Airfields in the North:

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There are 71 airfields, (29 official 'AIP' listed airfields, and 42 known 'Private' airfields), within a short flying time of Parakai. Details for each airfield are listed are below the maps.

Copyright waived: Flying Club and Aviation related websites are welcome add a link directly to this page, hyperlink to http://parakaiairfield.co.nz/airfields.htm. Club and Aviation publications may freely copy these photos so long as they are identifed as from 'Parakai Airfield website'.

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). Parakai weather station. Websites: Parakai/Helensville area info, Parakai Springs Hot Pools, Parakai Airfield Home Page.

Parakai Airfield from the SW, non-traffic side. Click here for Operational details and click on photo for long approach view.

Far North

Mid North

East

South

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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Burma Rd Airstrips: A pair of private topdressing airstrips 16 miles North of Parakai at S36º 22.67' E174º 22.92' (view). Topdressing strips are not normally listed here, but these are in the middle of an area often used for training flights from Parakai, and being on opposite sides of a hill one or other would be suitable for an emergency landing in almost all wind conditions. The airstrips look to be in good condition and unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show runway 05 as 640m long starting at 55 ft altitude and rising to 260 ft at the lime bin, a 10% slope. And runway 24 as 300m long starting at 140 ft and rising to 260ft, a 13% slope. With these steep slopes landings would always be uphill and takeoffs down, and stopping should not be a problem after an emergency landing, but a low pass and go-around would not be possible as the slopes are too steep to outclimb.

Burma Rd Airstrips from the North. Moturemu Island lines up with the shoreline to the south and Burma Rd roadway is just off the bottom on this photo. [Chris Hoffmann photos]

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Collins Rd Airfield (Hamilton): Private airfield approx 80 miles SE of Parakai at S37º 49.75' E175º 15.40' (view). All circuits to the north at 850ft altitude (700ft AGL), 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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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 South showing the airfield and town. Click on the photo for a closer shot taken from left base for runway 12.

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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 from the East, on left base for runway 22 and about to turn final. The bridge and Dargaville town in the background.

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Drury Glider Airfield: Private airfield 38 miles SE of Parakai at S37º 05.8' E174º 58.5' (view), to the south of Ardmore. Do not fly over or too close to this airfield as the gliders have right of way, and while being winch launched to 1500ft or more have no forward visibility. They will be on radio 134.45 which is different from the local NZAR radio. The airfield is at 70ft altitude with 950m runway aligned 01/19, all circuits to the West. Website: Auckland Gliding Club

Drury Glider Airfield from the SW, Drury town and estuary off the left of the photo.

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Dwight's Airfield: Private airfield 61 miles south of Parakai at S37º 28.03 E175º 09.6, six miles North of Huntly Town. (view). Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show the runway as 430m long, with the runway aligned 05/23, at 30 ft altitude.

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Glenbrook Airfield: Private airfield 34 miles south of Parakai at S37º 10' E174º 46.7' (view). Runway 04/22 is 540m at 15ft altitude. Contact Cliff Bellingham Ph 09 236 3851

Glenbrook airfield viewed from the East, on left base for runway 22. (Click for the view when approaching from West, taken from near Clarkes Beach village)

Gordonton Airfield: Private airfield 71 miles south of Parakai at S37º 36.98 E175º 17.85, five miles East of Taupiri Town. (view). Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show the runway as 490m long, with the runway aligned 03/21, at 85ft altitude. Home base of the Gordonton Microlight Club. Airfield contact Michael Hinton.

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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 Airfield: Private airfield 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 rising from 30ft at the East end to 200ft at the West, an 11% slope which would mean that all landings would have to be on 26 to the West, and all takeoffs on 08 to the East. Website: Great Mercury Island

Great Mercury Island Airstrip from the SW. (Click for a close up view of the airstrip taken from the North coast just above the red circle in the above photo.

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Hamilton Airport: AIP listed as NZHN. 84 miles south of Parakai at S37º 52' E175º 20' (view). Cafe at terminal on the Eatern side of the main runway, and Aero Club hospitality at the Clubrooms on the Western side near the control tower. Fuel is available at the Club. 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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Hansen's Airfield: Private airfield 61 miles south of Parakai at S37º 32.1' E174º 59.03', eight miles West of Huntly Town. (view). Used by the Matira Flying Club. Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show the runway as 450m long, with the runway aligned 15/33, with the northern end at 180ft altitude rising to 240ft at the southern, a 4% slope, which would make it a one way strip in most wind conditions with all landings to the South on 33 and takeoffs to the North on 15. Contact Michael Hansen 09 233 3175.

