Paragliding Five Fingers

Five Fingers, also known as Mt Taranaki, is a paragliding site located in Helensville, New Zealand. The launch height is 875 feet, and the site faces southeast. It is a medium-difficult site, occasionally used, with some thermalling and cross-country (XC) possibilities. The site record is 39.2 km. The site is a 15-minute drive north from Kaukapakapa along State Highway 16, just beyond the West Coast Rd junction. Access is beside a white wool shed on the right-hand side of the road when heading north. There is only one launch site on top of the hill due to the growth of pine trees on the lower slopes. The official landing area is the small paddock behind the wool shed. A larger paddock to the north of the track and close to the road may also be used if no stock are present. Avoid landing in these areas if horses are present. Residents to the south of the access track have raised objections due to disturbances to animals, which could lead to the site's closure. Do not low fly over or land in properties south of the access track. The site is best flown in South West/West wind directions. The site radio channel is Channel 20 - 476.900MHz. Paragliding at this site requires a PG2 rating plus 60 hours of flight experience. The airspace above the launch has a VFR height restriction of 3,500 feet A.S.L., but this increases to 4,500 feet A.S.L. to the north and northeast. Notify North Shore airfield before flying. Kaipara Airfield is located 14 km ENE of the site. The Kaipara harbour coastline and the river valley to Makarau are designated low-flying training areas, so expect to see light aircraft. Access to the site does not require prior telephone contact with the landowner, but respect the wishes of the leaseholders if they are present. Leave all gates as found and avoid damaging tracks, especially during wet conditions. For more information, visit the Auckland Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club's site guide: [Auckland Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club](https://www.cloudbase.org.nz/site-guide/flying-site-five-fingers). Site Monitor: Evan Lamberton 021 407 833 Notable achievements include a 92 km flight by hang glider pilot Ian Clark and a 40 km flight to Cape Rodney by PG pilot Jeff Ripley in 2006. PG pilot Dylan Vickerman flew to Kawau Island, landing at Mansion House Bay.