Parapente Muriwai Maori Bay Maukatia

Maori Bay, also known as Maukatia, is a beautiful coastal paragliding site located just south of Muriwai Beach, New Zealand. The main takeoff is on a grassy slope in front of the car park, accessible via Waitea Road. The takeoff height ranges from 80 to 100 feet. This site is regularly used and offers coastal soaring and cross-country opportunities, particularly in medium to strong winds. The best wind direction for flying here is WSW, with a small south wind option available in front of the takeoff. There are several important rules and restrictions to follow: 1. Over-flying the gannet colony on the tip of Otakamiro Point is prohibited, especially during August, September, and October. 2. Takeoff and landing on the right-hand shoulder of the bowl on the southern side of Otakamiro Point, to the right of the Maori Bay car park, is prohibited as this is a tapu (sacred) area. 3. Landing on the beach to the north is prohibited during the peak season from December to February. 4. Avoid landing on the road or car park to prevent danger to both pilots and the public and to avoid displeasing the Rangers. The site operates on radio channel 20 (476.900MHz) and has specific requirements for pilots: - Hang Gliding: HG Intermediate - Paragliding: PG 2 + 20 hours Cautions include increased compression in higher winds near the car park and potential turbulence off the southern point. Pilots should also be aware of radio-controlled model aircraft in the area and avoid overflying certain properties. The presence of nesting petrels in the forested area of Otakamiro Point requires pilots to stay strictly on marked tracks to avoid disturbing the birds. The petrels nest from April to late December, and care should be taken not to disturb their burrows. The airspace at Muriwai is located in VFR Transit Lane T156 with a height ceiling of 2000 feet A.S.L. Beyond the high water mark is Class D Controlled Airspace. For more detailed information and updates, visit: - [Parawait Muriwai Site](https://parawait.org/sites/muriwai/) - [Cloudbase Muriwai Maori Bay](https://www.cloudbase.org.nz/site-guide/flying-site-muriwai-maori-bay) Site Monitor: Joe Ward (0274 718 418) Please respect the sacred Maori land and the local community's preferences to ensure continued access to this stunning paragliding location.