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Airfields in the North:
There are 62 airfields, (29 official 'AIP' listed airfields, and 33 known 'Private' airfields), within a short flying time of Parakai. Directions and information below.
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AIP Listed Airfields: These can normally be relied on to be available (unless there is a notam issued or a large white "X" on the runway), and most are available 'for general use' at any time. If there is anything unusual about the approach, the terrain effects or conditions of use, these will be noted on the AIP landing plate... click on 'NZxx' beside each AIP airfield below. The AIP airfields are approved for use by Parakai Flying School aircraft, though it is always the pilot's decision as to whether a particular airfield is suitable for landing under the conditions at the time. |
Private Airfields: These are not listed in the AIP, and there won't be any notice if one of them is un-usable due to stock grazing, electric fences, long grass and haymaking etc. They are often one-way strips with non-standard approaches and difficult handling in certain weather conditions. Generally these strips require a pilot who has enough experience to weight up the conditions, the effect of wind, their own ability and that of the aircraft, to make a go/no landing decision. Except in an emergency, 'Private' airstrips can only be used with the agreement of the airstrip owner, and Parakai Flying School aircraft need an instructor's approval to land at a private airstrip. However, it is well worth finding and inspecting private strips from the air to know where they are in case of emergency.... "Any port in a storm" applies to aircraft even more than boats. |
HOME BASE: Parakai Airfield: AIP listed as NZPI. S36º 39' E174º 26' (view). Avgas and Mogas payable by cash/eftpos/credit card/internet banking... no oil co swipe cards yet. Courtesy car available to get to local cafes at Helensville, and the Thermal pools at Parakai town or into Auckland City (37 mts). Websites: Parakai/Helensville area info, Parakai Springs Hot Pools, Parakai Airfield Home Page
Parakai Airfield, click here for Operational details. Click on photo for long view.
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AIRFIELDS to the NORTH of Parakai.
Dargaville Airfield: AIP listed as NZDA. 50 miles north of Parakai at S35º 56' E173º 53' view. The airfield is easy to find near the bridge, across the river from Dargaville town. Fuel available. A popular cross-country point for Parakai students. Website: Dargaville Aero Club/Northern Wairoa Aero Club
Dargaville Airfield viewed from the East. Dargaville town in the background.
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Haruru Falls Airstrip: Private airstrip 84 miles north of Parakai at S35º 16.9' E174º 02' (view) , near Paihia in the Bay of Islands. To find it follow the road from north of Paihia where it turns inland towards Kerikeri, the airfield is alongside the road on the north side near Haruru Falls. From uncomfirmed Google Earth measurements, the airfield appears to be approx 750m long at 65ft altitude, with runways 04/22. Airfield operators email: boi@nzskydive.co.nz.
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Hohora Airstrip: 'Sid's International'. Private airstrip 128 miles north west of Parakai at S34º 46.5' E173º 05.8' (view) . To find it, follow up the Hohora harbour until it runs into mangroves at the northerly end, and airfield is alongside the western shoreline. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements, the airfield appears to be have several runways, 12/30 being the longest at approx 500m and 10ft altitude. Contact Sid at 026 027 2932
'Sids International' at Hohora, from the East. The top of the Hohora Harbour in the foreground, Ninety Mile Beach in the distance.
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Kai Iwi Airstrip: Private airstrip 63 miles north of Parakai at S35º 46.7' E173º 39.3' (view), just to the north of the Kai Iwi lakes 13 miles NW of Dargaville on the coast. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the strip appears to be approx 500m long sloping up to the North East with landings on 02 at 460ft altitude, takeoffs on 20 sloping down to the West. Contact: Peter Flood. Ph 09 439 2994
Kai Iwi Lakes airstrip
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Kaikohe Airfield: AIP listed as NZKO. 78 miles north of Parakai at S35º 27' E173º 49' (view), three miles south of Kaikohe town. Webpage: Info about Kaikohe Gliding Club
Kaikohe Airfield [Northland Gliding Club photo]
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Kaitaia Airport: AIP listed as NZKT. 109 miles north west of Parakai at S35º 04' E173º 17' (view), 3 miles NE of Kaitaia town. Shell avgas only is available, the northernmost fueling point for those with a BP fuelcard is Kerikeri. Runway 12/30 at Kaitaia is long and smooth, but 18/36 is rough and best avoided unless there is a strong cross wind. Websites: Kaitaia Aero Club
Kaitaia Airport, from the North West, with Kaitaia town in the middle distance.
