Flying suggestions please!
 

I am visiting New Zealand for the first time soon and am keen to do some flying when I get there. I have a PPL, am working towards an IMC rating currently and have done some basic aerobatic training. Any suggestions for where to base myself (I'm happy to travel around) or what to organise would be welcome. I'd particularly like to experience types of GA flying that might be less easy to organise in the UK such as mountain flying, but would also be interested in doing some airbourne sightseeing! Thanks in advance for your help. Feel free to PM me if that's easier.

Christchurch!
 

Mate, the industry in NZ is probably smaller than you're expecting, but nearly all of the stuff you'll enjoy seeing out your perspex window is on the South Island, and Christchurch is in the middle of it. There's a successful Aero Club based at the (Intl) airport. My strongest advice: if you go to Milford Sound, take an experienced local instructor/charter pilot (from Queenstown or Wanaka perhaps).

There's a reasonably priced PA28 at Wanaka too.

Enjoy.

What are you hoping to achieve in NZ, just some interesting flying or working towards CPL? If you just want some fun then there is this website that i found that looks great. FlyInn It appears that they will convert your licence and all. At least they maybe able to point you in the right direction.

gday,

Definately get down to the South Island, not to say that flying in the North Island isnt as beautiful, but flying down in the Mountains surrounded by 5000 - 10000 feet hills is an experience you wouldnt want to miss out on.

Get down to Queenstown, Wakatipu aeroclub would be a good base if your wanting to get out there, they have some great instructors who will go out there with you.

Fly into Milford Sound, thats a lifetime experience!!!

:ok:

Thanks!
 

Thanks for the suggestions so far- I will definitely follow them up. I'm just looking to do some interesting flying rather than chasing a CPL or ratings- those are targets for the future though. I've been looking forward to this trip for years (never been able to get enough time off work until now) so want to make sure I make the most of it!

You are always welcome to come flying with me in the Citabria. I'm at Ardmore (Auckland) and can take you around the city or for some aero's or around some of the local strips if that's what your'e after.

Best thing is to send me a PM.

Cheers
Wombat

Hey wombat mate, Im home in on holiday November...if you let me go for a spin in your Citabria, I'll let you come for a spin in my 757:ok: (but you have to buy the ticket to the UK..sorry)

(I'll buy you a beers as well mate:ok: )

Well it was worth a try! (Actually I'd buy you a beer anyway for taking that young fella for a spin a few weeks back...I'm still blown away by your generosity :) )

Yep agreed there. My bet would be Queenstown if you want an experience. Great spot down there, although rates aren't on the cheap...