Home to an incredibly diverse range of landscapes from glaciated peaks to sweeps of dunes, the South Island of New Zealand is one of the most enchanting places on the globe. Geologically young, the South Island evolved due to the tectonic forces related to a process called subduction in this part of the southwest Pacific Ocean. These forces built the base of the land through volcanic eruptions and brute heaving of the earth’s crust. Chiseled, carved, and scoured by the atmosphere and the sea into their modern forms, the many facets of the South Island provide endless sights for an aerial odyssey through its myriad regions.
This journey begins at the southern extremity of the South Island, an area defined by forests, fjords, rugged coastlines, and mountains. The route then explores the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, including Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak at 12,218 feet above sea level. The flight then travels up the Tasman Sea coastline before crossing to the Pacific Coast. The trip comes to an end on the South Island’s upper reaches on the shore of the Cook Strait.
Total Legs: 9 Total Distance: 628 Total Time(125kts): 5 hours 1 minutes
Leg 1
Center Island Airstrip to Manapouri
Leg Distance: 60.92 Approximate time at 125kts: 29 minutes.
Center Island Airstrip(NZRV) to Kawakaputa Bay(POI1)
Distance: 4.89NM Bearing: 325° 2 minutes
After lifting off from Center Island Airstrip, set a course to the north-northwest, flying over the northern reaches of the Foveaux Strait. Sight and fly over Kawakaputa Bay, which features long white sand beaches.
Kawakaputa Bay(POI1) to Gemstone Beach(POI2)
Distance: 7.24NM Bearing: 299° 3 minutes
Turn into a northwest heading at Kawakaputa Bay and pass over the rolling lowlands that lie just inland of the Foveaux Strait. Begin following State Highway 99 and pass to the northeast of Pahia Hill, then sight Gemstone Beach. Gemstone beach is a small town where State Highway 99 meets the waters of Foveaux Strait. It was named due to the numerous gems found on the local beach, including includes quartz, garnet, and jasper.
Gemstone Beach(POI2) to Waiau River(POI3)
Distance: 6.68NM Bearing: 293° 3 minutes
Skirt the coastline, and State Highway 99 which skirts it, to reach the juncture of the Waiau River and the Foveaux Strait. The Waiau River is the largest river in the southwestern part of the South Island of New Zealand.
Waiau River(POI3) to Tuatapere(POI4)
Distance: 4.46NM Bearing: 10° 2 minutes
Upon reaching the Waiau River, turn into a north-northeast heading and follow its course inland to the town of Tuatapere, which owes its existence to the logging industry and a railroad that was established in the area.
Tuatapere(POI4) to Eastern Bush(POI5)
Distance: 6.56NM Bearing: 348° 3 minutes
From Tuatapere, follow State Highway 99 to the small town of Eastern Bush. For a visual reference, the town lies at the juncture of State Highway 99, the Waiau River, and two other roads: the Ohai-Clifden Highway and the Clifden-Blackmount Road.
Eastern Bush(POI5) to Monowai(POI6)
Distance: 15.39NM Bearing: 316° 7 minutes
From Eastern Bush, turn into a northwest heading and follow the course of the Waiau River to the town of Monowai, which lies to the northeast of the crescent-shaped Lake Monowai. Monowai lies at the base of a long line of beautiful peaks and fjords protected by Fiordland National Park. The park is the largest in all of New Zealand at nearly 5,000 square miles and occupies the entire southwest corner of the South Island. Monowai lies on the eastern boundary of the park.
Monowai(POI6) to Lake Rakatu(POI7)
Distance: 8.87NM Bearing: 330° 4 minutes
Follow the general course of the Waiau River, passing to the east of a small group of peaks to reach Lake Rakatu. Lake Rakatu is a tiny lake set amid rolling forest that lies to the northwest of the Waiau River and just west of a small knoll, Paddock Hill.