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Kaipara Flats Airfield: AIP listed as NZKF. 16 miles north of Parakai at S36º 24' E174º 35' (view), three miles west of Warkworth town. To find it look for the large glasshouses two miles west of Warkworth, these are under left base for runway 25. A popular cross country destination for Parakai students. Website: Rodney Aero Club
Kaipara Flats airfield from the SE
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Kaukapakapa Airfield: Private airfield 5 miles NE of Parakai at S36º 35.9' E174º 30.5' (view), one mile NE of Kaukapakapa town, with several one-way strips that require local knowledge. Contact Ph Logan McLean. Ph 09 4205356
Kaukapakapa Airfield from the NW. [Brian Millett photo]
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Kauri Mountain Airstrip: Private airstrip 50 miles north of Parakai, at S35º 46.4' E174º 31.9' (view), between Whangarei Heads and Pataua. This is a one way strip with landings uphill to the South and takeoffs downhill to the North. Unconfirmed Google Earth measurement shows the strip as 370m long at 600ft altitude at the N end sloping up to 640ft at the South end. Contact owners, Bob and Ann Syron ph 09 366 6843 or 0274 737 914.
Kauri Mountain airstrip on final from the NW. Whangarei Heads and Ocean Beach in the background
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Kerikeri Airport: AIP listed as NZKK. 88 miles north of Parakai at S35º 16' E173º 55' (view), near Kerikeri town. To find it look for Kerikeri inlet and and Kerikeri town... the inlet, town and airport are on a line with the town in the middle. NZKK is the commercial airport for the Bay of Islands. BP avgas available on the SE side of the grass cross runway, and Shell avgas by the air terminal. Websites: Bay of Islands Aero Club, Bay of Islands / Kerikeri Airport
Kerikeri Airport, from the North [Bay of Islands Airport photo]
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Makarau Airstrip: Private airstrip 10 nm NE of Parakai at S36º 31.6' E174º 32.0' (view). A good sized airstrip that is easy to use but can be difficult to find. Following the railway line south from Kaipara Flats town the rail goes through tunnels tracking south, then swings to the west in a wide curve, with the airstrip one mile inside this curve. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements, the field appears to be 600m long at 390ft altitude, with runways 06/24. Contact Rex Swensson Ph 09 420 4101
Makarau Airstrip from the North [Brian Millett photo]
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Mangakura Airstrip: Private airstrip 14 miles north of Parakai at S36º 25.4' E174º 25.9' (view). To find the airstrip line up the small hilly island with the South Head of the Kaipara harbour and look for the Hoteo River entrance. A useful emergency strip in an area often used for training from Parakai. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the strip appears to be 550m long at 6ft altitude, with runways 05/23.
Mangakura Airstrip at the Hoteo River Mouth 14 miles north of Parakai. This view is looking down the limestone strip from the east.
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Matakana Airstrip: Private airstrip 23 miles NE of Parakai at S36º 20.1' E174º 42.3', (view), two miles north of Matakana town. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the strip appears to be 500m at 110ft altitude, with the runway aligned 14/32. To find the strip, follow the road north from Matakana town, the strip is on the RHS parallel with the road alongside three long green sheds.
Matakana Airstrip from the South approaching from Matakana Town
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Mititai Airstrip: Private airstrip 44 miles north of Parakai at S36º 01.7' E173º 56.5' (view), just across the Wairoa river opposite Te Kopuru town at 6ft altitude. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements, the airfield appears to have a strip 07/25 of 300m, and 15/33 of 210m. Contact owner, Ian Godfrey. Ph 09 4397569 or 025 2679130
Mititai Airstrip from the South [Brian Millett photo]
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Omaha Airstrip: Private airstrip 24 miles NE of Parakai at S36º 20.8' E174º 45.5' (view). The strip is just south of the causeway to Omaha Beach, on the western shore of the harbour.
Being at sea level, Omaha provides a good landing place for any aircraft caught out by low cloud on the East coast and unable to climb over the hills to Parakai or North Shore. Parakai provides a similar escape for aircraft caught under low cloud on the West coast.
Because of trees to the West, landings are generally from the harbour towards the west, and takeoffs towards the east and out over the harbour. Avoid sudden movements and changes of power to avoid frightening horses.
From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the field appears to be 600m at 7ft altitude, with runway aligned 04/22.
