Bridge's Hill

Site Information

Bridge's Hill is a South East site with a lot of potential and a committing launch.

This site is located 8 kilometres West of Dill's Hill on West Coast Rd that runs from Araparere to Woodcocks.

The quickest access is state highway 16 past Kaukapakapa. Turn right on to West Coast Rd, go 2 kilometres along the road to the old fire station building; if you get to the new fire station you have gone too far.

The new owners are Mark and Poppy Keskic.​

Please note the Cautions and Access Conditions for this site.

The takeoff at the top of the hill is 900 foot A.S.L.

Site Type

Inland.

Landing

There are good landing areas on flats below but keep an eye out for temporary electric fences.

When low in the valley be aware of the likelihood of a sea breeze pushing in resulting in a wind change to the South West with resulting unpleasant turbulence.

Bridge's Hill Take Off

Weather and Wind Direction

South East

Mandatory Notices

See required access conditions below.

Site Radio Channel

Channel 20 - 476.900MHz

Restrictions

Hang Gliding

HG Advanced

Paragliding

PG 2 + 60 hours

Cautions

Due to growth of pine trees in front of top T.O. ratings were upgraded in 2005.

Further growth has reduced the viability of this site and extreme caution is required.

Ensure wind direction is straight up the cut between trees and wind streamers are flying.

Sept 2022: Trees have been felled, and the area is now clear. New site assessment will be undertaken.
Update to the site guide here will follow in the near future,

Airspace

This site is located near the edge of CTA within GAA NZG 151 with a height restriction of 3,500 ft ASL immediately above launch, until you pass a line to the north running between Five Fingers and Dill's Hill when the restriction rises to 4,500 ft ASL.

Access Conditions

  1. Please always call at the farm house before proceeding (the site owners Mark and Poppy Keskic are very friendly).

  2. Vehicles can be driven up only in very dry conditions, but it is extremely rough and you require a 4 Wheel Drive with a good muffler clearance (or just an attitude).

  3. Please note that access is via the cattle race. Do not attempt to drive vehicles in or out during milking time around 4pm.

Site Monitor

Dean Olsen 027 517 3125

Notes

None.

Site Achievements

February 1994 hang glider pilot Ian Clark flew 143 km to Kaikohe in 5 hrs attaining 5,700 ft and setting a new NZ cross country record.