Duder's Peninsula

Site Information

Duder's Peninisula (Duder's Regional Park, Whakakaiwhara) is located adjacent to Umupuia Beach, between Maraetai and Clevedon, 4.4 kilometres south from Maraetai.

Take-off height at the northerly site is 280 foot A.S.L, normally in front of the trig, although the bowl immediately to right can be used also.

HG vehicles to be kept to a minimum.

Drive slowly up the track towards the Trig.  Park before the trig and DO NOT DRIVE PAST THE TRIG because the road there is subsiding and there are serious safety issues involved.  In other words, there is vehicle access to the northerly site, but you have to park before you come to the trig.   

When the wind is square in (northerly) the whole Peninsula can be flown.  If it is off to the north west or north east it will be marginal going around to and back from the eastern end.

Take-off heights at the south easterly site is 180 foot A.S.L, adjacent to the top dressing fertiliser bins.  The best top landing is also in this area so vehicles should be parked as close as practical to the bins.

Auckland Council Regional Park site

​Site Type

Coastal.

Landing

Hang Gliding

If bottom landing on the southeastern side beware of trenches across the paddock round the corner from launch.

Paragliding

Beach under the Northern site there is no opportunity for beach landing between half and full tide similarly under the south eastern site bottom landing at between half and full tide is minuscule. 

Weather and Wind Direction

North for the Northern side of the peninsula

South East for the southern side.

Mandatory Notices

See access conditions.

Site Radio Channel

Channel 20 - 476.900MHz

Restrictions

Hang Gliding

HG Intermediate

Paragliding

North face: PG2 + 20 hours

South East: PG2 + 30 hours

Cautions

General

Trees along the cliff edge can cause turbulence so care should be taken not to launch or land too low down the slope.

Owing to the gentle contours of the south easterly site it is mainly soarable in stronger winds and often there is a fine line between the site being soarable and becoming too strong.

Paragliding

For paragliders the North site is rated PG2 + 20 but the South East site is rated PG2 plus 30 hours.

Nesting Birds – Park Management request

Between 1 September and 28 February each year a number of bird species, some of which are endangered, nest on the beach, adjacent dunes or foreshore banks. Some of these nesting sites may be delineated by a taped off area, but by no means all.

Before flying identify any immediately obvious sites and ensure staying clear of these by no low overflying or landing in immediate vicinity. Over this time period it is preferable to top land, slope land or land below high water mark if feasible.

In all instances endeavour to avoid low wingovers or long approaches over the beach above high water mark, as our wings are seen by nesting birds as a potential predator which can result in stress or nest abandonment.

Airspace

This site is located within CTA/C with a flight ceiling of 1,500 feet, and the south easterly site is located within low flying area number L261 so be aware of other aircraft below Ridge height and close to the hill.

Access Conditions

The Whakakaiwhara Peninsula (both north and south eastern sites) is an Auckland Council Regional park and access permission should be obtained first by referral to the duty ranger on 09 890 9764 or site monitor as detailed below.

Owing to recent concerns over Kauri Dieback disease control vehicle access provisions have changed: 

Vehicle access for hang gliders is upon request only. Seek permission in advance by calling the duty ranger on 09 890 9764. Only the minimum number of vehicles should be taken, arrange to go in convoy, the balance of vehicles being left in the parking area before passing through the padlocked gate.

The ranger is particularly concerned over pilots flying on their own. The rules do not permit this anyway but please respect this request or we are likely to lose the privilege of flying here.

Site Monitor

John Burton 09 528 3362 (call me for the gate combination)

Notes

None.

Site Achievements

None.