Lake Rakatu(POI7) to Manapouri(POI8)
Distance: 4.24NM Bearing: 346° 2 minutes
From Lake Rakatu, turn into a north-northeast course and pass just to the east of Pudding Hill, which lies just to the north of Lake Rakatu. Continue on course to the southeast shore of Lake Manapouri. Fly over the town of Manapouri, which lies at the juncture of Lake Manapouri and the Waiau River.
Manapouri(POI8) to Manapouri(NZMO)
Distance: 2.59NM Bearing: 16° 1 minutes
Follow the southeast shoreline of Lake Manapouri, line up with Te Anau Airport, and land.
Leg 2
Manapouri to Queenstown
Leg Distance: 61.72 Approximate time at 125kts: 30 minutes.
Manapouri(NZMO) to Ramparts Wetland(POI9)
Distance: 3.76NM Bearing: 67° 2 minutes
After launching from Te Anau Airport, set a course to the east. Sight the confluence of the Mararoa River and the Whitestone River. Fly over the Ramparts Wetland, which lies just to the west of the confluence of the two rivers.
Ramparts Wetland(POI9) to Mararoa River(POI10)
Distance: 6.21NM Bearing: 69° 3 minutes
Continue on an easterly heading and follow the course of the Mararoa River, passing over it where it intersects with State Highway 94.
Mararoa River(POI10) to South Mavora Lake(POI11)
Distance: 18.79NM Bearing: 15° 9 minutes
Turn to the northeast and follow the corridor of the Mararoa River, passing over Little Hill and an unnamed airstrip. Gain a visual on South Mavora Lake, which trends north-south, and pass over it.
South Mavora Lake(POI11) to North Mavora Lake(POI12)
Distance: 4.68NM Bearing: 330° 2 minutes
Continue following the midline of South Mavora Lake to reach North Mavora Lake.
North Mavora Lake(POI12) to Mount Lookup(POI13)
Distance: 4.05NM Bearing: 44° 2 minutes
From North Mavora Lake, turn to the east-northeast and pass over the Oreti River and sight Mount Lookup in the distance.
Mount Lookup(POI13) to Mt. Nicholas Station(POI14)
Distance: 9.7NM Bearing: 22° 5 minutes
Turn onto a northeast heading and gain a visual on Lake Wakatipu in the distance. Sight the Von River, which flows into Lake Wakatipu and follow its course to Mt. Nicholas Station, which lies on the shore of Lake Wakatipu.
Mt. Nicholas Station(POI14) to Lake Wakatipu(POI15)
Distance: 7.08NM Bearing: 58° 3 minutes
Continue from Mt. Nicholas Station over Lake Wakatipu. At 50 miles in length, Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s longest. It is also the country’s third largest and one of its deepest lakes.
Lake Wakatipu(POI15) to Queenstown(NZQN)
Distance: 7.45NM Bearing: 37° 4 minutes
Turn onto a northeast heading over Lake Wakatipu and pass just to the south of the city of Queenstown. Land at Queenstown Airport, which is located adjacent to the juncture of Kawarau River and Lake Wakatipu.
Leg 3
Queenstown to Neils Beach
Leg Distance: 81.76 Approximate time at 125kts: 39 minutes.
Queenstown(NZQN) to Lake Hayes(POI16)
Distance: 3.5NM Bearing: 28° 2 minutes
After launching from Queenstown Airport, follow the course of the Kawarau River, staying to its north, and pass over Lake Hayes.
Lake Hayes(POI16) to Mount Cardrona(POI17)
Distance: 9.69NM Bearing: 9° 5 minutes
Continue on a northeasterly heading from Lake Hayes. Sight Mount Cardrona in the distance and fly over its 6,352-foot-high summit, which lies just to the north of Cardrona Alpine Resort.
Mount Cardrona(POI17) to Wānaka(POI18)
Distance: 12.76NM Bearing: 18° 6 minutes
From Mount Cardrona, sight the Cardrona River and the Cardrona Valley Road (which parallels the river). Fly parallel to the road and river, staying to its north, and pass over the resort town of Wānaka, which lies at the southern end of Lake Wānaka.
