Paragliding Piha South

Piha, New Zealand Site Record: 17.3 km This site is rarely used and is best suited for hang gliding. You will need lift to reach the landing beach. Directions: Upon arriving at Piha, turn left off Piha Road into Te Ahu Ahu Road, then into Log Race Road at the top of Piha Hill. Drive to the end of the road and loop around the car park. Take the Mercer walking track on the northern side of the car park, proceed about 150 meters until you reach a right turn, a wooden seat, and a glimpse of the Tasman Sea. The launch site is immediately to the left through the gap and scrub. Launch: The launch height for the southern site is 800 feet A.S.L. Experienced pilots can fly south from Piha to the Manukau Heads and north to Muriwai. Warnings: This site can be deceptively unsafe. If the wind is more than about 15 degrees south of straight in, it can create rotor conditions, characterized by gust/calm cycles instead of steady wind flow. Do not launch under such conditions. The site is exposed and not recommended for wind speeds exceeding 15 knots. It is advisable not to fly alone; go with another pilot or driver. Landing: Landing is on the beach, requiring a long glide and some lift. Weather and Wind Direction: The wind direction is west. The club operates a weather station at Muriwai: https://holfuy.com/en/weather/168/ Mandatory Notices: The site can get rotor if the wind is more than about 15 degrees south of straight in. Symptoms include gust/calm cycles instead of steady wind flow. Do not launch under such conditions. The site is exposed and not recommended for wind speeds exceeding 15 knots. Site Radio Channel: Channel 20 - 476.900MHz Restrictions: Hang Gliding: Intermediate level with 20+ hours Paragliding: PG 3 Cautions: Be aware that the launch is often in rotor from the ridge and left. It is a very long glide out to the landing on the beach. See safety video: Airspace: Lion Rock, located in the middle of Piha Beach, denotes the border of Whenuapai controlled airspace and VFR Transit Lane T156. The height ceiling to the north of Lion Rock, over the northern takeoff, is 1,500 feet. The height ceiling to the south of Lion Rock is 2,500 feet. Access Conditions: None. Site Monitor: John Burton Phone: 027 420 4094 / 09 528 3362 (during office hours)