General Information
This Site Guide is issued to assist pilots flying these sites. which accommodate a variety of flying styles and conditions, from learner slopes, long distance coastal soaring to thermal and inland cross-country possibilities. Included in the guide are some obvious and not so obvious hints and rules, however, like every site which is new to you, an individual assessment must be made on the day to take account of the conditions and the individual skill levels.
The site guide lists Site Monitors, Club Members who are very familiar with the sites. If it's a first time you'll be flying a site, please contact the site monitor to get the ins and outs. Better yet, an on-site induction from the Site Monitor or an experienced pilot works best.
Important Notes
Members of other clubs are welcome at Auckland Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club sites provided they check with the Auckland Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club first for site restrictions.
You have to be a member of the New Zealand Hang Glider and Paraglider Association (NZHGPA) to legally fly in New Zealand.
Visiting pilots from overseas must obtain Visitor Membership of the NZHGPA. Please visit NZHGPA Website for more info and to apply.
Site Ratings
Some of the sites have more testing launch situations than others and have been accordingly rated. Please observe these ratings which have been given for ideal flying conditions and take account that more advanced skills may be required when conditions are less than perfect.
A pilot may only fly a site above his/her rating when under the direct supervision of a qualified instructor.
General
All Auckland Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club sites are still used free of charge which is purely a reflection of good land owner/pilot relationships. It is imperative that the sites are always treated with the highest respect in the hope that we may continue to enjoy these privileges. Accordingly you are asked to bear in mind the following considerations:
Please check the Site Guide regularly to be aware of any changes that may have occurred.
Radios
Sites used by training schools will have show the channels used by the schools. In addition, the "club" channel is channel 20, (476.900) for keeping in touch with other pilots, although you should not assume other pilots are on this channel.
Airspace
Airspace in and around Auckland is complicated. Ensure you are aware of the various airspace designations. Refer to your VNC often to familiarize yourself with them. Above all.....don't breach airspace rules, no flying in Restricted Airspace.
Access
4 wheel drive vehicles cause less wear and tear on farm tracks, please limit vehicle numbers.
Gates
Leave them exactly as you find them.
Dogs
The rule is - don't bring them, remembering in particular that all Maritime Park Board and AC Parks are administered by rules which ban dogs. Furthermore most farmers will have concerns about dogs on their property among their stock.
Crops
Don't land or drive on them.
Fires
Don't light them, not even cigarettes in the summer please.
Paramotors
These items to be used only by special arrangement with club officers. Please note that motorized foot launched traffic is banned in the rules of both Auckland Council and Maritime Park Board controlled areas.
Learner Pilots and Low Airtime Pilots
Please remember to fly with your streamer from your harness to assist other pilots providing you the courtesy of greater room.
Rubbish
Please not only do not leave any of your own litter behind you, but also assist in maintaining good relations with property owners by uplifting any other litter found on the site.
The Country Code
This code is reproduced on the following page, please observe its courtesies to ensure our continued access to sites.
Maritime Parks and AC Parks
All parks have variable opening and closing times, usually sunrise to sunset, these are displayed on boards at the entrance. Check them on arrival, getting locked in can be annoying and expensive. In farm parks such as Duders and Tawharanui, check with the ranger for any special restrictions such as stock in certain paddocks. Both dogs and motorised foot launched traffic are banned in these parks. Teaching and tandem flights can be subject to question as the park rules specially exclude commercial 'hire & reward' type operations unless especially licensed by the park boards.
Recognized Sites
The Site Guide contains details of recognized flying sites where the Club has land owner approval. However there are many other localities, which may be flown from time to time, particularly with a paraglider. If you wish to fly at such places always, always:
Check you know and observe any local body/AC/Maritime Park Board etc regulations and bylaws which may ban or limit flying in that locality.
Fly with a Buddy or have a friend on the ground.
If it's a coastal site, know the tides and their affect on available landing areas.
Accuracy of information
This guide has been updated by club members with the latest information available to them. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure information is correct it is every pilot's individual responsibility to check for current airspace restrictions and landowners/park operators consents, before flying.
If you find any information regarding sites that is incorrect in the Site Guide, or information that needs to be added, please notify the Site Monitor and/or the Club Committee.
This is the preferred way to notify the club of any corrections and omissions plus details of new sites for inclusion.