Wānaka(POI18) to Black Peak(POI19)
Distance: 14.81NM Bearing: 271° 7 minutes
At Wānaka, turn onto a northwest heading and fly over the southern aspects of Lake Wānaka. Pass just to the north of a ski area and then fly over the summit of Black Peak, 7,509 feet above sea level.
Black Peak(POI19) to Mount Edward(POI20)
Distance: 12.53NM Bearing: 279° 6 minutes
Continue on a northwest heading while gaining altitude. Sight the southern limit of the Southern Alps ahead. Mount Edward, elevation 8,596 feet above sea level, rises amid a number of large glaciers, including the Marshall Glacier, the Whitbourn Glacier, and the Dart Glacier. These and other glaciers of the Southern Alps formed due to the South Island’s latitude, predominant winds, altitude of the mountains, and their proximity to the Tasman Sea. The sea provides moisture for their development and continuing nourishment, winds carry this moisture onto the slopes of these peaks, and the altitude and latitude of the mountains dictate the cold temperatures required for glacial formation and sustainment.
Mount Edward(POI20) to Arawhata River(POI21)
Distance: 12.23NM Bearing: 341° 6 minutes
Once over Mount Edward, turn onto a heading just east of due north. Pass just to the east of Mount Maoriri, which lies north of Mount Edward. Continue past the Snow White Glacier and fly over the large Mercer Glacier. Pass over a forested ridge and then sight the Arawhata River.
Arawhata River(POI21) to Lake Ellery(POI22)
Distance: 13.01NM Bearing: 343° 6 minutes
Continue north, paralleling the Arawhata River, staying to its west. Sight the small Lake Ellery and pass over its midsection. Lake Ellery lies just to the south of where the Arawhata River meets the Tasman Sea.
Lake Ellery(POI22) to Neils Beach(NZWE)
Distance: 3.23NM Bearing: 341° 2 minutes
Continue on a northerly heading and land at Neils Beach Airport, which lies just to the west of where the Arawhata River meets the Tasman Sea’s Jackson Bay.
Leg 4
Neils Beach to Glentanner
Leg Distance: 69.06 Approximate time at 125kts: 33 minutes.
Neils Beach(NZWE) to Hannah’s Clearing(POI23)
Distance: 9.17NM Bearing: 44° 4 minutes
Turn onto an east-northeast heading, skirting the shoreline of Jackson Bay to reach the small hamlet of Hannah’s Clearing.
Hannah’s Clearing(POI23) to Haast River(POI24)
Distance: 12.64NM Bearing: 66° 6 minutes
Turn onto a due east heading and sight the small Lake Douglas in the distance. Fly just to the north of the lake and reach the Haast River at its confluence with the Thomas River.
Haast River(POI24) to Landsborough Valley(POI25)
Distance: 13.62NM Bearing: 74° 7 minutes
At the Haast River, turn to the east and begin following State Highway 6 and the Haast River to Landsborough Valley.
Landsborough Valley(POI25) to Mount Glenmary(POI26)
Distance: 17.98NM Bearing: 67° 9 minutes
Continue on a due east heading from Landsborough Valley and gain altitude. Sight a line of glaciated peaks that runs due east-west and fly just to their north. Fly over Lower Studholme Pass, elevation 5,676 feet above sea level. Continue gaining altitude, flying just south of an east-west line of glaciated mountains. Pass just to the south of Mount Strauchon, 7,844 feet above sea level, and gain a visual on Mount Glenmary, 8,497 feet. These peaks, which lie in the heart of the Southern Alps, are the southerly neighbors of the very highest mountains in New Zealand, those of the Aoraki / Mount Cook region, just to the northeast.
Mount Glenmary(POI26) to Dobson Valley(POI27)
Distance: 3.41NM Bearing: 63° 2 minutes
Continue on an easterly heading and sight the Dobson River, which runs through the Dobson Valley.
