Paragliding Whangaparaoa - Tiri Channel

Whangaparaoa - Tiri Channel is a local soaring site located at the end of Whangaparaoa Peninsula, primarily within Shakespeare Regional Park. This site is on the eastern side of the headland, facing the Tiri Channel. To access the site, take State Highway, exit at Silverdale, turn right into Whangaparaoa Road, and follow it to the end of the peninsula. Follow the signposts for Shakespeare Regional Park. Park before the entrance to the camping ground, then walk diagonally across the camping ground and up the ridge on the northeast side (approximately 12-15 minutes). The take-off (TO) site is across a fence, on the right side of a prominent Pohutukawa tree, or in a bowl to the right if the wind is more northerly. This site works best in easterly winds. If the wind is slightly north from Tiri, only a small area has lift. If the wind is from the south of Tiri, you need to fly around to the right from TO and catch the lift at the high cliff. Be cautious of the overhanging Pohutukawa trees. This site often has lift down to 10 meters in front of TO. Soaring seagulls are a good indicator of flyability; if they are not above TO height, be careful. Landing options include top landings at TO or on/in front of the ridge within 50 meters behind TO. If conditions are weak, beach landings are possible at low tide (+/- 3 hours). There is no bottom landing at high tide without getting wet. Weather and wind directions suitable for this site are North East, East, and South East. The site radio channel is Channel 20 - 476.900MHz. Paragliding restrictions require a PG 2 rating plus 20 hours of flight time. Cautions include avoiding the NZD130 Army-operated area to the north. If 'Live Firing' is taking place, red/orange flags will be visible on the cliffs when approaching Shakespeare from Army Bay. Contact NZDF (Live Firing) at (04) 529 6313 for current status. The flight ceiling is 2,500 ft ASL. The northern half of the ridge is NZD130, from surface to 1,200 ft. Site monitor: Stefan Sebregts - 027 225 2255 For more information, visit: - Auckland Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club: [Auckland Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club](https://www.cloudbase.org.nz/site-guide/flying-site-whangaparaoa-tiri-channel) - Parawait: [Whangaparaoa - Tiri Channel](https://parawait.org/sites/whangaparaoa-tiri-channel/)