Parapente Mt Pleasant Summit Towers

At an elevation of 472 meters, this paragliding site is moderately popular and regularly used for thermalling and soaring. Before heading out, it's essential to check with local pilots for the latest conditions. The site features thermal lee flying, with a takeoff facing south, allowing for soaring up and thermalling, and landing on the northern side. For more details, visit: [CHGPC Towers](https://www.chgpc.org.nz/towers) Minimum Pilot Rating: PG2 Access: From Summit Road, turn onto Broadleaf Lane. Pass through the gate and cattle stop (ensure you leave the gate as you find it) and continue up to the grassy layby, which is 130 meters below the building at the top. Parking: The grassy layby can accommodate 3-4 vehicles. Further up the track, there is additional parking for 2-3 vehicles. Take-off: The takeoff point (TO1) is just 50 meters from the grassy layby, down the track towards Lyttelton. Landing: There is no designated bottom landing for the southwest site. However, you can attempt to land on the saddle just before the Gondola or, with sufficient altitude, at the Lyttelton Sports Grounds at Naval Point. Be cautious of turbulence from the tall trees surrounding the field. Top landing is relatively straightforward in a southwest wind, but it requires advanced skills. Lift can diminish suddenly, so you may only have one chance for a safe landing. Flying: Only fly the southwest site in a dying southerly wind. The area provides enough space for ridge soaring multiple gliders and can be quite thermic. For real-time weather updates, check the weather station in Lyttelton Harbour via the Lyttelton Port Company website. Cross-country potential is somewhat limited due to the need to push into a headwind to fly down the summit ridge towards Gebbies Pass. However, favorable conditions might allow for a glide across the harbor.