Paragliding Puketutu alternative

Puketutu is located on the Bombay Hills, south of Auckland. To get there, take the southern motorway to Bombay, turn left at the Bombay exit, then follow the signs to Paparata. Take the second right and the first left into Main Road. Access to the site is on the right, several hundred meters down Main Road through a farm gate. Follow the signs to Mt William walkway at the end of Puketutu Rd for access to the NW launch and a short walk to the NE launch. The launch height is 1,230 feet A.S.L. (450 feet A.G.L.). The site consists of a series of spurs and gullies with limited bottom landing options, further reduced by recent olive tree plantings. The surrounding hills have various transmitter towers, aerials, and suspended wires. The site is suitable for flying in North, North East, West, and North West wind directions. However, it has a shallow face, making it less soarable, especially for hang gliders. Be cautious of the towers and wires. The site is located in GAA G275 with a height restriction of 4,500 feet A.S.L. The area just north of Puketutu is GAA G276 with a height restriction of 3,500 feet A.S.L., which can be extended to 4,500 feet A.S.L. by notifying ATC. Access conditions require that the number of people (pilots and non-flyers) be kept to a minimum (six people at most) and that vehicular use is limited. No flying is allowed if there is a lot of stock on the flying face. The landowner's permission must always be obtained, preferably through the site monitors. Contact Jim Ball at 09-236 0515 or 025-934 571 for access. The site radio channel is Channel 20 - 476.900MHz. For paragliding, a PG 2 rating with 60 hours of experience is required. Hang gliding requires an advanced rating. For more information, visit [Cloudbase Puketutu Site Guide](https://www.cloudbase.org.nz/site-guide/flying-site-puketutu).