The competition is to be held in the mountains surrounding Wanaka. Expect everything... lakes, glaciers, open valleys, steep mountains, native forest, extreme wilderness. The diversity is what makes flying in Wanaka so special. Tasks from 40-80km are likely, with 100+ XC flights occuring on a reasonably regular basis.

The 2018 New Zealand Paragliding Open will be FAI Cat-2 and will take place from 28th January to 4th February 2018. This is the only round in the 2017/18 season and the results from this round will determine the NZ National Paragliding Champion.

The competition entry fee includes:

- Pilot pack including printed map, waypoint list and local rules
- Live tracking via Airtribune
- Mid-competiton BBQ, function or meal
- FAI Cat-2 sanctioning
- Prize giving function and meal
- Presentations and talks on any non-flyable days

The competition entry fee does not include:

- GPS downloads: NZ uses the Highcloud scoring system (the same system used by Australians). This requires pilots to download their own GPS tracklog (IGC file) and submit it to a website. Support will be given to pilots not familiar with the system, however you should come prepared to do this yourself once you have been shown how.
- Retrieves: Pilots will be responsible for organising their own retrieve and transport teams. We are currently investigating the option of a RETRIEVE PACKAGE. Please get in touch if you are travelling alone, if you won't have a vehicle, or if you'd like to be in an organised retrieve team. We'll endeavour to help where we can. Generally hitch-hiking is considered safe and is relatively easy, depending on where you land!

The most common sites can be accessed by 2WD vehicles. Access to some of our sites may require 4WD vehicles. More details will be provided nearer the time once access to certain sites has been confirmed.

Cellphone coverage is limited in some of the areas we fly. Consequently, flying with a Spot or Delorme tracking device is very strongly recommended.

Please check the local rules / pilot handbook for other details, including equipment standards.

VISITING / OVERSEAS PILOTS

All pilots must be NZHGPA members, including visiting overseas pilots. This costs NZ$60 and lasts for 4 months. Visitor membership can be purchased online. Please be aware that the process is not immediate and should be done a few days before you arrive in NZ. You are required to email a copy of your paragliding rating/qualification to the NZHGPA to complete the process.

More information is available here: http://www.nzhgpa.org.nz/visiting-pilots