Learn to Paraglide

Mount Paragliding, run by Darrell Packe, is a paragliding school based in Mount Maunganui on New Zealand’s North Island.

We teach paragliding all year round to people of all ages and abilities. This sport will grab you - it can help you relax or get your adrenalin pumping.

If you've ever thought about giving this a go, now's your chance. Don't put it off any longer. It'd be great to hear from you!

Ground handling - building skills on the ground

Ground handling is a fundamental skill to keep you safe and ensure stress-free launches.

You will be shown how to control the glider at all times, and in a variety of situations and conditions so you feel confident at any launch site.

Practicing this skill is vital to your safety and learning how your glider responds in various situations before you leave the ground.

A superb ground handling pilot is a superb, safe pilot in the air.

PG1 Course - an introduction to paragliding

The fun begins here!

This is where you start the beautiful journey of discovery. Meet the friendly crew and begin to absorb all the skills required for safely progressing in this sport.

This course is a true introduction to the sport of Paragliding. You get to fly solo and all equipment is provided.

Find out more »

PG2 Course - becoming a licenced solo paragliding pilot

Paragliding is free flying like nothing else. This is the closest you'll get to feeling like a bird playing in the sky.

As you leave the ground you are gently lifted into the air and you are now flying solo. The instructors calming voice is on radio but you are the one flying, your heart is racing and you're LOVING it. You feel safe, you feel ALIVE!

That feeling is one you'll NEVER forget.

Come join us for a truely life changing course where you learn all the skills required to master this sport.

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WATCH OUR STUDENT FIRST FLIGHTS:

 

CURRENT STUDENTS SAY:

Jamie Mckeown

Jamie Mckeown

As an overseas novice pilot visiting the Bay of Plenty I couldn’t have been more fortunate to find Mount
Paragliding.

View full testimonial »
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQS

No skills are required, however, reasonable co-ordination is useful.

If you are under 18 years old, permission from a parent or guardian is required.

The equipment we use is certified as safe to fly at weight ranges from 50-130kgs.

A reasonable level of fitness is required as we carry our gear to launch, which can involve 20-40min walks uphill.

We have a mix of females and males learning to fly. Female participation is on the rise which is brilliant for the sport.

You will receive a Starter Pack in the post containing your book and other material. You will be added to our whatsapp student group so you can come along and get started.

This depends on the way you like to learn. Some people like to watch for the first few hours, others like to get hands-on straight away.

Everyone has their own unique learning style. It's important you feel safe at all times so rushing you is not what we do.

That depends on your ground control of the glider. If you pick up the ground control quickly you can have low flights on your first day.

Ground control is the term we use for setting up the glider on the ground and launching it above your head ready to fly. You must be in full control of the glider at all times and that takes practice.

You have to become a student member of the New Zealand Hang Gliding Paragliding Association. The cost is $25.

You sure can.

Finance is available for both the lessons and equipment. 

Interest free for up to 12 months. Payment holiday for up to 12 months.

Visit the Finance page for more details.

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