Parapente Britten Reserve 2

John Britten Reserve, New Zealand Elevation: 417 meters This site is occasionally used for thermal soaring. The takeoff area is not ideal and is recommended only for light northwest winds according to the local club. The best flights are typically from Takeoff 1. If you walk or drive 900 meters east, there are also north/northeast launch options. Additionally, a south launch option is available 250 meters to the south. Region: New Zealand Site Record: 35.2 km GPS Coordinates: -43.583, 172.725 Wind Direction: Takeoff faces northwest (light winds only) Minimum Pilot Rating: PG2 / HG Advanced Access: Drive up Mt Pleasant Road and turn right when you reach Summit Road. The site is 500 meters along the road. Parking: Park in the layby or grass verge next to a gate and style. Takeoff: Located in the flat tussock area just beyond the style. The takeoff area is expansive and can accommodate many rigged gliders compared to Castle Rock and the Gondola. Landing: Top landing is possible at the takeoff area. Bottom landing is the same as for the Gondola/Castle Rock. Heathcote sports ground is another landing option, but avoid landing there during cricket games. Flying: John Britten Reserve is adjacent to the Gondola, and the flying conditions are similar. The main difference is that this site is above large rocky outcrops that face northwest, which heat up later in the day. This makes John Britten Reserve more suitable for afternoon flights, provided the winds remain light. Generally a thermic or nil wind site, it is possible in the right conditions to soar the entire ridge down to the Ferrymead bridge. Note that the airspace altitude limit drops to 1500 feet at this point. Conditions: Wind direction from 260° to 280°. Suitable for soaring and thermalling. Club: Canterbury Hanggliding and Paragliding Club Regulations: Maximum altitude 3500 feet. Getting There: Drive up Mt Pleasant Road to the top, turn right, and drive a further 200 meters. The takeoff is on the right over the style. Additional Information: Contact local pilots before flying from this site. It is a nice light west wind soaring site often flown in the winter months. Do not fly in northwest winds. Ensure that the wind is not southwest by driving to Bridle Path first. For more information, visit: - [Canterbury Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club](https://www.chgpc.org.nz/john-britten-reserve) - [Parawait](https://parawait.org/sites/britten-reserve/)