Contact owner, Dean Grice 021 123 1013.
Omaha Airstrip viewed from the east over Whangateau Harbour. Click on photo for a long view.
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Paparoa 'Wings' Airstrip: Private airstrip 31 miles north of Parakai at S36º 06.9' E174º 18.3' (view). To find the airfield follow the main road and railway west from Maungatoroto town, the white limestone airfield is alongside the road just before railway crosses the main road and heads North while the road continues west towards Paparoa.
This is a one way strip, and from unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the strip appears to be 460m long aligned 11/29. All landings are towards the East on runway 11 which runs uphill from 150ft to 230ft altitude. All takeoffs are downhill towards the West on 29. The strip performs like a 550m strip as the slope assists the braking when landing and acceleration when taking off. Contact owner, Murray Hargreaves.
Paparoa 'Wings' airfield. Murray Hargreaves' airstrip viewed from the SW, with Maungatoroto town and the Brynderwyn hills in the background.
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Pataua South Airstrip. Private airstrip 57 miles to the north of Parakai at S35º 44' E174º 31.5' (view). The longest of the runways is 245m with a part on a 10 degree slope and part flat, ie short, steep and variable slope, so this strip needs an experienced pilot with an aircraft having good short strip ability. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the main strip is aligned 01/19 and is a one way strip with all landings towards the North on 01 which runs uphill from 65ft to 200ft altitude. Takeoffs are on 19 towards the south. Contact Warren Newland ph 09 436 0149.
Pataua South airstrip from SW [Warren Newland photo]
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Puhipuhi Glider Airstrip: Private airstrip 68 miles north of Parakai at S35º 31' E174º 15' (view). This glider airfield is on a plateau in an area that doesn't have many airfields. To find it, follow the road and railway north from Hikurangi town, and when these swing to the NW continue straight ahead for 3 more miles, and Puhipuhi will be found on the left. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the runway appears to be 1200m long and aligned 02/20 at 730ft altitude. Website: Northland Gliding Club
Puhipuhi Glider Airfield [WellingtonKiwi photo]
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Ruawai Airfield: AIP listed as NZRW. 40 miles north of Parakai at S36º 06' E173º 58' (view). A popular destination for cross country training flights from Parakai. In wet conditions be careful to stay on the centre limestone and turn only at the ends to avoid getting stuck. The airfield can be hard to find as it looks similar to the paddocks running between the main road and the river. It is on outer edge of a large bend where the river turns towards the east, 3 miles north of Ruawai town. Website: Otamatea Aero Club
Ruawai airfield from the west, over the Wairoa River. Note that the paddock to the north with the windsock is not the airfield.
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Springhill Airfield: AIP listed as NZSL. 21 miles NE of Parakai at S36º 19' E174º 33' (view). A popular cross country destination for Parakai students. To find the airfield follow the main road south from Wellsford, the airfield is near the two Hoteo River road bridges where the main road goes into the hills.
Springhill airfield viewed from the SE, with Wellsford town and large pond in the background.
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Tinopai Area Airstrip: Private airstrip 30 miles north of Parakai at S36º 12' E174º 10' (view). The strip is a straight section of sealed farm road with runway markers 01/19. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements, the 01 end appears to be at 460ft and the 19 end at 495ft, 450m long. Flying up the harbour from Tinopai, the airfield is just past two small islands offshore. Contacts and owner unknown.
Mystery airstrip 5 miles NW of Tinopai on the eastern shore of the Kaipara Harbour. Viewed here from the SE.
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Topuni Airstrip: Private airstrip 27 miles north of Parakai at S36º 13.96' E174º 25.59' (view). The strip is 380m long and runs East-West. Low passes over the strip must be aligned with the runway to avoid wires. Contact owner Lee Middleton. Ph 09 431 2599.
View from the North. Click on the photo for a long view.
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Waiotira Airstrip: Private airstrip 35 miles north of Parakai at S35º 56.9' E174º 07.3' (view). To find Waiotira railway junction fly along the railway looking for the branch line which splits off to Dargaville at Waiotira, the airfield is in two miles to the west. Contact Brian Taylor 09 432 9542.
Waiotira Railway Junction, airstrip is along the road to the left of the photo.
