Some mountain experience from NZ

Colin Gibson

Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2004
Messages
192
Location
Nelson New Zealand
Aircraft
Sparrow Hawk ZK RCU
Total Flight Time
142.6
The local aeroclub traditionally has a winter gathering at Nelson Lakes. This year I was privileged to be able to fly up there for the day. Usually takes an hour to Lake Station airfield but with the head wind on the day it took an hour an a half with 21kts ground speed. Slow going.
Here are a few pictures I snapped along the way there.
The snow topped range is the St Arnard range with Lake Rotoiti beneath.
3rd pic is a small historic settlement called Top House.
 

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1/ Closer to St Arnard range
2/ Lake Rotoiti
3/After I refueled I went down the Wairou Vly
4/Flew into Branch Vly
 

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1/Leitham farm buildings.
2/Leitham Vly and Air strip I was looking.
3/On way back looking south into the Rainbow vly.
4/Looking from Rainbow vly towards the lake.
 

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Last edited:
I found where the lift was and went up at 1000ft/min.
1/Closer look at St Arnard range
2/
3/
4/ Lake Rotoiti from 5500ft
 

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Last three pics are desendin towards the airfield. I fueled up and headed for home with 81kts ground speed most of the way.
Landed at Nelson into 15kt head wind. Perfect day.
 

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Colin

Beautiful shots. Looks like they could be in Colorado. How high are the peaks? The valleys? What altitude do you climb to on this trip? Did you get any ridge lift in the strong winds, or were they aligned down the valley?

Thanks for posting.

Mark
 
Awesome shots Colin. Beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing :) What king of temps do you have at those altitudes?
 
Beautiful! What we call mountains around here are mere anthills by comparison.
 
Colin

Beautiful shots. Looks like they could be in Colorado. How high are the peaks? The valleys? What altitude do you climb to on this trip? Did you get any ridge lift in the strong winds, or were they aligned down the valley?

Thanks for posting.

Mark

New Zealand scenery varys quite a lot from one area to another. This area of Marlborough is dryer and mountains higher as in alpine country. The lift I got was away from the western side of the hill a little. I found at one point being closer had me in 1000ft/min sink but turning away a little took me up 1000ft/min and once I had more altitude could move back closer. Didn't go over the ridge line as I didn't feel ready to do that.
Outside temps were 3deg.
Not to cold in a Sparrow Hawk.
Cheers guys.
Colin
 
Yes, the variation between beautiful, petite, stunning, awesome and back again is breathtaking. And that is even without moving.
I loved skiing in the mountains behind Christchurch and looking down all the way to the sea, knowing there are nice, short-sleave-temperatures down there. While looking down in awe the Keas happily removed our windscreen wipers and seal :D . But they are like toddlers or puppies, you just can't be angry with them.

Kai.
 
Looking down on Christchurch will have a different look now with earthquake cracks all over the place.
No loss of life, isn't that a blessing.
Colin
 
Stunning shots! Beautiful place to fly!
 
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