Paragliding Mt. Maunganui

Mount Maunganui is a popular coastal paragliding site in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. The takeoff is from an 800ft launch on an old volcano, offering a scenic flight over the coast. The site is frequently used, though not often logged, and provides excellent opportunities for local soaring, playful maneuvers, and some thermalling. The best wind conditions are from the NE-E, which are easier to handle compared to westerly winds. For landing, you can either top land or use the large sandy beach near Marine Parade. Be cautious of the substantial number of beach-goers during the high season from December to February and on fine weekends. The site record is 1.7 km, and it faces north, making it ideal for coastal flights. For more information, you can contact the Bay of Plenty Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club through their website: https://bophgpg.org.nz/ or check out more details at https://parawait.org/sites/mount-manganui/. Regulations to keep in mind include: - No flying behind the tree line (Norfolk pines). - Avoid flying or landing close to people or crowds when the beach is busy. - Ensure you carry your pilot certificate and have evidence that your wings have a current warrant of fitness inspection. To reach the takeoff point, it's a 40-minute walk from the car park below. For additional resources, you can download the Mount Flying guide from the club's website: https://bophgpg.org.nz/downloads/Mount_Flying.pdf. For any inquiries, you can email the club at bophangparaclub@gmail.com.