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There are approximately 1500 members in the NZHGPA enjoying New Zealand’s uncrowded skies. There are 11 clubs throughout New Zealand and many commercial schools.
Hang gliding and paragliding are relatively inexpensive and easy to learn. You will fly solo after a few lessons with a certified instructor.
New Zealand is an awesome place to fly with coastal ridges and high mountains offering some of the best flying you can find anywhere in the world.
Flying in NZ
New Zealand welcomes visitors, we have fantastic flying sites and something to offer every pilot.
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Latest News
Call for Executive members
From Ian Manton, NZHGPA president As we approach the upcoming AGM, I'd like to discuss a critical matter with you all: the need for dedicated individuals to step forward and join the...
Col Hjortshoj
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Col Hjortshoj on Friday 11th August 2023. Col was a major pat of the Australia PG comp scene and was a great service to NZ at the...
NZGHPA internationally recognised by FAI
At the recent Flying New Zealand dinner in Auckland Sat 22 July 2023, the New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (NZHGPA) was presented with not one, but two prestigious FAI...
Website Updates
It is important the NZHGPA website is kept up to date with the most releveant information. If you have information about site closures, a safety notice or an upcoming event, please contact us so we can update the website accordingly.
Members Hub
The NZHGPA is the governing body of paragliding and hang gliding in New Zealand and exists to develop, protect, and promote the sport of hang gliding and paragliding in New Zealand. On this site you can find information about paragliding schools, hang gliding schools, and local paragliding and hang gliding clubs. Login to the Members hub to access member information and resources.
CAPE2CAPE HIKE FLY CHALLENGE
All experienced paragliding pilots are invited to participate in the Cape2Cape Hike Fly Challenge. This is not a race but a challenge to paraglider pilots to explore and extend themselves through hike/fly and vol bivouac adventures by exploring new areas of the Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay.
Unlike a race, pilots can choose where and when they hike and fly, and in which direction that they go, and where the next launch will be, during the summer of 2023/24.
Inspired in part by Kinga Masztalerz’s hike/fly adventures and her learnings from participating in the Red Bull X-Alps, and also from the frustrations with scheduling competitions due to fickle weather. This challenge gives pilots the freedom to explore and collaborate with each other while giving them a framework to compare themselves with others’ endeavours.
The Cape2Cape refers to Cape Palliser in the Wairarapa and Cape Kidnapers in Hawke’s Bay. The distance between these two points is 265 kilometres and the challenge area for hikes and flights is the area between the coast and the “main divide” of lower Te Ika-a-Māui (the North Island) perpendicular to the line between these two points.
The Challenge runs between 1 November 2023 and 31 March 2024.
Challenge information and rules: tinyurl.com/Cape2CapeHFC
Challenge map: tinyurl.com/Cape2CapeMap ... See MoreSee Less
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Good morning Capt. Is this the same we were speaking about?
Petition against Tarras Airport, Wanaka - I urge you all to sign.
Another threat to our members freedoms to enjoy hang gliding and paragliding flying in uncontrolled airspace around Wanaka, in one of the most beautiful and very special unspoilt parts of New Zealand. Takes 30 Seconds to fill in, name and email that simple.
petitions.parliament.nz/a1e919f3-82d4-4056-9b36-7c330e2d2ff2?fbclid=IwAR3yE-Ta6NeR14KEOtnCsCmtimi-VVXr6084jsWf_BcUNAdYsjf1IhSEhrw ... See MoreSee Less
Petitions - New Zealand Parliament
petitions.parliament.nz
Petitions are addressed to the House of Representatives and ask that the House do something about a policy or law, or put right a local or private concern.Comment on Facebook
SHGPC and Wanaka flying friends you have my support, signed👍
Nadine Perry
CAA are rolling out a series of educational seminars cross NZ to upskill on how to make standard radio calls, useful if you fly in an MBZ or CFZ.
Gap booklet: file:///C:/Users/User1/Downloads/Plane_Talking.pdf📅 Save the date!
We’re rolling out a new Good Aviation Practice video, Plane Talking 2023, about standard radio calls. This video is the first educational product to be released as part of the Work Together, Stay Apart campaign.
The video, and an accompanying seminar, will be rolled out to aerodrome communities, aero clubs, and flying schools throughout New Zealand during September, October, and November.
