Paragliding
paragliding christchurch

With sunny weather, fantastic tourist attractions, many heritage buildings, historic landmarks, truly spectacular coastal areas, and plenty of things to see and do, Christchurch attracts visitors from all over Canterbury, New Zealand, Australia and throughout the world.
Extreme Sports Café has teamed up with a Paragliding and Paramotoring Centre based near Christchurch, which provides a variety of Paragliding & Paramotoring courses, Tandem flights, Equipment sales, Flying tours, Thermalling clinics and an Aerial photography service.
Christchurch is one of New Zealand's best places to fly. Only 20min from the city centre, with 13 take off sites available. From 45min, the flying potential opens up with too many sites to number. It’s not uncommon for paragliders to thermal 3500ft and beyond on a good thermal day. Our more popular sites include Taylor´s Mistake, Castle Rock, White Wash Heads, Gondola and Upper Cass.

Paragliding offers freedom, convenience and simplicity. You are literally flying by your seat of your pants. Paragliding is considered to be the purest form of flying. From your first flights as a novice you will appreciate the feeling of free flight. For the accomplished pilot flying in the mountains going for a personal distance record the challenge is always there to fly further and experience new exciting flying areas. The Paragliding and Paramotoring Centre is based only 20 min from central Christchurch and can also provide accommodation for trainees with a self-contained unit complete with outdoor spa and views.

Extreme Sports Café Partner New Zealand Paragliding and Paramotoring Centre is owned and operated by Dave Dennis, he is also The Chief Instructor. His love for flying starting almost 20 years ago, flying Microlights in the Canterbury region. From the early 1990's he began working throughout Australia and New Zealand as a Commercial Tandem Pilot and Instructor. He is now seen as one of New Zealand's most experienced instructors. As well as providing Paragliding Tandem flights and a full range of free flying courses, they also specialize in Paramotoring. This exciting new sport opens up the potential to fly great distances beyond the limitations of free flying. For the budding powered paraglider pilot we provide motor courses, powered conversion courses, equipment sales and a reliable back up service.

Paragliding courses range from a 1-day introduction, a 3-day course called a PG1 and a full licence course called PG2. Extreme Sports Cafes’ New Zealand Partner Paragliding Centre uses Icaro cyber 2 wings which are the latest entry level / training wing from Icaro.
The benefits are: The ease of launch in light to no winds, superior performance for DHV 1 wing and safe flying characteristics. If you decide to purchase a Cyber 2 wing after the completion of your course then you will feel confident having that experience on the wing you trained with.

Extreme Sports Café’s partner New Zealand Paragliding School fly all year around. Most of the teaching is done September - May. 'The most reliable weather is usually January to April.

The climate and temperatures throughout New Zealand are at their hottest between October and April. Christchurch's climate, on the eastern side of the South Island, is often quite different to the weather experienced on New Zealand's North Island.
The climate and weather in Christchurch and throughout Canterbury, on New Zealand's South Island, is generally mild and quite temperate. Maximum temperatures in summer typically range from 27ºC-33ºC and in the winter temperatures can range from 2ºC-12ºC.Christchurch's weather is much cooler during the winter months of June, July and August, particularly around the nearby Southern Alps and skiing fields, which are within driving distance of Christchurch.

Soar to new heights with a Tandem paragliding experience with one of New Zealand's most experienced instructors that will keep you on a high literally. We offer an exciting range of tandem options for the adventurous individual who wants to experience the exhilaration of free flight.

Extreme Sports Cafes’ Partner Paragliding & Paramotor Centre sees Tandems differently. Flying Tandem here is called - Trial Instructional Flights. Flying with the instructor provides the easiest and safest way to experience the thrill of Paragliding.
Unlike learning to fly solo, trial instructional tandem flights require only a 10-minute briefing before you are flying gracefully in the air for the first time! While you are flying, the instructor will explain how the wing works and how it is controlled using the brake handles.
By the end of the unforgettable flight, most passengers will have a basic understanding of how a Paraglider operates and flies, while using the updrafts to stay aloft.
Some passengers just want a thrill and experience wing-overs and spiral dives. Just sign up for the "Thrill Seeker" flight and you will be given an aerobatic experience you will never forget! We can offer you a variety of sites and they may include Taylors Mistake, White Wash Heads, Castle Rock, Upper Cass and Allandale.

The requirement –- Be able to jog 30 feet on a no wind day or slowly walk off on a windy day. Maximum weight is 120kg. Our youngest passenger was 4 years old and our oldest 90. The experience is not soon forgotten.

