Paragliding Kairioitahi C Waiuku Castaways Restaurant

Karioitahi Beach is one of New Zealand's premier coastal paragliding sites, stretching 35 kilometers from the Waikato River in the south to the Manukau Heads in the north. Located on the West Coast, it's about an hour's drive from downtown Auckland. Follow the Southern Motorway, exit at Drury, and head towards Waiuku, then Karioitahi Beach. Launch Sites: 1. The 'High Site' or 'The Main Cliff' is 300 meters north of the access road and is the primary site for paragliders, especially when the wind is light. 2. The dunes at the end of the car park near the lifesavers building are used in strong winds but are rarely frequented. 3. The lawn of the restaurant above the Surf Life Saving Club is occasionally used by paragliders but also serves as a venue for restaurant functions. 4. The 'Club Launch' for hang gliders is 500 meters south of the restaurant and Surf Lifesaving Club. This site is no longer used for paragliding training. 5. The top take-off site is accessible either by walking from the Surf Lifesaving Club or via a private road from beyond the restaurant. This is the main hang gliding launch site. Landing: Land on the beach but be cautious of beach traffic, especially during summer and high tide. Avoid landing within 50 meters north and south of the grassy de-rigging area in front of the bottom car park. Watch out for vehicles and motorbikes. Weather and Wind Direction: The optimal wind direction is from SSW to WNW. Live weather data and a webcam are available at http://www.kariaotahi.mobi/. The wind speed at launch is typically about 5 km/hr higher than indicated due to the inland location of the weather station. Note that the actual soaring limits are SSW and WNW, not just south and north. Mandatory Notices: None. Site Radio Channel: If schools are operating, they use Channels 10 and 26. Other pilots use Channel 20 - 476.900MHz. Restrictions: Hang Gliding: Novice, Intermediate, Intermediate + Cliff Launch (Site C). Paragliding: PG2, PG2 + 30 hours for cliff launch (Site C). Cautions: Wind: Be aware of the actual wind direction limits (SSW and WNW). The wind speed at launch is likely to be higher than indicated. Takeoff: Avoid using the top take-off (site E) in a southerly wind due to the risk of being dragged sideways. Driving: Use caution when driving on the beach, especially during mid-tide. Use 4WD vehicles only. Flight training occurs approximately 5 kilometers south at Maioro, but students may fly back to the car park. Students under instruction should have red or orange streamers attached to their harness. Airspace: The site is within the outer area of CTA/C with a height restriction of 2,500 feet A.S.L, reducing to 1,500 feet approximately 8 km north of Karioitahi and over Waiuku. Access Conditions: The site lessee is the operator of Castaway's Restaurant. The road from the restaurant to the top take-off is restricted access. There is a 10 km/h speed limit through the chalet area. If you have a 2WD vehicle, park in non-chalet car parks. Contact club members or the AHGPC Facebook group for the combination lock code on the access road. Site Monitor: John Burton - 09 5283362 Notes: The best wind direction for a trip to Manukau Heads is West South-West. Be cautious of limited landing options and vehicle access north of the Karioitahi Beach access road, especially at high tide. For more information, visit the Auckland Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club's Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2179890112285934