Laws (2025)

Mike Moore
Lifejackets NZ: Types, Sizing, Prices, Brands & Laws (2025)

Lifejackets NZ: Types, Sizing, Prices, Brands & Laws (2025)

If you end up in the water, the lifejacket you’re actually wearing is the one that will save you. That’s simple enough—until you try to choose one. In New Zealand, rules can vary by region, activities range from paddling to offshore runs, and the difference between foam, inflatable and sport vests matters. Fit, buoyancy, servicing, and price all come into play—especially when many regions require lifejackets to be worn on boats 6 m and under, or whenever risk is heightened.

This 2025 guide is your shortcut to getting it right. We’ll explain NZ laws and standards in plain language, match jacket types to your activity and waters, and show you how to size correctly for adults, women and kids.

You’ll also learn which features to prioritise, how leading NZ brands compare, what a fair price looks like (including servicing), and the checks that keep your jacket ready to perform.

Step 1. Check New Zealand lifejacket laws and standards for 2025

NZ rules are set by regional councils, but the core obligations are the same nationwide: the skipper must carry correctly fitting lifejackets for everyone on board and ensure they’re worn whenever risk is heightened (bar crossings, rough water, emergencies, non‑swimmers). In many regions, wearing is mandatory on boats 6 m and under—check your local bylaw before you go.

  • Skipper’s duty: One correctly sized jacket per person; insist on wearing at heightened risk.
  • Compliant standards: Look for AS/NZS 4758 or ISO 12402 (or equivalent).
  • Buoyancy types: 401 inflatable (150N, open waters); 401 semi‑rigid foam (≥100N); 402 inshore with collar (≥71N); 403 buoyancy vest (≥53N).
  • Inflatables: Service/test annually; replace CO₂ cylinder after any inflation; confirm green indicators and no corrosion.
  • Kids: Snug fit with crotch straps strongly recommended.

Step 2. Choose your lifejacket type for your activity and waters

Match the jacket to how and where you’re boating. Think movement, likelihood of immersion, and distance from shore. Inflatables suit open waters and long wear, but they need servicing and aren’t recommended for high‑splash or impact activities. Foam styles are simple, warm and instant—ideal for learners and kids. Sport vests trade support for mobility.

  • Offshore/rough or far from shore: Type 401 inflatable. Comfortable to wear all day, designed to keep you upright if unconscious.
  • Harbours, lakes, inshore trips: Type 402 collared foam. No maintenance, immediate flotation, good for all‑day fishing.
  • Paddle sports and rowing: Type 403 buoyancy vest. Slim for freedom of movement.
  • Jetskis/tow sports: Type 403 impact‑friendly vest; inflatables are not recommended.
  • SUP option: Inflatable belt lifejacket is acceptable.
  • Kids or novices: Prefer foam; inflatables are not for under ~15s and only for competent swimmers. Add crotch straps.

Step 3. Match buoyancy ratings to your conditions (50–275N)

Buoyancy is measured in Newtons (N): the higher the number, the more lift your lifejacket provides. NZ-recognised minima by type are clear: Type 403 (≥53N), Type 402 (≥71N), Type 401 semi‑rigid foam (≥100N), and Type 401 inflatable (150N), with some inflatables offering up to 300N for extra lift in rough conditions.

  • Calm paddling/near shore: 53N buoyancy vest (Type 403) for mobility; not ideal for emergencies.
  • Inshore harbours/lakes: 71N collared foam (Type 402) for immediate float and all‑day wear.
  • Emergency carriage only: 100N semi‑rigid foam (Type 401) — not for continuous wear on pleasure craft.
  • Open water/offshore/bar crossings: 150N inflatable (Type 401) designed to support you if unconscious.
  • Heavy clothing/rough seas: Consider higher‑buoyancy inflatables (up to ~300N) for added margin.

Step 4. Get the right size and fit (adults, women, kids)

Fit is what keeps a lifejacket in place when you hit the water. NZ guidance is clear: it should be snug (not loose), easy to do up, and secured so it won’t ride up—use crotch straps where possible.

