Hawke's Bay Latest Topics

Burma Road

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:36:16 +0000

Here's a site i've heard of people flying before. I checked it out the other day when i was in the bay and it was a good SE wind. Normally you can fly Te Mata Peak in a SE, but you need to walk a fair bit, and i couldnt be bothered, plus i wanted to try this site.

Turn off onto Burma Road from SH2 between Ta Aute college and Hastings. It turns into a gravel road (easy for normal cars) and turns back to tarmac once you get to the top. Follow the road all the way up till it turns back into tarmac. Just a few meters back from where it turns to tarmac, its a very short walk up to the ridge line. You could take a capable 4x4 up and along the ridge line too. I would take a normal 2 wheel drive up there tho.

Once on the ridge you can choose any spot along there. Anywhere is great. I flew just at the top close to where i parked and it was great! Further along there is a more southerly facing slope for those who dont mind a walk or have a 4x4.

Air is pretty smooth. Some dead spots where i flew, but a bit further out its epic. Loads of slermal activity that take you up like a rocket. Good fun! The LZ where i was was smallish, but better than Te Mata Peak, and quite useable for foamies. I dont know if i would fly fast glass ships there, but if you can slow them down, it should be ok for competent fliers. Im sure theres better spots along the ridge for those who want to explore a bit.

There could be some DS'able spots along that ridge line too?

Here it is on GM:

http://maps.google.com/maps?source=s_q& ... 2&t=p&z=15

Sugarloaf Hill

Sun, 31 May 2009 05:43:10 +0000

Here's a site i've been to a couple of times before. Its good in a Nor' Easter although its a bit tight as the slope face isnt too long, but its still quite flyable. Landing is not always the easiest. Don't get too low down the face, and don't go too far around the sides of the hill.

Head to Church Road in Taradale, then turn into Tironui Dr and drive up and you can park to your right just past the hill. Walk up the track from there. Not far, but a moderate climb.

Don't loose your glider too far over the back as there's loads of pine trees which swallow gliders whole... I lost my Fusion in there and I ended up climbing to the very top of a large pine tree to retrieve it. It took 40 mins to climb up shake it down and get back down again. I got scratched to pieces and it was a bit dicey, but i'm a good tree climber

Te Mata Peak

Sun, 24 May 2009 06:21:50 +0000

Te Mata Peak is very popular with the Hang glider people but there is lots of room for the slopies. If flying from the car park area watch out for the public.

Flying is great with East to North East but there is no return if you mess up out the front and landings can be interesting at times, but don't let that put you off just stay up the longer.

Another site in the area is Ocean Beach, I am still looking for pic's for the area, it is a great slope for East winds, safe to fly and easy to land. There is only one road into Ocean Beach and the site is on the main road just before you drop down to the beach.