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Haruru Falls Airfield: Private airfield 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.

Haruru Falls Airfield (Watea) from the NW, on early left base for runway 04.

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Kai Iwi Airfield: Private airfield 63 miles north of Parakai at S35º 47.64' E173º 37.7' (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 from 300ft altitude to 400ft with an average slope of 4% but some parts steeper. This would make it a one way strip with landings uphill on 02 to the NE and takeoffs downhill on 20 to the SW. Contact: Peter Flood. Ph 09 439 2994

Kai Iwi Lakes airfield

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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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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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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, on late downwind 25 left hand.

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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 less well maintained and best avoided unless there is a strong cross wind. Do not use the grass aligned 06/24 which looks like a runway but is no longer part of the airfield. Websites: Kaitaia Aero Club

Kaitaia Airport from the NW, on early left base for runway 12. Kaitaia town is in the middle distance.

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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 Airfield: Private airfield 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 on runway 14 and takeoffs downhill to the North on runway 32. Unconfirmed Google Earth measurement shows the strip as 370m long sloping from 640ft to 600ft altitude, a 4% slope. Contact owners, Bob and Ann Syron ph 09 366 6843 or 0274 737 914.

Kauri Mountain airfield from the NW, on mid final runway 14. Whangarei Heads and Ocean Beach in the background

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Kelly Field Airfield: AIP listed as NZKC. 47 miles SE of Parakai at S37º 15.3' E175º 04.2', two miles West of Mercer Airfield and inside the Mercer MBZ. (view).

Kelly Airfield from the NE, with Mercer Town near the top RH corner of the photo, and the Waitako River and Meremere factory to the West.

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Kerikeri Airport: AIP listed as NZKK. 88 miles north of Parakai at S35º 16' E173º 55' (view), near Kerikeri town. An easy way to find it is to go to Lake Omapere, the airfield is half way between the lake and Kerikeri town to the East. 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, photo taken from the West near Lake Omapere, looking East.

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Krippener's 'Jeep Base' Airfield: Private airfield 85 miles south of Parakai at S37º 55.2' E175º 12.5', eight miles SW of Hamilton Airport. (view). Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show the runway as 610m long, with the runway aligned 04/22, rising from 130ft altitude at the eastern end to 170ft at the western end, a average slope of 2%. Airfield contact Ivan Krippner 021 274 1908 email krazzy@slingshot.co.nz.

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Lee Martin Road Airfield: Private airfield 85 miles south of Parakai at S37º 49.6 E175º 24.35, four miles NE of Hamilton Airport and inside the HN control zone. (view). Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show the runway as 350m long, aligned 10/28, at 180ft altitude and with power plyons approx 1/4 mile to the west alongside the airstrip. Contact Anton Meyer Ph 021 289 5999. Website with runway details http://aerosport.co.nz/Our_Runway.html.

Lee Martin Road Airfield, on final for runway 28. (Aerosport Aviation photo)

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Limestone Downs Airfield: Private airfield 57 miles south of Parakai at S37º 28.8' E174º 45.1', five miles south of Port Waikato town, and one mile inland of the coast on the top of a plateau. (view). There are two runways, the short grass one is too short for anything much bigger than a Bantam and only the long limestone runway is usable. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the airfield is at 600ft altitude with the white limestone runway 470m long aligned 01/19.

Limestone Downs airfield approaching from the North on the coast. Note the offshore rocks off the point on the RHS of the photo (and there is a small island further offshore of these), which are a good pointer as Limestone Downs is inland on a ridge approx one mile north of these.

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Makarau Airfield: Private airfield 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 Airfield from the North, mid downwind runway 06 left hand. [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 Moturemu 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 from the East, on long final for runway 23. To the left is the mouth of the Hoteo River, 14 miles north of Parakai.

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Matakana Airfield: Private airfield 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 Airfield from the South, flying up the road from Matakana Town.

