Where to Do Commercial Paragliding in New Zealand
Ever wondered what it’s like to fly? To feel nothing but the air beneath you and the wind taking you on a journey? Of course, you have! It’s everyone’s fantasy as a kid, but with paragliding, it’s as close as you can get to the real thing! However, there’s no point in flying in the sky without an incredible view, so where else would be better to try paragliding than in New Zealand? With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of places you can actually try paragliding in New Zealand!
To experience paragliding in New Zealand as an activity, you will need to do a commercial paragliding flight. This means doing a flight with a guide, known as tandem paragliding. You will be loosely harnessed together where you’ll both need to jog for take-off. Once you’re airborne, you’ll be in the seated position with your guide sat behind you (you’ll pretty much be sat on your guide’s lap). Your guide will tighten you into position in the harness and then away you go!
1. Queenstown
In the “Adventure Capital of New Zealand,” it’s no surprise that paragliding is one of the amazing things to do to add to your QT adventure itinerary. What’s more, you have a few options for paragliding in Queenstown, either from the top of the Gondola on Bob’s Peak or from Coronet Peak with Coronet Peak Tandem Paragliding. Both will give sensational views of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown town and The Remarkables mountains. Find out more about Coronet Peak Tandem Paragliding on Viator and Tripadvisor.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Wanaka
Fly with Wanaka Paragliding winter or summer from Treble Cone ski field and glide 800m (2,625ft) high over the rolling mountains and stunning Lake Wanaka. You’ll see magnificent waterfalls that no pubic hike would give you access to as you fly through valley after valley. You’ll be up in the air for about 10-15 minutes. See more details on Wanaka Paragliding on Viator and Tripadvisor. Plus, find out more awesome things to do in Wanaka with our 10 Wanaka Must-Dos.
© Wanaka Paragliding3. Auckland
Soar above the rugged coastal landscape of Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges with Wings & Waves. The team offer a more hands-on approach to tandem paragliding teaching you a few basics on their introductory trial flight. Otherwise, just enjoy the ride and the sensational views as your pro paragliding instructor takes you on a 20-30 minute adventure. Check out more adventure activities in Auckland right here.
© Wings and Waves4. Christchurch
Yes, you can paraglide in the Lyttleton Harbour area, just a quick drive from Christchurch city centre! Take to the skies on a tandem paragliding trial flight where the experience can be as calm or crazy as you like (air acrobatics, anyone?). The flight will take in views of Christchurch’s beaches, Lyttleton Harbour and even the Southern Alps on a clear day! There’s also the opportunity to learn a bit about how to paraglide along the way. Check out more things to do in Christchurch with our 10 Christchurch Must-Dos.
© ParaPro5. Nelson
Cruise through the Nelson skies with a twice New Zealand cross-country champion and national champion, Stew Karstens. Get a birds-eye-view of the Nelson coastline and city in one of the sunniest regions of the country. Your flight begins from the hills at the back of the city, then once you’re in the air, just sit back relax and see Nelson from a whole new perspective. For more things to add to your Nelson itinerary, see 10 Nelson Must-Dos.
© Nelson ParaglidingMore About Paragliding in New Zealand
