Te Arai Point

Site Information

For a while Te Arai point was not often flown. However since it has become a Regional Park, clearings and walkways have been created making it a very pleasant site with three launch areas each taking NE, E & SE respectively.

Launch heights vary between 70 ft and 100 ft. The soarable ridge is quite short and suited to only two or at most three gliders at a time. When winds are strong at Mangawhai or are E of NE at Pakiri this site is likely to be ideal.

This site is located 10 km south of Mangawhai Heads.

Take State Highway 1 to north of Wellsford to Te Hana, turning right just north of Te Hana following the signposts to Mangawhai. The turnoff to Te Arai Point is off this road and is signposted.

Site Type

Coastal.

Landing

Top landings or on the beaches to the North or South of the headland.

Weather and Wind Direction

North, North East, East, South East

Mandatory Notices

None.

Site Radio Channel

Channel 20 - 476.900MHz.

Restrictions

Hang Gliding

HG Intermediate

Paragliding

PG 2

Cautions

Usual coastal considerations - always have a safe bomb out area within glide in case the conditions change.

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

Ceiling is 6500 ft ASL.

Immediately north of this site is Restricted Area R107.
This is to protect the critically endangered Tara Iti (Fairy Tern).
Do not enter or fly over this area.
For more information on Tara Iti, see here: DOC website