Wellington Wairarapa Gliding Club
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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
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.
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
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!
dining under the wave cloud
food is essential
holding up the banner
celebration of first solo
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.
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
President
021 339 610
Katrina Merrifield
Service Delivery
021 103 8052
Martyn Cook
Resource Manager
021 675 570
Tom Davies
Finance and Admin
021 421 788
Grae Harrison
Comms & Marketing
027 442 9337
David Hirst
Chief Flying Instructor
021 493 349
Alistar Grocott
Winch Master
021 109 1003
Mike Lennard
Secretary and Legal
027 438 1604
Michael O’Donnell
Schools Program Coordinator
021 279 4415
Allan Johnson
Summer Crew Manager
027 243 6793
Ondy Herrick
Caretaker
027 271 7435
Mick Bancroft
Caretaker
027 249 3634
thanks for reading!