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WFS

Web Feature Service returns vector features and attributes rather than a rendered map image. It is useful when you need to query, filter or copy live source data into GIS.

LINZ versions​

LINZ currently supports WFS 2.0.0 as default plus 1.1.0 and 1.0.0. GetCapabilities describes the service and GetFeature returns records.

A layer-specific capabilities URL follows the general pattern:

https://data.linz.govt.nz/services;key=YOUR_API_KEY/wfs/layer-LAYER_ID?service=WFS&request=GetCapabilities

Never publish a real personal API key in documentation or source code.

Filter large datasets​

National parcels and addresses are too large for a casual whole-layer request. Use:

  • a layer-specific connection
  • a bounding box or spatial predicate
  • attribute/CQL filters
  • WFS paging
  • a file export for a bounded area

LINZ recommends paging large WFS 2.0 requests and documents batches no larger than 250,000 features per request.

Axis order can bite​

WFS 2.0 follows EPSG axis definitions. LINZ explicitly documents cases where NZTM2000 coordinates appear in northing/easting order in service filters. If a request appears flipped, check the service version and axis-order guidance before blaming the dataset.

Official sources: LINZ WFS versions, WFS filters, axis ordering.

Last reviewed: 26 August 2026

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