Rangiora – MainPower Stadium (no registration needed) Wednesday, 6 Sep - 7pm
Christchurch - Canterbury Aero Club Inc. Thursday, 7 Sep - 7pm
Taieri – Otago Aero Club Monday, 11 Sep - 7pm
Wānaka – The Runway Lounge Tuesday, 12 Sep - 7pm
Franz Joseph – Alpine Adventure Centre Wednesday, 13 Sep - 7pm
Greymouth – Greymouth Aero Club Thursday, 14 Sep - 7pm
Nelson - Nelson Aero Club Inc Monday, 25 Sep - 7pm
Motueka – Nelson Aviation College Tuesday, 26 Sep 5:30pm
Omaka – Marlborough Aero Club - M.A.C Wednesday, 27 Sep - 7pm
Kaikōura – Air Kaikoura Aero Club Thursday, 28 Sep - 7pm
Kāpiti – Kapiti Districts Aero Club Monday, 9 Oct - 7pm
Masterton – Hood Aerodrome Centre Tuesday, 10 Oct - 7pm
Hastings – Hawke's Bay and East Coast Aero Club Wednesday, 11 Oct - 7pm
Whangārei – Whangarei Flying Club Tuesday, 24 Oct - 6:30pm
Ardmore – Auckland Aero Club Wednesday, 25 Oct - 7pm
North Shore – North Shore Aero Club Thursday, 26 Oct - 7pm
Feilding – FeildingAviation (Hangar #11) Wednesday, 1 Nov - 7pm
Whanganui – Wanganui Aero Club Thursday, 2 Nov - 7pm
Hamilton – Waikato Aviation Tuesday, 14 Nov - 1pm
Te Kowhai – Te Kowhai Aerodrome Tuesday, 14 Nov - 7pm
Matamata – Matamata Aerodrome Wednesday, 15 Nov - 7pm
Tauranga – Tauranga Aero Club Inc Thursday, 16 Nov - 7pm
Online – Microsoft Teams meeting (link on our website) Wednesday, 22 Nov - 7pm ... See MoreSee Less
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Fly50 is coming. Head to the Fly50 page on the NZHGPA website to book your Beehive tickets now and get ready to enjoy local flying, exhibition and culture at what should be an awesome weekend hosted by the Wellington Club weekend November 11th Nov.. Booking link: l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkiwiticket.co.nz%2Fevents%2Ffly50-10-11-2023&e=AT25sFV4s-9qxDiIM... ... See MoreSee Less
Fly50 is coming. Head to the Fly50 page on the NZHGPA website to book your Beehive tickets now and get ready to enjoy local flying, exhibition and culture at what should be an awesome weekend hosted by the Wellington Club weekend November 11th Nov.. Booking link also in bio
www.instagram.com
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Memorial for John Dickenson 1934 to 2023
Inventor of the modern day hang glider. For those unable to attend John's memorial in person, you are invited to a live video feed 25 August 2023 at 1.30 pm (AEST (Sydney Time) mailchi.mp/.../airwaves-skysailor-septoct-13901349 ... See MoreSee Less
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There is a cool video in this article. www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-25/john-dickenson-hang-glider-designer-tribute/102756994?utm_campaign...
HG Worlds in 7 Mins.
Best dressed award goes to the Flying Kiwis - Looking sharp🏆 ... See MoreSee Less
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Matt Barlow - One very Happy Chappy.
Congratulations Matt on making goal and placing 9th place in the task at the Worlds Hang gliding championships 2023. Outstanding 👍 ... See MoreSee Less
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Well done Matt, inspirational stuff , 👏
Congratulations Matt Barlow 👏 🙌 👍
Very well done 👍
Bravo Flying Kiwis - Did NZ Proud👏👏👏👏 Checkout these videos.
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064027206445
23rd HG Champs overall results after 9 tasks:
Class 1:
Matt 63rd
Piers 68th
Ollie 82nd
Steve 94th
Boot 100th ~ very tidy!
Class5:
Phil 26th ... See MoreSee Less
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Many Kiwi comp pilots will know Col as the launch master in Aussie. From the Kiwi flying community our condolences and thoughts go out to family and friends. ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Comment on Facebook
Oh, just yesterday I had some bad experience with a launch marshal and then was talking to another pilot about how important this role is, for safety, stress level and general vibe at the take off, and I gave Col as the best example of a launch marshal who could be decisive and kind at the same time, and who would make things run smoothly. Fly high Col, you'll be missed by many.
As well as being a key part of the great Aussie comp organisers Colin also came over to NZ and ran launch for 2 of our PG open comps in the North Island. Things ran smoothly when Colin was around. He could turn on a voice that left no one in any doubt about what they needed to do and he could do it with the best of humour. He will be missed.
Col was kind of if I may say born to be a launch marshall...that booming voice ....but kind and calm on pilot.... he used to ensure the pilot was not disturbed and had a clear window for launch.... he was special ....will be missed for sure...
Fly high Col.