Coronet Peak, located in Central Otago, New Zealand, is a popular paragliding site with an elevation of 1180 meters. The main takeoff areas are frequently used for thermal soaring and offer good cross-country (XC) flying opportunities. It's also a great starting point for vol bivouac trips. Flights in the region have impressive site records, with Central Otago boasting a record of 202.3 km and Queenstown at 177.7 km. For more details, you can visit: - [Coronet Peak Paragliding](https://southernclub.co.nz/coronet-peak/) - [Flight Park](http://www.flightpark.co.nz/) Note: The dirt access road from the Base Station to Rocky Gully is private. Pilots are allowed to use this road but must respect this privilege. Pilots often meet at the landing field, 'The Flight Park,' on the north side of Malaghans Road towards Arrowtown for a lift to takeoff and to be briefed by local pilots on flying suitability. Due to the proximity to Queenstown airport, there are strict airspace restrictions. The airspace, G755, is a General Aviation area within the Queenstown Tower Control Zone with a ceiling of 5500ft AMSL. The summit of Coronet Peak is 1650m / 5400ft. The western boundary is defined by the hairpins on the Coronet access road; do not fly south of Malaghans Road and do not fly further east than the forestry block ridge. Coronet Peak is one of the most flyable sites in the region due to its mountain protection. Weather conditions can be checked via 'Holfuy – New Zealand' which has four weather stations for this site, including one for the Flight Park landing area. Also, check the Metservice website for updates. In summer, the site tends to have a Southwest wind, while in winter, it shifts to the North. Be cautious of the NorWester, which can switch quickly and violently. The flying area is wind-shadowed from the mountain peak in a NorthWest flow. Watch for windsocks on the ridgeline and consult with tandem operators for a weather brief. The Southerly wind is a mix of high-level southerly flow and the sea-breeze effect from Lake Wakatipu. It can come in hard and fast, so keep an eye on wind indicators on the lake to avoid being caught out. If the southerly remains light, Coronet Peak is a magical place to fly. However, if the southerly flow and the sea-breeze mix, it can become very strong and make flying difficult. Primary takeoff areas are astro-turfed at Carpark #4 (elevation: 1135m / 3720ft) and Rocky Gully (elevation: 1180m / 3870ft). The Carpark is not suitable for speed wings due to the glide to the Flight Park landing field. Rocky Gully also requires caution and awareness of the required glide to the Flight Park (3km). In winter, the primary takeoffs are at the top of the Main M1 chairlift and the top of the Greengates chair lift. A special chairlift certification is required to use the chairlifts in winter. Landing is at the Flight Park. Landing fees apply: $5 per landing, $20 per week, $40 per month, or $80 per year. The Flight Park is located at 793 Malaghans Rd. For more information, you can contact the cafe at 03 442 1586. Regulations include not flying over houses in the valley and maintaining 500ft above the top of the mountain from the West big rock on the road on the way up. To the South, the main road is Malaghans, and to the East, the start of Arrowtown. Check VFR at the takeoff site. You must be a member of NZHGPA. For more information on New Zealand airspace, visit [NZ Airspace](http://www.nzairspace.appspot.com/). Driving directions: From Queenstown to Arrowtown on Malaghans Road to Coronet Peak Road 'corner' (16kms), then 8kms from the main road to the ski resort. For club advice, visit [NZHGPA](http://www.nzhgpa.org.nz).