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Waitiki Landing airstrip, Parengarenga Harbour: Private airstrip 148 miles north of Parakai at S34 31.6 E172 50.3 (view). 10 miles SE of Cape Reinga, Waitiki Landing is the most northerly airfield in NZ that we are aware of, and is used by some of the tourist operators in the far north. To find it, fly 250M from the Parengarenga Harbour entrance until you meet the main road north. The airfield runs along the western side of the road. Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show it as a one way strip aligned 17/35, with landings towards the north on runway 35 rising from 150ft to 200ft, and takeoffs on 17 to the south.
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Warkworth South Airstrip: Private airstrip 17 miles NE of Parakai at S36º 25.5' E174º 38.5' (view). Knowledgeable aviators advise to "Use with caution as it is a hillside paddock" which is supported by unconfirmed Google Earth measurements that show the field at 250ft altitude sloping up to the NW with landing vectors between 150m and 240m long. Contact Grant Corlett. Ph 09 425 8463.
Warkworth South airstrip, from the NE [Brian Millett photo]. To find the airstrip, look for the loop off the main road at the vineyard (circled above) and the airfield is on the hillside immediately to the SW.
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Whananaki Airstrip: Private airstrip 68 miles north of Parakai at S35º 30.5' E174º 27.8' (view). To find it fly into the Whananaki estuary entrance and turn left at the shore, and you'll be on short final for the airfield which runs between the road and the harbour shore. Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show it as 500m long aligned 02/20 at 6ft. Contact Richard Chilcott Ph 09 4338232 or Gary Mitchell Ph 09 480 7223
Whananaki Airstrip from the north. [Tony Lloyd photo]
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Whangarei Airport: AIP listed as NZWR. 53 nm north of Parakai at S35º 46' E174º 22' (view). Cafe at terminal. Fuel available on BP fuelcard. Although it is a large airport, Whangarei Airport can be difficult to find for the first time, being further up the harbour than expected... look for the Portland Cement works at the far western end of the harbour, an aircraft at that point is on early right base for runway 06. Whangarei is a popular cross country destination and lunch stop for Parakai flyers and is the home of the Northern Recreational Flying Club (NRFC). Websites: NRFC, Whangarei Airport
NZWR from NE. Limestone island at the top left. NRFC hangar #10 and clubrooms circled.
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Whangaruru Airstrip: Private airstrip 79 nm north of Parakai at S35º 20' E174º 17' (view), at the head of the Whangaruru Harbour, three miles NW of Bland Bay. Find it by flying up the Whangaruru Harbour to the mangroves at the end, at which point the airfield will be seen in the valley to the West. From the air it appears to be a sloping strip but is almost flat and usable in both directions. Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show it at 50ft altitude, 600m long and aligned 06/24.
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AIRFIELDS to the SOUTH of Parakai
Ardmore Airport: AIP listed as NZAR. 35 miles SE of Parakai at S37º 02' E174º 58' (view). Cafe at Auckland Aero Club building to the SE of the main runway on a small hill. All brands of Avgas are available. Ardmore is NZ's busiest airport, has some approach conventions that are not explicitly stated, and is close to controlled airspace for NZAA... so it is best to go in with an instructor the first time. Website: Ardmore Airport Ltd
On final for NZAR 03 [Panoramio photo]
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Auckland International Airport: AIP listed as NZAA. 27 miles south of Parakai at S37º 00' E174º 47' (view). Auckland International is not a welcoming environment for light aircraft but it is worth remembering if you ever have a serious emergency while flying in the vicinity, as it has a very long and wide runway and excellent emergency services. Website: Auckland International Airport
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Collins Rd Airstrip (Hamilton): Private airstrip approx 80 miles SE of Parakai at S37º 49.75' E175º 15.40' (view). All circuits to the north at 700ft, check the WLMC website for specific approach information as the airfield is situated in a transit zone under the Hamilton controlled airspace and accurate navigation is necessary. Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show the altitude as 160ft, and 720m of runway aligned 05/23. The airfield is home to the Waikato ML Club, Club House 07 970 1035, Website http://www.wmlc.co.nz/index.htm. Airfield contact Jan Reekers Ph 027 451 8544.
