Paragliding Schools

To fly a paraglider in New Zealand you need to get a PG2 license issued by the New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. Learning to fly is an incredible experience — and there’s no better place to start than in Nelson, with its sunny skies, reliable conditions, and a variety of stunning flying sites. This is how the training progresses.

Day One: Getting Off the Ground

Training begins on one of the local hills, starting with the basics. You’ll learn how to inflate the wing on the ground, carry out equipment checks, follow safety procedures, and then progress to short flights from smaller slopes.
This first stage is all about developing basic skills and confidence in a safe, controlled environment. Alongside some basic theory, this leads to your PG1 rating.

Higher Flights & PG2 Training

As your confidence grows, you’ll move on to higher hills and longer flights. Popular sites like Barnicoat, behind Stoke, and Takaka Hill offer the terrain to practise take-offs, turns, and landings with more time in the air than on the training hill.

By this point, you'll be launching and landing more independently and managing the wing with increasing control. You’ll fly in a wider variety of locations and conditions — from coastal soaring to thermalling at Barnicoat and Takaka.

You’ll develop skills in:
> Active flying and energy management
> Thermal flying
> Ridge soaring
> Site assessment and decision-making
> Reading weather patterns and understanding airspace

Theory sessions will cover topics such as meteorology, air law, and flying safely under Visual Flight Rules.

Final Flights: Ready for the World

By the end of PG2, you’ll be flying confidently in a range of conditions, logging flight hours, and making sound decisions as a self-reliant pilot. With your new PG2 rating you can legally fly in most countries in the world. Most pilots join the local club, meet other experienced pilots and fly with and learn from them. Trips up the hill or to other sites are organised through Whatsapp. Many pilots go on to explore new sites, travel internationally, or simply enjoy the strong local flying community around Nelson. There is amazing cross country, hike n fly and soaring to be had once you have graduated.

Nelson Bays Paragliding School

“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return – Leonardo da Vinci”. The instructors at Nelson Bays Paragliding know the meaning of this Leonardo da Vinci quote and live it every day, we love flying and paragliding is our our obsession. Try an introductory tandem flight or a solo introduction course with Hamish or Steve, then progress on to New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association PG1 and PG2 ratings. Call Hamish on 022 627 0509 to make a booking. Check out Nelson Bays Paragliding for more information.

Nelson Paragliding School

Nelson Paragliding School was established in 1993 and is one of New Zealand’s longest running paragliding schools. Stew Karstens is one of Nelson’s top pilots with multiple cross country records. The school offers introduction days and training for PG1 and PG2 solo pilot ratings. They also provide tandem flights with NZHGPA licenced instructors – perfect if you want to experience the thrill of free flight, or if you’re considering learning to fly yourself. Visit their website for more information.