Tandem Paragliding Excitement Level

We provide 3 different tandem flight options to suit everyone's taste for adventure.

Paragliding Scenic Adventure XX Duration: 20min Cost: NZD$170
This flight is a scenic aerial adventure not to be missed… Take off from Christchurch's highest take-off site and glide over the Christchurch Port Hills in this amazing scenic adventure, showing off the Southern Alps, Canterbury plains, the Port of Lyttelton and Banks Peninsula.

Paragliding Freedom of Flight XX Duration: 20min Cost: NZD$160
This flight will keep you buzzing for a long time…
Soar above the majestic sea cliffs at White Wash Heads, Sumner with a bird’s eye view and experience the sensation of free flight.

Paragliding Thrill Seeker XXXX Duration: 20min Cost: NZD$160
This flight is for those that want an adrenaline rush…. This thrill packed experience is not for the faint hearted. Filled with high-speed spiral dives, wingovers, and other aerial acrobatics. This 20-minute adventure is guaranteed to nearly overdose even the most serious adrenaline junkie!
If you suffer from motion sickness, this is not for you but if you want pure excitement this is the one.

All flights come with a free in-flight photo printed on site and guaranteed minimum 20 minutes of flight duration.

In-flight Photos Cost: NZD$35
Infra red remote camera.
Providing exciting professional aerial photographs.
12 memorable photos on a CD.

In-flight Video Cost: NZD $40
Check out the real live action on your very own CD.

What to bring?
Warm wind proof clothing and Sturdy footwear – Tramping boots or a pair of runnersTandem
Transport: If you don’t have transport, no problem. We provide a free pickup service from central Christchurch.

Paragliding courses range from a 1-day introduction, a 3-day course called a PG1 and a full licence course called PG2. Extreme Sports Cafes’ New Zealand Partner Paragliding Centre uses Icaro cyber 2 wings which are the latest entry level / training wing from Icaro.
The benefits are: The ease of launch in light to no winds, superior performance for DHV 1 wing and safe flying characteristics. If you decide to purchase a Cyber 2 wing after the completion of your course then you will feel confident having that experience on the wing you trained with.

An introduction to paragliding designed for safe solo flying under supervision. This Paragliding course includes 4 training hill flights + 1 high flight.
Ground Handling + 4 flights off our training hill from 120 ft, under radio supervision.
Should you wish to fly off our 800 ft site for the second time then its an extra $40 per flight.
What to bring: suitable footwear - tramping boots or runners, loose fitting clothes, water, lunch and plenty of enthusiasm.

Paragliding Course Cost - $240NZ per person.

This Paragliding course is 3-days long with 10 –to 12 flights in total. There will be an exam and certificate issued upon successful completion of the Paragliding course.
The pilot will show the following skills after successful, course completion:
• Consistent take off,
• Landings and directional control,
• Be able to assess weather conditions,
• Be able to evaluate launch and landing areas,
• Demonstrate 5 point pre flight check,
• Demonstrate a safe attitude to paragliding.

PG 1 Licence valid for 6 months.
This course also includes all equipment need for the course.

Paragliding Course Cost - $600 per person.

This is what it's all about! This Paragliding course is for those who've got the bug and choose to pursue the beautiful sport of Paragliding. You will, get to the stage where you can confidently fly by yourself pretty much anywhere you like. You will be soaring and thermalling at many different beautiful sites.
The sucessful pilot will show the following skills:
• Top landings,
• Flying with other airborne craft,
• Landing approaches,
• Competent 360 degree turns,
• Slope landings,
• Back riser control in flight,
• Spot landing within 20 metres,
• Demonstrate a safe attitude to flying,
• Landing, speed control, reverse launch and height loss techniques.

This Paragliding course is 6 to 8 days includes equipment hire, free international rating card and logbook as well as extensive theory with classroom sessions.
Upon successful completion of the Paragliding course the qualified pilot will receive NZHGPA rating card and certificate.

Paragliding Course Cost - $1,500 per person.

Flight Simulator
The most valuable teaching tool for paragliding and paramotoring and used by the centre is the flight simulator. It can help to simulate landing flare, directional control, flat and steep turns, break-pressure / travel input, weight shift for steering, height loss techniques, parachute deployment, collapse recovery technique, use of speed system, harness adjustment, torque effect for motor plus many more skills.

• With sunny weather, fantastic tourist attractions, many heritage buildings, historic landmarks, truly spectacular coastal areas, and plenty of things to see and do, Christchurch attracts visitors from all over Canterbury, New Zealand, Australia and throughout the world.