Collins Rd Airfield [WMLC photo]
Airfield is on the southern edge of the Hospital transit zone [WMLC info]
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Drury Glider Airstrip: Private airstrip 38 miles SE of Parakai at S37º 05.8' E174º 55.6' (view), to the south of Ardmore. Do not fly over or too close to this airfield as the gliders have right of way and are on a different radio frequency from the surrounding NZAR radio. Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show the airfield at 70ft altitude with a 1040m runway aligned 18/36. Website: Auckland Gliding Club
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Glenbrook Airstrip: Private airstrip 34 miles south of Parakai at S37º 10' E174º 46.7' (view). Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show the airfield at 18ft altitude with a 530m runway aligned 05/23. Contact Cliff Bellingham Ph 09 236 3851
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Hamilton Airport: AIP listed as NZHN. 84 miles south of Parakai at S37º 52' E175º 20'(view). Cafe at terminal. Fuel is available. There are many runways and the airfield is in flat country, which can be confusing for anyone unfamiliar with the area. For an easy approach, come in from the east and hold at Cambridge, or from the west and hold at Temple View, to get joining instructions from the tower. It also reduces the workload to ask for a specific runway. Website: Hamilton Airport
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Kelly Field Airfield: AIP listed as NZKC. 47 miles SE of Parakai at S37º 15.3' E175º 04.2' (view).
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Limestone Downs Airstrip: Private airstrip 57 miles south of Parakai at S37º 28.8' E174º 45.1' (view). The strip is five miles south of Port Waikato town, one mile inland of the coast on the top of a plateau. There are two runways, the short grass one is too short for most aircraft and only the long limestone runway is usable. To find it when approaching from the south, start looking once you pass the small offshore island approx one mile to the south of the airfield. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the airfield is at 600ft altitude with the white limestone runway 470m long aligned 01/19.
Limestone Downs airstrip from the west
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Matamata Airfield: AIP listed as NZMA. 92 miles south of Parakai at S37º 44' E175º 45' (view), five miles north of Matamata town. Matamata has an active glider club. To find it, follow the railway north from Matamata town, the railway branches with one line going to the east and the other continuing north, and one mile after this the airfield is near the point where the road and rail split. There are two runways but usually only the longer one that is parallel with the road, is open. Websites: Matamata Aero Club, Piako Gliding Club
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Matangi Airstrip: Private airstrip 86 miles south of Parakai at S37º 48.5' E175º 25.5' (view), five miles NE of Hamilton airfield and inside NZHN controlled airspace. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the field is at 200ft altitude with a 560m runway aligned 13/31. Contact Ivan Strathern Ph 07 829 5756 or 027 594 3328.
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Mercer Airfield: AIP listed as NZME. 49 miles SE of Parakai at S37º 16' E175º 07' (view).
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Ngahinapouri Airstrip: Private airstrip 85 miles SE of Parakai at Te Rore in the vicinity of S37º 57' E175º 11' (view), eight miles SW of Hamilton airport. Airfield contact Ivan Krippner 021 274 1908 email krazzy@slingshot.co.nz. The RAANZ administrator, Stuart Parker, lives nearby Ph. 07 825 2800.
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Ohaupo South Airstrip: Private airstrip 82 miles south of Parakai and 4 miles south of Hamilton Airport, inside the Hamilton control zone at S37º 56.75' E175º 19.92', View. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the runway is aligned 05/23 and 550m long at 200ft altitude. Contact: Peter Karl, ph 07 823 6512. Website http://www.raanz.org.nz/clubpage/waikato.html
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Orini Airstrip: Private airstrip 69 miles south of Parakai at S37º 34' E175º 16' (view), six miles east of Huntly town near the southern end of Lake Waikare. Contact Will Rowe Ph 027 433 7661.
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Pukekohe East Airstrip: Private airstrip 40 miles south of Parakai at S37º 11.26' E174º 56.6' view). This is a one-way strip with quite heavy local traffic, and as the view shows it runs up the NW rim of a large crater. From unconfirmed Google earth measurements the runway is 500m long aligned 07/25 with all landings uphill to the East on 07 which rises from 400ft to 480ft, and the takeoffs downhill to the West on 25. Contact: Darryn Morgan Ph 021 2819285 Website: Pukekohe Flying Group
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Raglan Airfield: AIP listed as NZRA. 71 miles south of Parakai at S37º 48' E174º 51' (view). Cafes in town and swimming beaches near the airfield. The runway is long and wide, but it often has rabbit holes and these have been known to take off a wheel off a plane... so watch out for small piles of dirt and steer around them even when moving slowly. Pay the landing fee at the camping ground office. A pleasant walk through the camping ground and across a footbridge leads into the town which has many good cafes. A popular lunchtime destination for Parakai Flyers. Websites: Raglan Kopua Camping Ground (at airfield), Raglan Town info
Raglan airfield viewed from the west, with the harbour entrance off the end of the wing in this photo.
