Paragliding Britten Reserve 1 Gondola

The takeoff point is near the gondola top station, making it the best option for launching. This site is regularly used for thermal soaring, with some potential for cross-country (XC) flights. The scenery is stunning, especially when flying southbound over the bay. Region: New Zealand Site Record: 35.2 km Wind Direction: The takeoff faces N/NE and is suitable for light winds only. Minimum Pilot Rating: PG2 / HG Advanced Access: You can either ride the gondola to the top station or drive along Summit Road from Mt Pleasant to the saddle just before the track leading up to the gondola top station. Note that pilots using the gondola must present their NZHGPA membership card. Sign-in: There is a digital sign-in procedure at the reception. Ensure your name is added to the system and sign in before each flight. You must also sign out once you have finished flying for the day. Take-off: From the gondola, walk down the grassed track towards Taylor’s Mistake or walk up from the car park. You can rig and take off from the track. Be airborne before the 10 m cliff that drops down to Summit Road. Be cautious of thermals and turbulence near the gondola station. Landing: Top landing is possible in light winds, best at the saddle where you parked. There are two bottom landing options: 1. Heathcote Domain (LZ1) near the tunnel entrance. This is not suitable for Hang Gliders and should be avoided if there are cricket or football matches in progress. 2. Ferrymead Domain (LZ2) near the Ferrymead Heritage Park and estuary, which is the best option for Hang Gliders. CAUTION: Both landing zones will be turbulent if the NE wind has arrived. Flying: The cliffs and rocks below takeoff face north and are good sources for thermals in the morning and early afternoon. From early afternoon, stronger thermals can be found at the face of John Britten. Climbing out from the gondola is a good starting point for crossing the harbour or flying down the summit ridge. Consider activating G853 for a 5500 ft altitude limit if conditions are favorable. Safety: Monitor the progress of the NE sea breeze, especially in summer when it is strongest. Avoid flying close to the gondola cars or cable and maintain a distance of at least 100m from the gondola cable. For more information, visit: - [Canterbury Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club](https://www.chgpc.org.nz/gondola) - [Port Hills Webcam](https://www.summitroadsociety.org.nz/about-the-port-hills/port-hills-webcam/) - [Britten Reserve](https://parawait.org/sites/britten-reserve/) Conditions: Wind direction should be from 260° to 280°. Avoid flying in NW winds and ensure the wind is not SW by checking at Bridle Path first. Landing: Heathcote sports ground. Do not land there during cricket games. Club: Canterbury Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club Regulations: Maximum altitude is 3500 feet. Getting there: Drive up Mt Pleasant Road to the top, turn right, and drive a further 200 meters. The takeoff is on the right. Takeoff: 500 meters east of the gondola on Summit Road. Landing: Heathcote sports ground. Avoid landing there if cricket is being played. Weather: Do not fly in NW winds. Ensure the wind is not SW by driving to Bridle Path first. Rules: Maximum altitude is 3500 feet. Access: Drive up Mt Pleasant Road to the top, turn right, and drive a further 200 meters. The takeoff is on the right over the style. Comments: Contact local pilots before flying from this site. It is a nice light W wind soaring site often flown in the winter months. Watch videos of the site: - [Video 1]( ) - [Video 2]( )