Great Barrier (The little one in NZ)
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Great Barrier (The little one in NZ)
New to the NZ realm, I am keen to go into Great Barrier for a weekend. I will be heading up that way first with my trusty instructor initially but was wondering...
Does anyone know which airfield has the car rental company across the road? Okiwi Station or Great Barrier?
Also what altitude do people fly at when going there? I am keen on being able to glide to an island nearby. What are peoples thoughts on flight over water? I come from a landlocked country so not overly keen on too much time over this blue stuff.
Any tips and suggestions so that I don't cause havoc when gonig?
Does anyone know which airfield has the car rental company across the road? Okiwi Station or Great Barrier?
Also what altitude do people fly at when going there? I am keen on being able to glide to an island nearby. What are peoples thoughts on flight over water? I come from a landlocked country so not overly keen on too much time over this blue stuff.
Any tips and suggestions so that I don't cause havoc when gonig?
Join Date: Mar 2000
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Hi Xeno, go to Claris airfield (Great Barrier), it is the one with all the services and is close to the main town. Most of the airlines who service the island fly out of Auckland airport and go across at about 1500 feet via Blind Bay, so stay above that and you should be fine. I assume you will be going out of Ardmore, so if you are worried about a long overwater leg, fly across to the coromandel and track up the coast, either one, and then across to the Barrier. As for tips, study the airport plate, listen out on frequency, talk to the operators and let them know where you are. Its not a difficult place on a nice day, but beware of the wind direction, it can cause you trouble as the airport is in a valley that is surrounded by hills on 3 sides and open to the ocean at one end. Other than than, enjoy yourself, its a great place for fishing and tramping, look for the whales and dolphins on the way over, and you should see the Hammerhead sharks just off the beach if you make your final approach over the water. Its a good incentive to not land short!! Also, when you arrive, go to the Claris Texas cafe for a meal, its a good spot, just go to the end of the road that leads into the airport and turn right, about 2 or 300 meters up the road will get you there. If you need more info, pm or email me.
Nosey
Nosey
Join Date: May 2002
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Does anyone know the easiest way to get to the beach? I was there last summer and the only way I could find to it was about a K' or 2 up the road.
Ive been told to just walk across the runway but I would have thought there would be a better way?
Also where the best place to park when the usual parking area is full?
I anticipate putting in a more frequent appearance this summer so it would be nice to do so without casuing anyone else any hassles.
xelophab: The other posters are quite right - The direct track from AR to GB takes you just past the tip of the coromandel. Ive usually gone over at about 3000ft. There are stints of the trip where you will be beyond gliding distance from the shore but its a reasonably busy stretch of water both by both air and sea so in the event of 'an out' you should be fine.
Ive been told to just walk across the runway but I would have thought there would be a better way?
Also where the best place to park when the usual parking area is full?
I anticipate putting in a more frequent appearance this summer so it would be nice to do so without casuing anyone else any hassles.
xelophab: The other posters are quite right - The direct track from AR to GB takes you just past the tip of the coromandel. Ive usually gone over at about 3000ft. There are stints of the trip where you will be beyond gliding distance from the shore but its a reasonably busy stretch of water both by both air and sea so in the event of 'an out' you should be fine.
go out over the gulf...if you are lucky you may see a whale...
havent been there in years but okiwi is good for some solitude or fishing if you take some mates...its a bit of a hike though...but many a snapper and kingi to be had at the rocks at the end of the beach on the right if you are looking down the strip...
have fun!
havent been there in years but okiwi is good for some solitude or fishing if you take some mates...its a bit of a hike though...but many a snapper and kingi to be had at the rocks at the end of the beach on the right if you are looking down the strip...
have fun!
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Hi Xeno, you wont have any problems with the flight, as mentioned, it is a busy stretch of water. Okiwi is a good strip, but check with one of the local operators as to the condition of it. It has had alot of work done on it, but at the end of the day, its a grass strip, at sea level, in a valley, with water on 2 sides, so it can be pretty boggy there. Otherwise, great surfing and fishing and it is a pretty spot. Lots of people camp off the end of the runway there.
Flyby, the only way is down the road or as already suggested, walk down the side of the runway. It sounds odd but you will be well clear of any aircraft. Also, you can park at the beach end of the runway, 10 I think, the sealed runway anyway, there is a large grass area there to the left when you land, pull in there and walk off the end of the runway over the sand dunes and there you are.
Enjoy the barrier boys (and girls)
Nosey
Flyby, the only way is down the road or as already suggested, walk down the side of the runway. It sounds odd but you will be well clear of any aircraft. Also, you can park at the beach end of the runway, 10 I think, the sealed runway anyway, there is a large grass area there to the left when you land, pull in there and walk off the end of the runway over the sand dunes and there you are.
Enjoy the barrier boys (and girls)
Nosey