• New Zealand consists of a large number of islands. The two main islands, which are much larger than the rest and where most of the population lives, are the North Island and the South Island. The South Island is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand, the other being the more populous North Island.

• Christchurch, a coastal city, situated just north of the Banks Peninsula, midway down the South Island's east coast, is also the regional capital of Canterbury, New Zealand.

• Christchurch is also the largest city in the South Island, the second largest city and third largest urban area of New Zealand. It is also the only South Island city containing an International Airport. (CHC)

• The climate and temperatures throughout New Zealand at their hottest between October till April. The climate and weather in Christchurch and throughout Canterbury, on New Zealand's South Island, is generally mild and quite temperate. Maximum temperatures in summer typically range from 27ºC-33ºC and in the winter temperatures can range from 2ºC-12ºC.Christchurch's weather is much cooler during the winter months of June, July and August, particularly around the nearby Southern Alps and skiing fields, which are within driving distance of Christchurch.

• Christchurch Airport (CHC) provides a major international gateway to New Zealand's South Island and large airlines at Christchurch Airport (CHC) transport more than 600,000 passengers each year. Located near to Christchurch city centre, Christchurch Airport (CHC) has good public transportation options and car rental is also available at the airport.

• English is the most commonly spoken language in Christchurch and throughout both the North and South Island of New Zealand. Maori is the second official language in New Zealand and visitors to Christchurch do not need to speak any Maori, although it can help to know a few basic words and phrases, such as ' Kia ora' (hello) and 'Ka pai' (thank you).

• Smoking in Christchurch is not permitted at the airport, on flights, in any public building, in restaurants and cafés, at sporting arenas and on all methods of Christchurch public transport. As a general rule, it is best to check with those nearby before smoking in Christchurch, unless people are already smoking.

*All Paragliding course prices are in New Zealand dollar unless stated otherwise.

All of our Paragliding Courses can be booked online.

New Zealand's seasons are quite different to seasons in the Northern Hemisphere and the seasons in New Zealand are as follows.

Spring in Christchurch - September, October, November
Summer in Christchurch - December, January, February
Autumn / Fall in Christchurch - March, April, May
Winter in Christchurch - June, July, August

Extreme Sports Café’s partner New Zealand Paragliding School fly all year around. Most of the teaching is done September - May. 'The most reliable weather is usually January to April.

Can anybody fly?
Tandem Paragliding flights require no training, no special skill and a very low level of fitness. To fly solo, you still don't need to be a top athlete. The equipment packs down into a backpack, which is easy to carry. Still, very fit people will find it easier to walk back up a practicing hill during the early days of training, while older or less fit people may want to take a bit more time.
But - who is in a hurry???

Do you need a license to fly in New Zealand?
Yes, to free fly one needs a PG2 rating which is issued by the NZHGPA (New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association), which in turn is governed by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority). We teach to this level and test students accordingly.

Who issues the license in New Zealand?
The NZ Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association issue all licenses.
The CAA delegates NZHGPA to issue Paragliding and Hang Gliding ratings. Certified instructors teach for the NZHGPA and sign such ratings off.

What license do you gain for the PG1 course?
PG 1 = Novice Pilot License. Valid for 6 months.
You will still need supervision by an instructor to fly with a PG1 rating.

What license do you gain for the PG2 course?
You get a PG 2 rating. This is an intermediate rating, which allows you to fly pretty much anywhere by yourself.

Booking.
Booking's can be made on line with a small deposit payment to secure your place. On the day, please ring The Paragliding Centre between 9am and 9.30am to get the latest information on the weather forecast for the day and the place and time to meet for your paragliding course.

Where to meet?
You can either meet us at our premises/Paragliding Centre and drive with us or meet us at the flying site.

Where we fly.
We use a variety of paragliding sites around Christchurch depending on the wind conditions on the day. Most of them are 30-60mins drive from downtown.

What to bring?
You need comfortable cloths for paragliding - maybe shorts and T-shirt - but also a warmer windbreaking top. Please wear ankle-protecting footwear such as hiking boots. Since we spend most of the day somewhere on a beautiful hill in the country side, you also need to bring food and plenty to drink..

Health for Paragliding..

In any case, if you suffer from heart problems or epilepsy or any other medical condition, which may cause difficulty you should certainly consult your doctor first.

Expect to be asked about health matters before you sign on at our paragliding training school. Piloting and drugs do not mix. Your instructor will not let you fly if you have consumed alcohol that day, or if they suspect that you have taken drugs.

All of our Paragliding Courses can be booked online.