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Description
Located 16km northeast of Murchison township in New Zealand, Mt. Murchison offers an exhilarating paragliding experience for seasoned pilots. The site sits at an elevation of 4800 feet (1460 meters) and is known for its excellent soaring and thermalling conditions, making it a prime spot for cross-country (XC) flights.
This site is in Class G airspace, which is uncontrolled. Paragliding here requires a PG2 rating. The launch area is a large tussock field that slopes in all directions, allowing for launches in various wind conditions, though it is generally not flown in southeast winds.
Access to Mt. Murchison is highly regulated. Pilots must coordinate with the Tasman Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club, as access involves crossing private farmland and using a 4WD communications track. The club organizes group trips and provides vehicles for the ascent and descent. It's crucial to have a capable driver familiar with navigating steep grades, and vehicles with a low-range gearbox are preferred.
Pilots should be aware of several hazards:
- A large communication tower at the top.
- Limited landing options to the northeast of the launch area.
- Occasional dust devils on launch.
This site is typically used as a starting point for XC flights, with some routes offering good landing options. Local XC pilots can provide briefings on weather and routes, and information about flying sessions is usually shared via the club's WhatsApp group. Visiting pilots are encouraged to join this group for updates.
Landing options are available in the surrounding valleys. The site is approximately a 2-hour drive from central Nelson and requires a 4x4 vehicle. Multiple permissions from landowners are necessary for access.
For more details, visit:
- [Tasman Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club](https://tasmanhgpc.wordpress.com/mt-murchison/)
- [Parawait](https://parawait.org/sites/mount-murchison/)
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