Adults

Aim for “snug like a good coat”: the zip should close with slight tension and buckles tighten under tension without restricting breathing. Adjust so it doesn’t lift at the shoulders when pulled; add a crotch strap to stop ride‑up, especially for bar crossings or rough water. For inflatables, set the waist firmly, check green indicators and the CO₂ cylinder condition before every trip.

Women

Use the same snug principles, then check movement: reach, twist and sit to ensure no gaping at the armholes, chest pressure, or neck rub. Choose a cut that allows full arm mobility without the jacket shifting upwards; tighten straps evenly and consider a crotch strap.

Kids

Choose by the stated weight range and make it snug—never buy to “grow into.” Use the two‑finger shoulder gap rule and the lift test: if they can slip out, it’s too big. Prefer foam lifejackets for children and novices, with working crotch straps; inflatables are better suited to older teens (around 14–15+) who are competent in the water.

Step 5. Choose essential safety features and options

The right features make a lifejacket easier to wear, find, and trust when it matters. NZ guidance highlights staying visible, preventing ride‑up, and ensuring inflatable models are ready to go every trip. Prioritise the essentials below when comparing lifejackets NZ shoppers will actually wear.

  • Crotch straps: Stop ride‑up in the water; strongly recommended for kids, bar crossings and rough conditions.
  • Activation and inflation (inflatables): Choose auto or manual; all have a manual pull cord and an oral inflation tube—keep the cord free to pull.
  • Readiness indicators: Look for red/green status windows; keep CO₂ cylinders tight, unpierced and corrosion‑free; replace after any inflation.
  • Visibility and signalling: Bright colours plus reflective patches improve detection; a built‑in whistle should be easy to locate.
  • Buoyant collar (foam 402): Extra head support for inshore use and novices; simple, instant flotation.

Step 6. Compare leading NZ brands and popular models

Shortlist brands by the activity you do most, then choose the type and fit you learned above. Lifejackets NZ retailers carry span foam, inflatables and sport vests, so use these examples as a fast-start list before you try on.

  • Hutchwilco: Popular across categories; the Reactor II Hi‑Viz Paddling Vest is a go‑to for kayaking and SUP where mobility and visibility matter.
  • Baltic (via specialist marine retailers): Inflatable open‑water options such as the Legend 165 Auto with harness and the Winner 165; auto inflation plus harness options are suited to offshore use—remember annual checks.
  • Jetpilot: Performance buoyancy vests widely used for jetski and tow sports; designed for impact and freedom of movement.
  • Multi‑brand stockists (e.g., Burnsco, Torpedo7, Rebel Sport): Good for side‑by‑side try‑ons across foam, inflatable and PFD cuts; check standards labels and crotch‑strap compatibility.
  • Entry-level basics: Models like “Skipper Lifejacket” are common starter options for general boating—verify sizing and features before you buy.

Step 7. Set a budget: typical NZ prices in 2025 and ongoing costs

Price follows type and use: foam vests are the most affordable upfront, performance vests sit mid‑range, and open‑water inflatables cost more and need ongoing care. Use these NZ examples to anchor your budget before you try on and check standards and fit.

  • Entry foam (general boating): Skipper Lifejacket — from $99.00
  • Paddling vest (mobility/hi‑viz): Hutchwilco Reactor II — $129.99
  • Tow sports/jetski vest: Jetpilot X1 — $299.99
  • Inflatable 150N (open water): Baltic Winner 165 — from $209.00
  • Premium inflatable + harness: Baltic Legend 165 Auto — $559.00

Ongoing costs: inflatables require annual checks and a new CO₂ cylinder after any inflation; foam jackets have minimal maintenance but still need regular inspections.

Step 8. Try before you buy: at-home fit checks and in-water testing

A quick try-on in-store isn’t enough. Do a proper fit check at home, then a short, supervised water test in a pool or calm shallows. You’re aiming for snug, secure and stable floatation without ride‑up, and clear readiness for inflatables.