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Matamata Airfield: AIP listed as NZMA. 92 miles south of Parakai at S37º 44' E175º 45', five miles north of Matamata town (view). 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 the only one open is the longer one that is parallel with the road. Websites: Matamata Aero Club, Piako Gliding Club

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Matangi Airfield: Private airfield 85 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 600m runway aligned 13/31. Contact Ivan Strathern Ph 07 829 5756 or 027 594 3328.

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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. There is a cafe at the nearby Golf club, take the walkways through the houses to the West of the airfield. A good surf beach is off the Northern end of the airfield and, estuary swimming at high tide off the Southern end. 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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Mercer Airfield: AIP listed as NZME. 49 miles SE of Parakai at S37º 16' E175º 07' (view). Mercer has its own MBZ which it shares with Kelly Field to the West.

Mercer Airfield from the NE, with Meremere and the Waitako river in the background. To locate the field, look for the stream with a bridge leading to the hangars.

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Mititai Airfield: Private airfield 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 Airfield from the South [Brian Millett photo]

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Naike Airfield: Private airfield 57 miles south of Parakai at S37º 31' E174º 57.4', nine miles West of Huntly Town. (view). Used by the Matira Flying Club. Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show the runway as 450m long, aligned 17/35, at 260 ft altitude at the northern end and rising to 340ft at the southern, a 5% slope, making this a one way strip with all landings towards the south on 17 and takeoffs on 35 to the north. Contact Mandy and Graham Carlson, Ph 09 233 3200.

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Ngahinapouri (Reid's) Airfield: Private airfield 96 miles south of Parakai at S37º 54.13' E175º 12.0', seven miles SW of Hamilton Airport. (view). Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show the runway as 350m long, with the runway aligned 06/24, at 120ft altitude. Airfield contact Stuart Reid.

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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. North Shore weather station. Website: North Shore Aero Club.

North Shore Airfield from the NW.

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Ohaupo South Airfield: Private airfield 82 miles south of Parakai and four 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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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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Omaha Airfield: Private airfield 24 miles NE of Parakai at S36º 20.8' E174º 45.5' (view). The airfield 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 Airfield viewed from the East with the Omaha Beach, Whangateau Harbour and causeway. Click on photo for a close up view.

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Orini Airfield: Private airfield 69 miles south of Parakai at S37º 33.83' E175º 15.5' (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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Paparoa 'Wings' Airfield: Private airfield 31 miles north of Parakai at S36º 06.9' E174º 18.3' (view). To find it, 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, a 5% slope. 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 Airfield. Private airfield 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% 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 airfield from SW [Warren Newland photo]

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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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Puhipuhi Glider Airfield: Private airfield 68 miles north of Parakai at S35º 31' E174º 15' (view). 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 a plateau on the left. The strip is crossed by several gravel farm tracks so does not look like the expected long uninterrupted strip. 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 from the North. Hikurangi Town (circled in green) is lined up with Kamo and Whangarei City.

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Pukekohe East Airfield: Private airfield 40 miles south of Parakai at S37º 11.26' E174º 56.6' view). This is a one-way strip with quite heavy local traffic. 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, a 5% slope, and the takeoffs downhill to the West on 25. Contact: Darryn Morgan Ph 021 2819285 Website: Pukekohe Flying Group

Pukekoke East Airfield, looking East from near Pukekohe Town, look for the large crater with the airfield running up the Western rim.

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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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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 looks similar to the paddocks running between the main road and the river, and can be found on outer edge of a large bend where the river turns towards the east, 3 miles north of Ruawai town. The windsock at the western end is in the paddock next to the airfield, that paddock is not the airfield. Website: Otamatea Aero Club

Ruawai airfield from the west, over the Wairoa River. Note that the paddock which has the windsock by the river bank is NOT the airfield.

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Rukuhia West Airfield: Private airfield 83 miles south of Parakai and four miles to the SW of Hamilton Airport, inside the Hamilton control zone at S37º 52.81' E175º 15.18', view. The main vector is 240m east - west, flat on the E half, sloping down to the boundary on the W half. A shorter 200m NE-SW vector has a constant slope down to the SW. From unconfirmed Google earth measurements the main vector 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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Shelly Beach Airstrip: Private topdressing airstrip 7 miles NW of Parakai, one mile beyond Shelly Beach town, at S36º 33.88' E174º 20.97' (view). Topdressing strips are not normally listed here, but this one is in an area often used by training aircraft from Parakai and being long and wide could provide a useful escape route in event that an emergency landing was necessary. From unconfirmed Google Earth measurements the strip is 650m long, aligned 04/22, rising from 130ft altitude at the eastern end to 200ft at the lime bin at the West, a 3% slope that would favour a landing towards the West except in a strong Easterly wind.

