Nelson Lakes Gliding Club
The club operates out of Lake Station Airfield 10 minutes west of St Arnaud township. We are the only gliding club in the Nelson/Marlborough Region. We fly our fleet of private and club gliders one day most weekends (weather permitting), plus other days and camps in the warmer months. We provide trial flights and instruction for people interested in learning to fly gliders. We are not able to offer scenic flights. Gliding is one of the most accessible, affordable and rewarding forms of flying. It is also one of the most demanding and challenging adventure sports. While many dream of soaring, many will never take the step from having a trial flight to taking it up as a sport as it is not easy. It takes time to learn, takes courage and persistence but it is a learning path that's stacked with great milestones. Gliding blows you away time and time again. It's the beauty, the skill, the views, the freedom, the sense of achievement, camaraderie, being in-tune with nature and the adventure in every flight. Come and do what only a few dare! To get started, you can purchase a 3-flight Intropack for $200. We've found that most people need at least 2-3 flights to really understand the sport and decide if gliding is for them. Our trial flights are held between 10 am and 1 pm on our flying days. Flights after 1 pm depend on aircraft availability, as they may be in use by our club members. Since we are a small club with limited resources, after 1 pm, we focus on training our students. However, we always love introducing enthusiastic individuals to our sport. Please note that we do not accept walk-in purchases. You need to contact us first and buy an Intropack in advance. Keep in mind that there may be a waiting period. To purchase your instructional Intropack or for more information please contact the club. Email: info@glidingnelson.co.nz Email us to purchase our 3 flight instructional intropacks or to enquire about pre-solo training courses.
What to Expect at Nelson Lakes Gliding Club
At Nelson Lakes Gliding Club, established in 1960, members cherish the pure exhilaration of unpowered flight in one of New Zealand's most rewarding adventure sports. This welcoming club captures the essence of gliding as an accessible and affordable pursuit that demands skill, courage, and persistence. What draws people in is the repeated wonder of each flight—the breathtaking beauty, masterful techniques, panoramic views, sense of freedom, deep camaraderie, harmony with nature, and the adventure that unfolds every time. We operate a fleet of private and club gliders, flying one day most weekends (weather permitting), plus additional days and camps in warmer months. Our focus is on trial flights and instruction for those keen to learn, helping enthusiasts progress from introductory experiences to embracing gliding as a lifelong sport. While many dream of soaring, we guide committed individuals through a path stacked with rewarding milestones, proving it's a challenge worth pursuing.
Where to Find Us
Nestled in the heart of the Tasman region, Nelson Lakes Gliding Club serves as a cherished local hub for gliding enthusiasts in Howard, Tasman. We operate out of Lake Station Airfield, just 10 minutes west of St Arnaud township, making it an ideal gathering place for those in the Nelson/Marlborough area seeking the unique thrill of glider flights. As the sole gliding club in this vibrant region, our location offers a perfect launchpad for exploring the skies amid New Zealand's stunning landscapes. Trial flights run between 10 am and 1 pm on flying days, with opportunities after 1 pm depending on aircraft availability—though as a small club with limited resources, we prioritise training our students post-lunch. We're open to all passionate newcomers, but note we don't accept walk-ins; contact us in advance to purchase a 3-flight instructional Intropack for $200 or enquire about pre-solo training courses. Email info@glidingnelson.co.nz to get started and discover why gliding remains a demanding yet deeply satisfying pursuit right here in Tasman.
Contact Info
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