The Resource Management Act says excessive noise means any “man-made” noise which unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort and convenience of any person. Noise from vehicles on the road such as cars, aircraft, boats and trains are not under Council control.
Noise control is not intended to regulate every day residential activities such as mowing lawns and vehicles driving on the road.
If you are concerned about the noise coming from your neighbours place, a friendly word may help, talk to the person or company responsible for the noise and point out the problem. You may find they are unware they are disturbing you.
The level of noise that would be considered acceptable varies according to location of neighbours, time of day, presence of barriers and type of noise that is being made.