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Rukuhia West Airstrip: Private airstrip 83 miles south of Parakai and 4 miles to the SW of Hamilton Airport, inside the Hamilton control zone at S37º 52.81' E175º 15.18', view. Main vector is 240m E-W , flat on the E half, sloping down to the boundary on the W half. Shorter 200m NE-SW vector with constant slope down to the SW. From unconfirmed Google earth measurements the main runway is aligned 06/24 at 165ft altitude. Contact: Stuart Parker, ph 07 825 2800, Email stuart@sparxfly.co.nz, Website http://www.raanz.org.nz/clubpage/waikato.html
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Taharoa Sands Airfield: AIP listed as NZAH. 90 miles south of Parakai at S38º 10' E174º 42' (view). Just a bare gravel strip on a wild coast with no facilities, but a useful escape point if caught out on the West Coast in deteriorating conditions. No mobile phone reception, and no radio reception with a control tower from the ground, so if on a flight plan cancel with New Plymouth tower from the circuit.
Taharoa Sands Airstrip, south of Albatross Point. View from the North.
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Te Kowhai Airfield: AIP listed as NZTE. 75 miles south of Parakai at S37º 45' E175º 09' (view). Fuel available and always a welcoming place for light aircraft. Te Kowhai is home of the 'Bantam' aircraft that are built on the airfield. Websites: Sport Aviation Corp, Te Kowhai airfield
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Whenuapai Airbase: AIP listed as NZWP. 13 miles SE of Parakai at S36º 46' E174º 38' (view). Private aircraft can land at Whenuapai only with permission of the base commander. But like Auckland International Airport, Whenuapai is worth remembering in event of an in-flight emergency, with its long and wide runways and good support services.
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AIRFIELDS to the EAST of Parakai
Coromandel Airfield: AIP listed as NZCX. 53 miles east of Parakai at S36º 47' E175º 30' (view). A one-way strip on the eastern shore of Coromandel Harbour, three miles south of Coromandel town. Website:Coromandel Flying Club
Coromandel Airfield, from the West. [RNZAC photo]
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Great Barrier Airfield: AIP listed as NZGB. 56 miles NE of Parakai at S36º 14' E175º 28' (view), at Claris town on Great Barrier island. Approaching from the West, look for Blind Bay approx two miles north of Tryphena Harbour, and the airfield will be found over the ridge from Blind Bay. A short walk leads to a good cafe in Claris village, and there is an excellent surf beach at the end of the cross runway, see photo below. Landing fee $12 if paid to the Council Offices across the main road from the airport, or $20 invoiced. There is no landing fee for microlights if you tell the Council Office that it is a microlight and advise the registration for confirmation. A popular lunchtime destination for Parakai flyers. Website: Great Barrier Island, Great Barrier Airlines
Great Barrier Island, NZGB at Claris viewed from the east over the sea. Blind Bay on the west coast of the island is just over the low ridge to the centre left of the photo. The Mainland is in the distance under the line of cloud.
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Great Mercury Island Airstrip: Private airstrip 65 miles east of Parakai at S36º 35.6' E175º 45.9' (view). On Great Mercury Island, off Mercury Bay and Whitianga. A one-way strip at the NW end of the island running up a hill on the western side of the small harbour. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the strip is 470m long and aligned 08/26 with all landings to the West on 26 which rises from 30ft to 200ft altitude, and all takeoffs downhill to the East on 08. Website: Great Mercury Island
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Kaikoura Island, Great Barrier Island: AIP listed as NZKD. 53 miles to the NE of Parakai at S36º 11' E175º 19' (view). An airfield in an unexpected positon along the ridge of a heavily wooded and steep island. Walk down through the bush to a swimming beach. This is conservation land so don't take dogs and special conditions apply, see AIP. Mobile phone reception, which is not available from many places on 'The Barrier', is available by standing on tip-toes at the western end of the airstrip. Website: Kaikoura Island
Kaikoura Island Airfield from the East. The grass strip is along the ridge on the island that forms the outside of Port Fitzroy on Great Barrier Island. Little Barrier Island is in the background in this photo with the mainland in the far distance.
