connect with us

Hook on cropped

all about vouchers

'Greytown Taster' voucher
  • Club membership for 1 month from day of flight
  • Attend pilots' morning briefing (optional)
  • Spectacular winch launch up to 2,000 feet
  • A single flight (average duration 10 minutes)
  • Free 'Introduction to Flight' booklet
  • Take up to six flights in total within 1 month
  • Extra flights taken on later days at club rates
  • Price: Adult $190, Youth (25 or under) $110
'Intro to Flight' voucher
  • Club membership for 3 months from day of flight
  • A full day at the club, attend morning briefing
  • Observe from setting up to packing away
  • Up to 3 launches – or 1 hour of soaring
  • Sit in the winch with driver for 1-2 launches
  • Free 'Introduction to Flight' booklet
  • Take up to six flights in total within 3 months
  • Extra flights taken on later days at club rates
  • Price: Adult $390, Youth (25 or under) $195
PJ Up slack cropped

visitor information

We extend a warm welcome to visitors who wish to learn more about this amazing sport. What you can observe and learn on the day will depend partly on the weather and partly on our flying plans.

The best time to arrive is just before 10:00 am on a day when flying is scheduled. Normally weekends and public holidays, and fine weekdays in summer. Everyone meets at this time for a briefing in the Training Centre, which is the grey building on your left as you drive in the gate.

You will be introduced to the Duty Instructor, who is in charge of flying operations for the day, assisted by the Ops Boss - who looks after what happens on the ground. We can answer your questions and even organise a trial instructional flight for you or a member of your family.

Please do not drive out onto the runways without permission or a clear briefing from a responsible club member, as there are a number of site hazards you need to be aware of. The main caution is to only walk or drive next to the fence. Never move onto or across runways without a clearance.

Scroll down to 'where to find us' to get directions and a driving map.

PJ On winch launch cropped

safety matters

Here are the main safety procedures. Click to open a printable version.

the airfield is active when:
  • there is a yellow-and-blue winch parked at one end of a runway
  • there are gliders on the runways, possibly being towed by a car
  • there are one or two cables lying the full length of the runway
  • you can see (but not hear) gliders launching or flying nearby
  • flying operations have been notified on X (twitter) @glidingwlgtn
when the airfield is active:
  • keep a constant look-out for gliders – they could land on any runway
  • drive on perimeter tracks or next to the fence line, max speed 20 kph
  • do not cross a runway without clearance from the Launch Point or winch
  • do not drive or walk across any cables – they (or you) could be damaged
  • before moving onto an active runway obtain a clearance by phone or radio
launch line cropped
when at the launch point:
  • do not stand in front of any glider that is preparing to launch
  • always park behind the launch point van and against the fence
  • leave your car unlocked and with keys inside so it can be moved
  • do not touch or offer to help with any task until shown exactly what to do
  • keep all dogs and other large pets (e.g. crocodiles) on a leash or in a car
communicate clearly:
  • the Launch Point Controller carries a cellular phone on 022-476-2746
  • winch, launch controller and gliders all use VHF radio on 134.45 MHz
  • club service cars (including the cable car) are all equipped with VHF radio
  • radio silence is required during a winch launch – listen before transmitting
in an emergency:
  • notify Duty Instructor and Launch Point Controller using the closest radio
  • two AED’s are available:  near Training Centre and in Launch Point van
  • fire extinguishers are available in the hangar, winch and Launch Point van
  • in hot, dry weather there is a significant risk of grass fires – keep watch

for younger people

Youth Glide New Zealand (YGNZ) was founded in 2006 to promote and support the sport of gliding among young people (aged 25 and under) in NZ. There are training camps held around the country, including at Papawai.  These are great fun for all.  Here are some photos of recent camps.

wake up sunshine!

wake up sunshine!

dining under the wave cloud

dining under the wave cloud

food is essential

food is essential

holding up the banner

holding up the banner

celebration of first solo flight

celebration of first solo

the gathering

the great gathering

Kuranui College program

Information about the Kuranui College program is here. Scholarships are sometimes available for pilots showing a strong aptitude. Please enquire.

where to find us

Here is the gateway to our happy place. We are at 76 Tilsons Road, Greytown. Just 3 km to the east of Greytown, along Papawai Road. It’s signposted on the main road, opposite the Challenge petrol station at the south end.

Main gate

Find your way using Google Maps. You can check if we are flying today here. Visitors are welcome but please follow the safety instructions on the signs.

who to contact

Simon Casey

Simon Casey

President

021 339 610

Katrina Merrifield

Katrina Merrifield

Service Delivery

021 103 8052

Martyn Cook

Martyn Cook

Resource Manager

021 675 570

Tom Davies

Tom Davies

Finance and Admin

021 421 788

Grae Harrison

Grae Harrison

Comms & Marketing

027 442 9337

David Hirst

David Hirst

Chief Flying Instructor

021 493 349

Alistar Grocott

Alistar Grocott

Winch Master

021 109 1003

Mike-Lennard

Mike Lennard

Secretary and Legal

027 438 1604

Michael O'Donnell

Michael O’Donnell

Schools Program Coordinator

021 279 4415

Allan Johnson

Allan Johnson

Summer Crew Manager

027 243 6793

Ondy Herrick

Ondy Herrick

Caretaker

027 271 7435

Mick Bancroft

Mick Bancroft

Caretaker

027 249 3634

thanks for reading!