Locations in Canterbury

 

Keep safe with the Windsports RESPONSIBILITY Code

 

Christchurch Estuary: Area Specific Kite Guidelines

 

Windsurf Area, Humphreys Drive (NE wind).

Kite launch area is at the north end of the windsurf area car park. If you're learning and can't ride upwind, then launch at Sandy Point to give yourself a good downwind safety margin, and please don't venture beyond the blue buoy to avoid clashes with windsurfers and yachties.

Estuary kite & windsurf area

 

Christchurch Beaches: Area Specific Kite Guidelines

 

South Brighton (N to NE wind).

Landboarders and buggies, designated area is south of the surf club to the mouth of the estuary. Water based riders can rig up at the Bellamy Street carpark, then launch and move offshore as soon as possible.

 

North Beach (N to NE wind).

Rig up north of the surf club buildings - launch and move offshore as soon as possible.

 

Sumner/Estuary Mouth (NE to NW wind).

Watch out for strong tides through the channel and over the bar.

 

Waikuku (SW to SE & N to NE wind)

Waikuku is a special spot, with strong conservation values and birdlife. Please be careful out there, and if riding in the lagoon keep to the southern end and river mouth.

Butter smooth lagoon on one side, beach and waves on the other.

 

Ashworths (SW to SE & N to NE wind)

Ashworths beach access is off the main road north of Waikuku (turn east at the beach side cafe), and has foot or 4WD only vehicle access.

Wide on the wild side - wind & surf in a SW.

 

Lyttelton Harbour (NE wind) not suitable for kites.

Naval Point

Charteris Bay

 

Canterbury Lakes:

 

Lake Ellesmere, access at Lakeside Domain near Leeston (SW, NW, & NE wind).

Lakeside Domain looking east in a dying SW.

 

Lake Aviemore, (NE wind).

North shore - at Waitangi Station - covered in trees so not great for kite launching.

South shore - lone pine? west of the cliffs - reasonable access for kites.

Aviemore looking east towards Waitangi Station (flagged).

 

Lake Colleridge, Ryton Bay (NW & SE wind).

Ryton Bay - it's not always this smooth (pics taken in a SE/offshore wind).

Lake Clearwater (NW & NE wind).

Lake Clearwater is 50 km west of Mount Somers. Sailing hours 9am till 9pm. Wind can range from 10 to 50+ knots. Bring all your small sails if Norwest winds forcast.

 

Show Weekend Camp (Friday, Saturday, Sunday): There is a camping area by the lake, but NOT in the rigging/launching area past the trees/through the gate. You must BYO drinking water, food etc as the nearest shop is at Mount Somers. No dogs or motor cycles, while the use of mountain bikes is restricted on private land around the lakes. This is an alpine area so be prepared for all weather - it has been known to snow here at Show Weekend (it's also been known to be very nice). There is a hall which the CWA usually books for Friday and Saturday nights.

Camp Clearwater and launch area (it's small).

 

Remember, please give way to other beach and lake users, and keep well clear of surf clubs and patrolled areas, so we can keep using our favourite spots.

 

 

 

 

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