Features to Look for in Handheld GPS and Chartplotters
GPS accuracy and satellite connectivity
Look for a handheld unit that connects to multiple satellite networks (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS). More networks mean faster fixes and reliable positioning in situations where a single-network device might struggle.
Waterproof and rugged design
An IPX7 rating means the unit can handle being dunked in shallow water for short periods. A floating design is worth paying for if you're using it on a boat.
Battery life and portability
A handheld GPS for fishing, hiking, or camping might run on replaceable AA batteries (handy on long trips where charging isn't an option) or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Battery life ranges from around 18 hours of active tracking up to several weeks in low-power expedition mode.
Mapping and waypoint navigation
Storage capacity for waypoints (some units hold 10,000+), preloaded basemaps or topo maps, and the option to add detailed marine charts via a microSD card all extend the device's capabilities. Local chartplotter models come preloaded with coastal charts of NZ and Australia, while standard boat GPS units focus on waypoints and basic mapping.
Emergency communication features
Satellite communicators with interactive SOS, two-way messaging, and location sharing keep you connected when there's no mobile signal. These run on the Iridium satellite network (subscription required) and have saved lives in genuinely remote situations.
Choosing the Right Handheld Navigation Device
Marine and boating navigation
A portable marine GPS will track your position and let you save fishing spots, moorings, and routes. If you want depth contours, navigation marks, and coastline detail overlaid on your position, a handheld chartplotter with preloaded NZ marine charts gives you the bigger picture. Either way, floating, fogproof, and sunlight-viewable screens are worth the extra spend for offshore use.
Hiking and camping use
For trampers and hunters, a light, portable GPS unit with topo maps, a barometric altimeter, and long-lasting AA batteries is the better pick. Look for a 3-axis compass that holds an accurate heading even when you're standing still.
Offshore and remote travel
Planning to head well out of mobile coverage? You'll want navigation and emergency comms working together. A handheld GPS or chart plotter handles navigation (position, waypoints, routes, and charts if you're on the water), while a satellite communicator covers two-way messaging, weather updates, and SOS. Some boaties and trampers carry one of each; others go for a GPS unit with built-in satellite messaging to cover both jobs in a single unit.
Compact everyday navigation
Smaller units around 100g slip into a pocket or PFD without weighing you down. This is a good option for kayakers, mountain bikers, or anyone who wants location tracking and basic messaging in a lightweight unit.
GPS communication devices
These bridge the gap between a phone and a dedicated GPS. Pair with the manufacturer's app on your phone, and you get a bigger screen for typing messages, plus seamless switching between Wi-Fi, mobile, and satellite networks as you move in and out of coverage.
Compatible accessories and mounts
Check what mounts and brackets are available for the model you're considering. Helm mounts, handlebar mounts, and dashboard fittings all extend the ways and locations where you can use the device.
Essential Accessories for Safer Navigation
A handheld device clipped to a lanyard is fine in a pinch, but a dedicated mount is useful when conditions get rough. Adjustable handheld mounts swivel and tilt so you can read the display from the helm or driver's seat without taking your eyes off the water or road for long. Marine mounts lock the unit in place at speed and release quickly when you need to take it with you.
Charging accessories keep you topped up on longer trips: USB-C cables, 12V leads for boats, and spare AA batteries for the units that take them. Lanyards and carabiners are cheap insurance against dropping a $700 device over the side. For anyone running a satellite communicator, a windscreen or dash mount keeps it positioned with a clear view of the sky for a stronger signal.
Shop Marine Navigation Gear at Burnsco
Burnsco has been kitting out Kiwi boaties, anglers, and adventurers for more than a century. Find a handheld GPS for sale, then order online for 1-hour click & collect at your nearest store. Or pop in to chat with our team. Check out our battery chargers, fishfinders, and electrical cables to ensure you’ve got everything you need for your next trip on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a handheld GPS and a chartplotter?
A GPS shows you where you are and lets you save waypoints and routes, with a basic worldwide basemap. A chartplotter does all that plus overlays your position onto detailed marine charts, showing depth contours, navigation marks, hazards, and coastline detail. A GPS is plenty for marking fishing spots and finding your way home; a chartplotter gives you the bigger picture if you're navigating unfamiliar waters or doing more serious offshore work. For land-based use, a standard GPS with topo maps is usually the better fit.
Are handheld GPS devices waterproof?
Most quality handhelds are rated IPX7, which means they'll survive being submerged in up to 1 metre of water for 30 minutes. Some marine GPS/chartplotters also float, which is worth paying extra for. No units are designed for prolonged submersion or diving, so treat the rating as splash-and-dunk protection rather than a license to take them underwater.
Can handheld chartplotters work without a mobile signal?
Yes. GPS is a satellite-based system that has no connection to mobile networks, so your device will track your position anywhere on the planet, including well offshore or deep in the bush. Mobile signal only comes into play if you're using a satellite communicator paired with a phone app, and even then, the satellite messaging works independently of mobile coverage.
What are handheld GPS accessories used for?
Accessories make the device easier to use and harder to lose. Mounts hold the unit at a readable angle on a boat helm or dashboard. Charging cables and 12V leads keep it powered on longer trips. Lanyards and carabiners stop you from dropping it overboard or off a cliff. MicroSD cards expand storage so you can load more detailed maps or save more tracks and waypoints.
Are handheld GPS devices suitable for hiking and camping?
Absolutely. Hiking is one of the most common use cases for a handheld GPS. Look for models with preloaded topo maps, long battery life (the AA-powered units can run for days), a 3-axis compass, and a barometric altimeter for tracking elevation. If you're going somewhere genuinely remote, consider a satellite communicator alongside or instead, so you’ve got backup to call for help if you need it.
