Tawharanui

Site Information

This is a very enjoyable area offering a marine reserve, fine sandy beaches, interesting swimming, and barbecue places.

Tawharanui Regional Park is located on Takatu Peninsula, 90 kilometres north of Auckland.

Take State Highway 1 to Warkworth, turn right onto the Leigh Road and drive through Matakana a few kilometres before turning right following roads signposted Omaha, Takatu Peninsula and Tawharanui Regional Park.

Continue to the park at the end of a winding metal road.

Pass thehouses on the left as you enter the park, and a shallow lagoon on the right, park here, takeoff is on the spur between lagoon and the beach.

Takeoff height is 165 feet A.G.L.

Site Type

Coastal.

Landing

On the beach below launch, there is limited landing at high tide. An alternative landing place is between the lagoon and car parking area.

Weather and Wind Direction

South West

Mandatory Notices

This site has proved sensitive and took some negotiation to obtain, always check with the ranger at the first house on the left as you enter the park.

Site Radio Channel

Channel 20 - 476.900MHz.

Restrictions

Hang Gliding

HG Intermediate

Paragliding

PG 2

Cautions

Take care to avoid stock.

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.

Being located in a Council Regional Park no dogs or pets are permitted

Airspace

Flight ceiling is 4,500 feet A.S.L.

Access Conditions

The first house on the left as you enter the park used to be occupied by the ranger and could be used as a check for suitability of access/use. N.B. it is no longer a ranger's house, it is tenanted and the tenants are not available for park enquiries..

This site has proved sensitive and took some negotiation to obtain, so always treat site and behaviours with an extra level of care.

Take care to observe stock.

Site Monitor

Jeff Ripley - Mob: 027 288 8818

Notes

None.

Site Achievements