  • Zip and buckle tension: Close with slight tension; breathe and twist comfortably.
  • Shoulder lift test: Grab the shoulders and lift—jacket shouldn’t rise to your ears.
  • Crotch straps: Fit and tighten; they stop ride‑up (essential for kids and rough water).
  • Inflatables: Confirm green indicators, cylinder tight and unpierced; pull cord visible and free.
  • Know your features: Locate whistle, reflective panels, oral inflation tube.
  • Water check: Wade in, float on your back hands‑free; adjust straps if it rides up. Rehearse the manual‑pull motion (only inflate if you plan to re‑arm afterwards).

Step 9. Maintain and service your lifejacket (especially inflatables)

A well‑chosen lifejacket only does its job if it’s maintained. Inflatables, in particular, require regular attention—because you don’t know 100% they’ll work until they’re inflated. Foam jackets are simpler but still need routine checks for damage and buoyancy loss.

  • Before every trip (inflatables): Confirm green status indicators, CO₂ cylinder tight, unpierced and corrosion‑free; keep the manual pull cord visible and free; locate whistle and oral inflation tube.
  • After use: Rinse with fresh water (salt is corrosive) and hang to dry.
  • Annual test/service (inflatables): Manually inflate and leave overnight; if it deflates, have it serviced or replace it. Check for any corrosion.
  • After any inflation: Replace the CO₂ cylinder and re‑arm per the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Foam jackets: Inspect for rips/tears/UV damage; check buckles/webbing; if the jacket feels heavy or waterlogged, replace it.
  • Commercial use: Check more frequently and meet the relevant regulations for your operation.

Step 10. Store, inspect and know when to replace

Good storage prevents UV and salt damage; regular inspections catch faults before you’re in the water. Keep lifejackets accessible on board, not buried under gear, and build quick checks into your pre‑departure routine.

  • Store right: Rinse with fresh water, hang to dry, then store cool, dry and out of sunlight. Don’t fold or compress under heavy items. Hang inflatables individually with the pull cord free.
  • Inspect often: Check fabric, stitching, buckles and webbing for damage. Foam should feel light (not waterlogged). Inflatables: confirm green indicators, cylinder tight/unpierced, no corrosion; do an overnight manual‑inflate test annually.
  • Replace when: Foam feels heavy or the fabric is brittle/torn; an inflatable won’t hold air overnight; there’s corrosion on the CO₂ cylinder or inside the jacket; the jacket’s been punctured; size no longer fits (especially kids); or if service history is unknown.

Step 11. Shop smart in New Zealand: online vs in-store tips

Shopping smart in NZ keeps you safe and avoids returns. For lifejackets NZ buyers, in‑store try‑ons nail fit, while online wins for range and price. Either way, check AS/NZS 4758 or ISO 12402 labels, inflatable servicing support, and local availability of crotch straps and re‑arm kits.

  • In‑store: Do shoulder‑lift and twist/sit tests; compare types side‑by‑side.
  • Online: Use brand charts, measure chest; size kids by weight range.
  • Returns: Confirm free exchanges and hygiene rules before ordering.
  • Proof and spares: Keep receipts/serials; ask CO₂ kit price and stock.

Step 12. Pre-departure lifejacket checklist

Before you cast off, run this quick pre‑departure lifejacket check. It confirms sizing, standards and readiness—especially for inflatables—and ensures every jacket is reachable and ready to wear when risk is heightened (bars, rough water, emergencies, non‑swimmers). It takes a minute; it can save a life.

  • One per person: right size and activity.
  • Fit check: snug, shoulder‑lift passes; crotch straps on.
  • Standards label: AS/NZS 4758 or ISO 12402.
  • Foam condition: no rips/UV damage; feels light.
  • Inflatable ready: green indicators; cylinder tight, unpierced.
  • Pull cord free: re‑armed after any inflation.
  • Locate and access: whistle, reflective patches, oral tube; jackets accessible on board.

Before you hit the water

You’re now set to choose with confidence: match your activity and waters to the right type, pick the buoyancy that fits your conditions, and lock in a snug fit with crotch straps where needed. Keep inflatables serviced and re‑armed, and remember the skipper’s duty to carry and insist on wearing at heightened risk.

Ready to gear up? Shop NZ‑ready lifejackets, crotch straps and re‑arm kits, and get straight‑talk advice from a local team. Start here: Action Outdoors.