Paragliding Muriwai North West Face

The North West Face at Muriwai is a small, rarely used paragliding site with specific rules and restrictions. It offers local soaring but is limited by various regulations. The site is located at the southern end of Muriwai Beach, adjacent to the main lower car park. Access to the site can be obtained from the lower public car park by taking the track opposite the toilets and following the ridge to the right. Alternatively, you can park at the Maori Bay public car park and walk back to the track that enters the bush on the left. Always check with local pilots for the latest access updates before flying. The upper launch has been closed, but a lower launch is available further west in a low bowl where the track from the main Muriwai Beach turns 90 degrees from the cliff and leads up to the lookouts over the gannet colony. Landing is not permitted on the dunes in front of the North West Face, and beach landings are restricted from December to February when the beach below the North West Face is closed to vehicle traffic up to 500 meters north of Motutara Road. The weather and wind direction for this site is primarily North West. The local club operates a weather station at Muriwai. Mandatory notices include prohibitions on landing or glider handling on the dunes and restrictions on beach landings during certain months. Over-flying the gannet colony on Otakamiro Point is strictly prohibited to avoid disturbing the birds. The site radio channel is Channel 20 - 476.900MHz. For paragliding, the lower takeoff requires a PG2 rating with 60 hours of experience, while other takeoffs require a PG2 rating. Cautions include being aware of vehicle movement on the beach, avoiding landing on the golf course, and being cautious of helicopters operating from the heli pad behind the Surf Club. Also, be mindful of radio-controlled models in the area. The site is within VFR Transit Lane T156 with a ceiling of 2000 feet A.S.L., and no access to airspace behind the cliffs. Access conditions require care of vegetation and consideration of other beach users. Commercial operations are banned unless a specific concession is granted. Only the North West Face is permitted for launch, and the previously used access track above the Maori Bay car park is closed due to the discovery of Maori remains. For more detailed information, visit [Muriwai North West Face Flying Site](https://www.cloudbase.org.nz/site-guide/flying-site-muriwai-north-west-face). Site Monitor: Joe Ward, 0274 718 418