Flying across the Tasman

[flyinkiwi]

• The VFR cruise altitude split in NZ is N/S i.e. "odd buggers come from the south"
• GA aircraft cannot fly into Auckland International without prior arrangement (you need to have your own ground handling organized beforehand) so it really is not worth the bother.
• My personal preference for a Coromandel stopover would be Pauanui over Whitianga - more picturesque and walking distance to beaches/accomodation/dining/bars.
• Most Aero/Flying Clubs will have facilities for checking weather and/or filing flight plans if you have internet access issues.
• If you are a plane nut, visit Ardmore, Tauranga, Hood (Masterton), Omaka, Ashburton, Wanaka and Mandeville - they all have excellent aviation establishments, whether it be museums, restoration companies or warbird associations. The RNZAF museum at Wigram in Christchurch is also very good but sadly you cannot fly in any more.
• If you intend flying around the South Island, check in with the locals at Queenstown or Wanaka and get an hour or two of instruction. It will enhance your safety as the conditions down there are as unforgiving as they are unique.