Dobson Valley(POI27) to Lake Pukaki(POI28)
Distance: 7.73NM Bearing: 70° 4 minutes
Continue to the east, losing altitude. Sight the western shoreline of Lake Pukaki and then fly a bit over the water for an incredible view to the north of Aoraki / Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand at 12,218 feet above sea level.
Lake Pukaki(POI28) to Glentanner(NZGT)
Distance: 4.51NM Bearing: 332° 2 minutes
Turn into a due north heading and continue to lose altitude, tracking the northwestern shore of Lake Pukaki. Land at Glentanner Aerodrome, which lies just to the west of the juncture of the Tasman River and Lake Pukaki.
Leg 5
Glentanner to Hokitika
Leg Distance: 88.99 Approximate time at 125kts: 43 minutes.
Glentanner(NZGT) to Tasman Lake(POI29)
Distance: 12.9NM Bearing: 343° 6 minutes
After lifting into the sky from Glentanner Aerodrome, begin gaining altitude and follow the course of Tasman River to Tasman Lake. Tasman Lake formed with the retreat of the Tasman Glacier, the terminus of which lies at the north end of the lake. Tasman Glacier, which originates near the summit of Aoraki / Mount Cook, is the longest glacier in New Zealand at over 14 miles.
Tasman Lake(POI29) to Minarets(POI30)
Distance: 12.01NM Bearing: 358° 6 minutes
Continue gaining altitude and enjoy the spectacular views of ridges, peaks, icefalls, hanging glaciers, crevasses, moraines, and cirques of this section of the Southern Alps. Pass to the east of Aoraki / Mount Cook and its neighbors and then pass over the Minarets, twin peaks that are, respectively, 9,970 and 9,944 feet above sea level.
Minarets(POI30) to Waiho River(POI31)
Distance: 6.59NM Bearing: 294° 3 minutes
After passing over the Minarets, which lie at the crest of the highest aspect of the Southern Alps, turn onto a northwest course and sight the lowlands and the Tasman Sea in the distance. Pass over the Geikie Snowfield and pass a number of small peaks, including the Newton Rocks and Crawford Knob. Pass by the terminus of the Franz Josef Glacier and fly over forested terrain by Mount Gunn and sight the Waiho River, which is fed by the meltwater of the Franz Josef Glacier.
Waiho River(POI31) to Lake Mapourika(POI32)
Distance: 6.74NM Bearing: 343° 3 minutes
Once over the Waiho River, turn to the north and sight Lake Mapourika in the distance.
Lake Mapourika(POI32) to Whataroa River(POI33)
Distance: 11.32NM Bearing: 34° 5 minutes
Turn to the northeast once at Lake Mapourika to sight the Whataroa River in the distance. The river, fed by meltwater of the glaciers of the Southern Alps, is renowned for its whitewater rafting and forms into a distinct braided pattern in its lower reaches on its course to the Tasman Sea. Follow the general course of State Highway 6 from Lake Mapourika to reach Whataroa River.
Whataroa River(POI33) to Lake Ianthe(POI34)
Distance: 13.12NM Bearing: 21° 6 minutes
Continue in a northeasterly course, following the corridor of State Highway 6, to reach Lake Ianthe, which lies just a few miles inland from the Tasman Sea.
Lake Ianthe(POI34) to Kakapotahi(POI35)
Distance: 6.01NM Bearing: 14° 3 minutes
Follow State Highway 6 to Kakapotahi, a popular tourist destination in this part of New Zealand.
Kakapotahi(POI35) to Mikonui River(POI36)
Distance: 4.09NM Bearing: 21° 2 minutes
Maintaining a northwest heading and following the course of State Highway 6, fly over the Mikonui River just a few miles inland of where it meets the Tasman Sea.
Mikonui River(POI36) to Lake Mahinapua(POI37)
Distance: 10.27NM Bearing: 14° 5 minutes
Skirt the coastline of the Tasman Sea to reach Lake Mahinapua.