Shelly Beach topdressing strip from the North (click for a close look from the West)

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Silverdale Airfield: Private airfield 11 miles east of Parakai at S36º 36.9' E174º 38.9' (view). One mile NW of the Silverdale motorway interchange. The runway is 575m long aligned 04/22, at 60ft altitude at the eastern end rising to 120ft at the western end, a 3% slope, all circuits to the north. Contact Paul Hopper Ph 021 621627 or 09 426 9299.

Silverdale airfield 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 Airfield: Private airfield 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, with the airfield available for 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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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 line up the square pond with Wellsford town, the airfield being near the hills where the main road goes into the Dome Valley near the two Hoteo river bridges.

Springhill airfield viewed from the SE, with Wellsford town and large square pond in the background.

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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 once on the ground no radio reception with Air Traffic Control. From the circuit it is usually possible to talk to New Plymouth tower, so if landing at Taharoa cancel any flight plans with NZNP while still in the circuit.

Taharoa Sands Airstrip, south of Albatross Point. Viewed 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

Te Kowhai Airfield from the East [Te Kowhai airfield photo]

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Temple View Airfield (Ford's Airfield): Private airfield 79 miles SE of Parakai, at S37º 48.87' E175º 15.1', (view), one mile north of Collins Rd Airfield. Unconfirmed Google Earth measurements show the airfield as 640m long, aligned 08/26 at 130ft altitude. Owner Wayne Ford.

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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 by the clubrooms. Website: Hauraki Aero Club

Over the river on left base and turning final for runway 32. (click on photo for the view when descending non-traffic side for 32). Thames town in the background.

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Tinopai Area Airfield: Private airfield 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, a 3% slope, 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 Airfield: Private airfield 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.

Topuni airfield, view from the North. Click on the photo for a long view.

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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, it is a short walk to a good swimming beach and other cafes at the beach. The airfield gets very soft and wet in winter. Website: Waihi Beach info

Waihi Beach Airfield from the East.

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Waiotira Airfield: Private airfield 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, airfield is along the road to the left of the photo.

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Waitiki Landing Airfield, Parengarenga Harbour: Private airfield 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 due West 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 of 730m aligned 17/35, with landings normally towards the north on runway 35 rising from 150ft to 200ft, a 2% slope, 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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Whangamata Airfield: Private airfield 77 miles south east of Parakai, and 2 miles south of Whangamata town, at S37 14.74 E175 51.29 (view). Unconfirmed Google Earth measurement show it as 400m long. The strip is aligned 11/29 at 10ft. To find it, fly down the river at the southern end of Whangamata beach. Contact Max and Bev Deane Ph 07 8658801 or 0274 222192.

Whangamata Airfield 11/29 from the South, Whangamata town and estuary at the top right. [Cliff McChesney 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. Whangarei Airport is further up the harbour than first time visitors expect... 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 Whangarei Flying Club (WRF). Websites: WRF, Whangarei Airport

NZWR from the NE. Limestone island at the top left. WFC 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.

Whangaruru Airstrip near the head of the Whangaruru harbour. Opua Inlet in the Bay of Islands is visible in the distance over the ridge.

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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.

Whenupai Airbase from near Waimauku looking South. The Whenuapai Air Traffic Control (ATC) area starts just North of Waimauku, so don't go beyond this point without checking NZWP's operational status. (click for close photo)

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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 (MBAC). Websites: Mercury Bay Aero Club, Whitianga info

Whitianga Airfield and town from the North. Click on the photo for a MBAC photo of the approach on 04.

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Please advise harvey@ParakaiAirfield.co.nz any corrections or known airfields/airstrips within 100 nautical miles of Parakai that have been missed.

More Maps:

Link to CAA Airfield co-ordinates and Official Maps of 139 x NZ Airfields , which shows all the AIP airfields and some private fields.

North Island survey map of all known strips... this is a 2 meg .pdf file so needs broadband to load quickly. It can be zoomed in with the +/- buttons displayed.

Small jpeg file of Lower Northland strips from the survey map.

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