Mountain and backcountry flying is an exciting feature of our tours. NZ mountain flying is a valuable and fun experience for you to have as a pilot. We fly quite closely in and around the mountains, and this gives you the opportunity to become familiar and comfortable with this type of environment. It really should be called valley flying as typically we follow valley systems to passes rather than climbing up and flying over the top of the terrain. By following some simple guidelines you are able to operate very safely in the mountains. We cater for all pilot experience levels and a NZ guide pilot is provided as needed. This way you are able to enjoy your mountain flying without the stress of being on your own, in what can be a very challenging environment. Most of our pilot guests comment that the flying they experience here is well beyond their expectations. The mountain flying experience in New Zealand is amongst the best in the world.
New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world to fly in. Our airspace is relatively uncluttered, and friendly to the VFR or recreational pilot. The scenery is spectacular and is packed with variety. The clearness of the atmosphere often surprises visitors with visibility of 60 to 70 km being common. The most popular tourist destinations and resorts of the south are well located for flying into and enjoying the spectacular variety of scenery from the air. You will also see and do things that most visitors never get the chance to enjoy.
Backcountry Strips
There are many private airstrips on the high country stations and local flying in and out of these strips provides interest for pilots from all backgrounds. Backcountry airstrips are often short, narrow relatively undeveloped and small grass areas. The pattern flown around the strip is modified according to terrain and wind at the time. Learning to make a safe approach and landing to these areas is a fun part of flying here. It often opens up a whole new exciting aspect of flying for our guests. Remote west coast beaches serve as airstrips for bush camps. Landing on a beach is an experience not to be missed! (You need to check the tide times carefully!)
Geordie Hill is centrally located and there are many backcountry strips within about a half hours’ flight of the farm.
