Visitors to New Zealand

Civil Aviation Authority regulations require that all hang glider and paraglider pilots must be members of the NZHGPA.
This also applies to overseas visiting pilots. Visiting pilots can purchase a NZHGPA visiting pilot membership which lasts for four months.

Contact a local club, paragliding or hang gliding school.

Air space regulations

Many of our sites are subject to airspace restrictions. Please check with local pilots before flying.

Site guides

Working in New Zealand (as a tandem pilot or instructor)

• Pilots must hold instructor or tandem pilot ratings issued by the NZHGPA. Pilots may apply to convert their home country rating to a NZHGPA rating. Pilots applying to have their home ratings converted to NZHGPA ratings should apply to the hang gliding or paragliding training manager to be assessed, there is a fee for this process. Instructors must be able to demonstrate a good command of the English language.
• Pilots should be prepared to present proof of their rating, their log book and current membership.
• A visual flight rules exam must be completed by all pilots, the study guide and exam are available on-line.
• Foreign pilots must have completed a first aid course within the last 24 months and the first aid certificate must be produced as evidence.
• All paragliders and hang gliders must have a current warrant of fitness issued by the local club safety officer or authorised person.
• All tandem flights in New Zealand must be carried out with a tandem reserve parachute fitted and paragliding passengers must have a back protector fitted to their harness. The minimum standard of back protection is specified here (Typically the minimum protection is 17cm air/foam).

Country Code

We are all dependent on good relations with the farmers who own the land we fly on. Here are some guideleines to ensure that you and other pilots will be able to continue to fly:

• ALWAYS CHECK with local pilots before flying at new sites.
• ALWAYS ASK PERMISSION to fly unless you are absolutely certain that the owner allows use of the site without asking.
• CHECK AGAIN at springtime as most farms have pregnant and newborn stock that can easlily be frightened and injured.
• DO NOT show displeasure or abuse an owner if permission is refused. This could hamper getting permission in the future.
• ALWAYS GET PERMISSION to take a vehicle onto a property. Ensure that vehicles without gliders are not taken onto the property. Put all gliders on one car rather than have a convoy crossing the property. If stock is nearby, drive slowly.
• LEAVE GATES as you find them, Gates may be closed to keep stock in or open to allow stock to feed. Ensure that all pilots and drivers understand.
• USES STILES and gates where ever possible, if you need to cross a fence, cross at a post or strainer post.
• AVOID hay standing or cut unless permission has been given to cross it.
• AVOID landing in paddock containing crops or stock. Carefully move off crops to avoid damage.
• DO NOT LIGHT FIRES at any times.
• DO NOT TAKE DOGS on to farms or property.
• DO NOT SMOKE during fire risk times.
• DO NOT disturb plants or machinery, move around it.
• LEAVE NO RUBBISH.

AIRBORN Magazine