Gliding Manawatu - News and Events

Events

Kawhatau Summer Soaring Camp - 4th - 12th February 2012

Kawhatau Camp is an annual summer soaring event hosted by Gliding Manawatu in the upper reaches of the Rangitikei's magnificent Kawhatau valley. Clear of congested aifields and controlled airspace, pilots are free to enjoy the splendour of ridge soaring on the northern Ruahine ranges or take full advantage of the region's strong summer thermal activity.

Where is Kawhatau?

Phynn’s Strip: S 39° 48’ 43.0” E 175° 59’ 18.6”

Signs will be erected for drivers to follow from the three way intersection of Kawhatau Valley Road, Upper Kawhatau Road and Auputa Road in the vicinity of Te One homestead.

Use Google Maps to find your way if you are travelling by road...

View Kawhatau Soaring Camp in a larger map

Accomodation

The camp is in the Upper Kawhatau Valley, east of Mangaweka. Take the turn off S.H.1 just north of Mangaweka township, which descends to a bridge over the Rangitikei river; about 1km beyond the bridge turn left into Kawhatau Valley Road which leads to the campsite at Te One, Upper Kawhatau, about 18km from Mangaweka (see Google Map below).

Te One, the Pearce family 1911 6-bedroom villa, is surrounded by beautiful native bush. The generous verandas and a large outside barbecue and spacious camping area make this an ideal place to stay. Fridge, freezer, cooking and shower & toilet facilities are available.

There is an adequate water supply but we do need to take care to conserve water for essential services. Water for glider ballast and similar uses should be drawn from the river nearby.

Care must be taken with fire; the long dry grass in the surrounding camping paddock is a potential fire hazard and the nearest fire service is in Mangaweka. No fires should be ignited apart from the homestead BBQ.

To relieve pressure on the rubbish disposal system we request that you bring your own rubbish bags for bottles and cans and recommend a plastic bucket with a lid or similar for food wrappers and containers to discourage opossums etc. “You bring it in - you carry it out”

We will have a disposal hole dug for compostable materials such as potato peelings, vegetable and fruit scraps.

View Te One in a larger map

Flying

We fly from Phynn’s 600 metre strip (elevation 2000ft) approximately 5 km from Te One. The main 5500 ft ridge is about 8 km east of the strip. There are many suitable landout paddocks and topdressing strips in the area. Bonner’s is the alternative airstrip, 1nm to the north if Phynn’s airstrip becomes congested. Toilet facilities will also be available on the airstrip.

Other things to do

Trout fishing, bush walks, relaxing, swimming - and just having a great time!

Towing

We will have our 260hp Pawnee available for towing.

Gliders

Our Gliding Manawatu gliders will be at the camp i.e. Twin Astir, DG1000, DG202 and Ka6cr. There will be a number of private and visiting gliders from our own and other clubs.

Cost

Pilots flying from Kawhatau during the camp will be charged a $25 surcharge to cover costs associated with camp setup and associated facilites. This is a one-off payment for the duration of the camp.

Tent sites are $10.00 per night and $12.00 per night to stay in the Villa. As indoor accommodation is limited, contact Phil Pearce ASAP to book a room.

Trial Flights at Kawhatau

To arrange a trial flight at Kawhatau, please contact us or call the site phone listed below if calling during the period of camp operation (4th - 12th February 2012).