Whangaparaoa - Tiri Channel

Site Information

There are 4 sites located at the end of Whangaparaoa Peninsula, mostly in Shakespeare Regional Park. These sites are accessed by taking State Highway, taking the Silverdale exit, turning right into Whangaparaoa Rod,all the way to the end of Whangaparaoa Peninsula. Follow signposts for Shakespeare Regional Park.

This site is on the Eastern side of the headland, facing Tiri channel.

Parking before the entrance to the camping ground, then walking (12-15 min) diagonal across the camping ground and up the ridge on the NE side of the camp ground.

TO site is across a fence, on the right side of a prominent Pohutukawa tree or in a bowl to the right of this, if wind is more Northerly.

This site works best in Easterlies:

If wind is seen to be a bit left (N) from Tiri only a small area has lift.
If the wind is from the right (S) of Tiri, one has to fly around to the right from TO and catch the lift at the high cliff. Watch out for the overhanging Pohutukawas!

This site has lift often down to 10 m height in front of TO.

Soaring seagulls are a good indicator for flyability here. If they are not above TO height, be careful.

Site Type

Coastal.

Landing

This site is well suited for top landings at TO or on or in front of the ridge, within 50 m behind of TO.

If conditions are weak, beach landing is a good possibility at low tide (+/-3 hrs).

No bottom landing at high tide without getting wet!

Whangaparaoa Tiri Channel Take Off

Weather and Wind Direction

North East, East, South East

Mandatory Notices

None.

Site Radio Channel

Channel 20 - 476.900MHz.

Restrictions

Hang Gliding

N/A

Paragliding

PG 2 + 20 hours

Cautions

See Airspace: The area to the left of this site i.e. to the north is NZDF land, currently operated by the NZ Navy as the Tamaki Leadership Centre and is NZD130.

This used to be NZD126, by NOTAM, but it is permanent now. If 'Live Firing' is actually taking place, there will be Red/Orange flags flying, and you can already see those on the cliffs when you approach Shakespeare from Army Bay.

The advice is to avoid danger areas. If you do enter a danger area, it will be at your own risk. If you have questions, contact NZDF (Live Firing) on (04) 529 6313 to ask about the current status of Live Firing.

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.