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Matarangi Airfield: AIP listed as NZAG. 60 miles to the east of Parakai at S36º 44' E175º 39' (view), seven miles north of Whitianga. Cafe at the nearby Golf Club, and swimming beaches. Despite the Google map 'view' showing roads crossing the runway, they do not cross and it is a good grass-on-sand surface. Website: Matarangi Beach
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North Shore Airfield: AIP listed as NZNE. 11 miles east of Parakai at S36º 39' E174º 39' (view). Fuel is available. To find NZNE, identify the large white 'ski jump' building that runs down the hillside at Silverdale by the motorway, and the airfield is along the motorway one mile to the south by the road first over-bridge (Wilks Rd). This bridge is visible to the left of the photo below. Website: North Shore Aero Club
North Shore Airfield from the NW.
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Okiwi Station Airfield, Great Barrier Island: AIP listed as NZOX. 57 miles NE of Parakai at S36º 09' E175º 25' (view). Estuary swimming at high tide. Okiwi gets very wet and is usually closed during the winter.
Okiwi Station Airfield from the NW. The airfield is on the river flats on the NE coast of Great Barrier Island. Note the offshore 'Arid Island' for positioning.
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Pauanui Airfield: AIP listed as NZUN. 72 miles to the east of Parakai at S37º 01' E175º 52' (view). Cafe and Swimming beaches. Generally firm even in winter with grass-on-sand runway. A popular lunch desination for aviators. Website:Pauanui Airfield User group, Pauanui Beach info.
Pauanui Airfield from the East.
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Silverdale Airstrip: Private airstrip 11 nm east of Parakai at S36º 36.9' E174º 38.9' (view). One mile NW of the Silverdale motorway interchange. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the runway is 490m long aligned 03/21, with a slope up towards the West from 60ft altitude to 120ft. Contact Paul Hopper.
Silverdale airstrip from the North. The Silverdale motorway interchange is a mile to the left of this photo. [Brian Millett photo]
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Slipper Island Airstrip: Private airstrip on Slipper Island, 76 miles to the east of Parakai at S37º 02.7' E175º 56.25' (view). Slipper island is four miles offshore to the SE of Pauanui. The island has visitor accomodation, and the airfield is for the use of visiting aviators staying on the island. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the two strips 02/20 and 14/32 are both at 10ft altitude, nearly flat, and 530m long. Website: Slipper Island resort
Slipper Island Airfield from the North.
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Thames Airfield: AIP listed as NZTH. 62 miles SE of Parakai at S37º 09' E175º 33' (view). There is a good cafe across the road in the Plant Centre. Fuel is available. Pay landing fee at the honesty box as the invoiced landing fee is much greater. Website: Hauraki Aero Club
Thames Airfield main runway, from the North West.
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Waiheke Airfield: AIP listed as NZKE. 33 miles east of Parakai at S36º 48' E175º 05' (view). There are no facilities at the airfield, but the Waiheke taxis Ph 09 372 8038 will pick up flyers at moderate cost and take them to Oneroa or Onetangi, which have cafes and good beaches. Websites: Waiheke Island Airfield, Waiheke Island info
Waiheke airfield from the South. [Waiheke Airfield photo]
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Waihi Beach Airfield: AIP listed as NZWV. 87 miles SE of Parakai at S37º 26' E175º 57' (view). The cafe on the field operates in summer only, a 1.5km walk to a good swimming beach and other cafes. Gets very soft and wet in winter. Website: Waihi Beach info
Waihi Beach Airfield from the East.
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Whitianga Airfield: AIP listed as NZWT. 61 miles to the east of Parakai at S36º 50' E175º 41' (view). Home to the active Mercury Bay Aero Club. Websites: Mercury Bay Aero Club, Whitianga info
Whitianga from the SW [MBAC photo]
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Please advise harvey@ParakaiAirfield.co.nz any corrections or missed known airfields/airstrips within 90 nautical miles of Parakai that have been missed. Any additional details such as latitude/longitude, photo of the airfield, or owner's contact number would be appreciated.
Link to CAA Airfield co-ordinates and Maps of 139 x NZ Airfields , all the AIP ones and some private fields.
Strays? Finally, a map of all airfields in the lower north, of which some are known and some not. Key to numbers below. Any info would be appreciated.
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Key of Lower North airfields, as far as known...
14 - Kaukapakapa, 17 = Subritzki, = 19 Shakspeare Bay, 45 = Warkworth South, 46 = Kaipara Flats, 49 = Springhill, 54 = Mototapu Island, NE = North Shore, Pi = Parakai.