Slope Flying Sites

	Allandale This is probably the best slope in the region for easterly and nor'east winds. It works well in a wide range of wind strengths and provides very smooth lift in most conditions. Good landing areas. This slope is also popular with hang gliders, so care should be exercised to remain well clear of them should you have to share the slope. Directions: Drive up Dyers Pass road to the Sign of the Kiwi and turn right onto the Summit road. This site is located approx' 5.9 km from the Sign of the Kiwi. The track leading to the slope is located about 200 metres past a stile to the left of the road. Park at the side of the road. 4WD vehicles can park to the left of the paddock at the top of the track. Back to Map

	Castle Rock A good slope for northerly, easterly and westerly winds. Limited landing areas, more suitable for 'foamies' than conventional models Directions: Drive up Dyers Pass road to the Sign of the Kiwi and turn left onto the Summit road. Continue for approx' 7 km from the Sign of the Kiwi. Park in the area to the left of the road near the stile. Walk up the track to the top of the hill and launch toward the city in a nor'wester or toward the sea in a nor'easter. Back to Map

	Hoonhay Park A good slope for easterly conditions. Provides good smooth lift over in most conditions. Reasonably good landing areas further back on the hill. Directions: Drive up Dyers Pass road to the Sign of the Kiwi and turn right onto the Summit road. Continue for approx' 1.7 km from the Sign of the Kiwi. Park in the area to the left of the road near the stile. Walk up the track to the top of the hill and launch toward Lyttelton harbour. Back to Map

	John Britten Reserve A good slope for westerly and nor'west winds. This slope has a steep drop which produces smooth lift. Good landing areas. Directions: Drive up Dyers Pass road to the Sign of the Kiwi and turn left onto the Summit road. Continue for approx' 10 km from the Sign of the Kiwi. Park in the area to the left of the road near the stile. (This is approx' 50 metres past the 'Concealed' road sign and before the pine shelter belt). Climb over the stile and walk down through the paddock for about 2 minutes and launch toward the city. Alternately, from Mount Pleasant, drive to the top of Mount Pleasant road and turn right onto the Summit road. Drive for approx' 300 metres and park to the side of the road past the pine trees. Back to Map

	Sugarloaf Reserve A good slope for southerly and sou'east winds. This slope has a steep drop which produces smooth lift. Reasonable landing areas for 'foamies' and plenty of parking. Directions: Drive up Dyers Pass road to the Sign of the Kiwi and turn left onto the Summit road. Continue for approx' 1.8 km from the Sign of the Kiwi. Park in the area to the right of the road overlooking Lyttelton harbour. Fly from the slope at the left end of the carpark toward the harbour for best lift. Back to Map

	Taylors Mistake This site located above 'Taylors Mistake' produces lots of clean lift in easterly and nor'easterly winds. Good landing areas. This slope is also popular with Paragliders, so care should be exercised to remain well clear of them should you have to share the slope. Directions: From Sumner drive up Evans Pass road to the top of the hill (Evans Pass) and turn left onto Godley Head road. Alternately, from the Summit road, drive east to Evans Pass and continue straight ahead onto Godley Head road. then follow directions below. Continue until you cross a cattle stop after approx. 2.1 km then continue for approx. 300 metres. This site is indicated by an orange road-cone on top of a telephone/electricity pole opposite a layby suitable for parking. Launch from the road verge. Land foamies on the slope in front of you. Fragile models have to be landed on the road or dumped carefully in the bushes just over the road. Watch out for children and ocassional traffic. About 400 metres further on there is a spot suitable for south-westerly winds, where the road curves to the left. You can also fly in north-easterlies at this point, but check for frequency clashes with people flying further back up the road. Back to Map

	Victoria Park This is the closest slope to central Christchurch and is good in an easterly or nor'east wind. Suitable for a wide range of wind strengths. Good landing areas are limited for non-foamie type models and some turbulence can usually be expected in strong winds. Since this is the most 'public' slope in the Christchurch region and close to a childrens playground, special care should be taken when spectators are present. Directions: Drive up Hackthorne road or Dyers Pass road to the Sign of the Takahe, turn onto Victoria Park road and park in the first sealed parking area on the right. The slope is across the road and up a short track between the dog park and the childrens playground. Victoria Park gates open at 7.30am and close at 8-9pm (summer) and 7.00am - 7.00pm (winter). Back to Map

	Worsleys Spur This slope is good in a southerly or westerly wind. Directions: From the Cashmere road end of Hoonhay road turn onto Worsleys road and drive up the hill until you see a large 'flat-topped' hill ahead. Continue around this hill to the right until the road veers sharply to the left. Park near the bend, climb over the fence and follow the track along the southern face of the slope toward the city for about 2 minutes. A 'plateau' part-way down the slope makes for a good launching and landing area. Back to Map

	Princess Margaret Hospital Christchurch Slope fliers meet in front of Princess Margaret Hospital at 6pm every Wednesday during daylight saving in the summer to decide the best slope for the evenings flying. Everyone is welcome. Directions: Princess Margaret hospital is located on Cashmere road between Hoonhay road and Barrington street. Back to Map