Kerikeri to Waiheke then Omaka.
Stunning scenic cruising at 1500 ft went slightly north to check out the bay of islands, slight detour to see the hole in the rock, then tracked south along the coast.
Encountered a heap of traffic around the north shore, with traffic warnings going off everywhere. While there is a route that you can take to do a scenic of Auckland, we went out over the bay to keep things simple.
Landing at Waiheke was a challenge. 600m with a 2% downward slope and some challenging noise reduction restrictions that mean that we hit the landing at a 45 degree angle, which reduces the usable runway as it takes some airspace to straighten up. We did two go arounds (causing more noise in the process). There is an honesty box with envelopes to leave the landing fee and landing info. We were there to visit family and we were treated to a delicious lunch in town. You would need to arrange a taxi or similar if you were visit on your own.
Following lunch we continued on south, this time punching up to 10,000 ft on visual and dodging clouds along the way. We didn’t need to upgrade but it was nice to know we had the choice.
Crossing to the South Island we had our life vests at hand, but at 10,000 gliding room home. There was a lot of cloud (with Rupert and I discussing the finer nuances of the term “scattered cloud”) but we still got a good look of Marlborough sounds along the way.
Approaching via the coast, with a fair amount of forced turbulence from the mountain range, coming into Blenheim we could see Omaka airstrip on the left. We were regretting not planning to land at Omaka but it was the best call. There were supplementary procedures in place which meant that non-show operations were restricted to before 9 and after 4, and we didn’t think that smart with dodgy weather on the horizon.
Landing at Blenheim was non-eventful, but the forced turbulence from the wind and the imposing peaks gave me my first sense of how challenging flying the South Island would be.
Once on the ground were lucky enough to be cared for once again by NZ’s lovely hospitality, meeting a local couple in the terminal who offered to drive us into town. It led to my new motto for the trip – plan 90% and the remaining 10% will fall into place.
A lovely dinner at a local gastro pub that seems more fancy than expected for a country town, and staying at the modest Bings Inn, we crashed early. After two days of travel and excitement we were done! Ready for the next phase of the adventure.
Omaka
Visiting the air show was a rare treat. As part of our adventure planning for Australia based flyabout, I had reached out to Jenny Houghton, and I was aware that she was going to be at Omaka. So we connected on the Sunday of the air show and we were tested like VIPs. Jenny is a special one. A champion of flying and women and full of cheeky kindness and generosity. I couldn’t have been made to feel more welcome. Unfortunate the weather turned and the majority of the program was cancelled, but it didn’t matter. We were surrounded by people who had deep respect, love and passion for all things aviation! And so many pioneering women! I feel like we made a dozen friends and started many stories of long friendship and adventure. It even started to tickle my fancy for learning to fly myself!!
The show only happens every two years but Omaka is still worth the visit. The museum has some connection with Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings game, and the set up and planes are breathtaking. Amazing to see and curated with love and resources! The WWII exhibit was closed but WWI was reason enough.
Flyabout Australia 