Paragliding Inwoods Lookout

Inwoods Lookout is a paragliding site located 14km south of Belgrove township in the Golden Downs region of New Zealand. The site sits at an elevation of 3450 feet AMSL (1051 meters) and is regularly used by experienced pilots. It offers good cross-country (XC) flying potential with a normal launch orientation towards the north (N). The first thermal refueling typically occurs NNE over the ridge in front of the takeoff. Airspace regulations require pilots to stay below 6500 feet until reaching the Motueka River, where the limit increases to 7500 feet. After crossing the Motueka River and reaching Beebys Range, the limit further increases to 8500 feet, and finally, upon reaching the peak of Beebys Range towards St Arnaud, pilots enter uncontrolled airspace with a maximum allowable altitude of 9500 feet. The site is rated for PG2 paragliding and intermediate (INT) hang gliding. Launchable wind directions include SW-WSW and N-NNE. Public access to Inwoods Lookout is via a forestry road off the Nelson-St Arnaud road, branching off State Highway 6. Turn left just south of Belgrove and proceed up the Wai-iti Valley. After 5-8 km, the valley turns right and narrows at the junction with 88 Valley Rd. Within 2 km, just before the incline, the forestry road accessing Inwoods Lookout is on the left. Nelson Forests Limited requires road users to maintain a speed of less than 40 kph, drive with headlights on, and carry a shovel and fire extinguisher. The track can usually be traversed by 2WD vehicles with adequate ground clearance but can be rutted and rough on tires. Inwoods Lookout is primarily an XC site with landing options on logging sites within reach of launch. The authorized landing site is on farm buildings adjacent to the Motueka River, accessed via Flannigans Rd. In a SW wind, landing in the Wai-iti river farmlands may be necessary. Care must be taken to select a safe landing area that does not create problems for farmers or landowners. The area is subject to high fire risk and may be closed during such times. There are high tension power lines and other power lines near various landing options. The sea breeze, which aids XC flying towards or beyond St Arnaud, usually arrives by midday and can become strong and turbulent, making it difficult to push upwind to a safe landing. Pilots should avoid flying behind or up the valley of a line from Gordons Knob to Blue Glen Spur due to the risk of strong sink and headwinds. There are two takeoff areas adjacent to the Lookout and a WSW takeoff for paragliders after a 30-minute climb up the ridge towards Gordons Knob. This takeoff places pilots within easier reach of soaring faces on Gordons Knob but may be less suitable as the sea breeze advances. Access land and takeoff belong to Nelson Forests Limited, and the authorized landing area is owned by the Baigent Family. For more information, visit: - [Tasman Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club](https://tasmanhgpc.wordpress.com/inwoods/) - [Parawait](https://parawait.org/sites/inwoods-lookout/) - [Skyout](http://www.skyout.co.nz/)