Lake Mahinapua(POI37) to Hokitika(NZHK)
Distance: 5.94NM Bearing: 10° 3 minutes
Continue flying just inland of the coastline of the Tasman Sea and pass over the terminus of the Hokitika River, then land at Hokitika Airport.
Leg 6
Hokitika to Hanmer Springs Airport
Leg Distance: 84.52 Approximate time at 125kts: 41 minutes.
Hokitika(NZHK) to Okuku Scenic Reserve(POI38)
Distance: 11.37NM Bearing: 66° 5 minutes
After launching from Hokitika Airport, set a heading to the east. Gain a visual on Kumara Reservoir, which lies directly to the south of the larger Kapitea Reservoir. Pass just to the south of Kumara Reservoir and sight the Taramakau River. The Okuku Scenic Reserve lies adjacent the Taramakau River near where State Highway 73 passes by its banks.
Okuku Scenic Reserve(POI38) to Taramakau River(POI39)
Distance: 4.38NM Bearing: 100° 2 minutes
Turn onto a southeast heading and follow the course of the Taramakau River to a point near the village of Wainihinihi.
Taramakau River(POI39) to Stanley Gooseman Bridge(POI40)
Distance: 8.16NM Bearing: 61° 4 minutes
Continue following the course of the Taramakau River to the Stanley Gooseman Bridge.
Stanley Gooseman Bridge(POI40) to Hurunui River(POI41)
Distance: 18.38NM Bearing: 62° 9 minutes
Continue on an east-northeast course and gain a visual on Lake Sumner. Fly over the Hurunui River, which flows into Lake Sumner.
Hurunui River(POI41) to Lake Sumner(POI42)
Distance: 10.79NM Bearing: 61° 5 minutes
Continuing along the Hurunui River, pass over Lake Sumner. Lake Sumner, which is fed by the Hurunui River, was formed by the retreat of a glacier in the region during the Pleistocene epoch, which formed the Hurunui River Valley.
Lake Sumner(POI42) to Hope River(POI43)
Distance: 5.39NM Bearing: 16° 3 minutes
Once over Lake Sumner, turn to the northeast and sight Tawhai Hill. Pass over Tawhai Hill to reach the neighboring valley, through which the Hope River runs.
Hope River(POI43) to Island Hills(POI44)
Distance: 11.94NM Bearing: 55° 6 minutes
Follow the Hope River along its east-northeast course to reach Island Hills.
Island Hills(POI44) to Hanmer Springs Airport(NZHR)
Distance: 14.11NM Bearing: 57° 7 minutes
Continue on an east-northeast course, following State Highway 7. Gain a visual on the intersection of the highway with Hanmer Springs Road, which trends north-south. Hanmer Springs Airport lies just to the northeast of the intersection.
Leg 7
Hanmer Springs Airport to Cape Campbell Airstrip
Leg Distance: 85.73 Approximate time at 125kts: 41 minutes.
Hanmer Springs Airport(NZHR) to St James Range(POI45)
Distance: 5.94NM Bearing: 60° 3 minutes
Follow the course of the Hanmer River to St. James Range.
St James Range(POI45) to Lottery River(POI46)
Distance: 6.34NM Bearing: 46° 3 minutes
At St. James Range, take a northeasterly heading and gain a visual on the Lottery River in the distance, which trends northeast-southwest.
Lottery River(POI46) to Charwell River(POI47)
Distance: 13.1NM Bearing: 42° 6 minutes
From Lottery River, begin following the primary roadway in the region, Inland-Kaikoura Road, to the Charwell River at a point near where its left and right branches meet.
Charwell River(POI47) to Kahutara River(POI48)
Distance: 4.15NM Bearing: 44° 2 minutes
Continue following the Inland-Kaikoura Road to a point where it intersects with the Kahutara River.
Kahutara River(POI48) to Cribb Creek(POI49)
Distance: 2.73NM Bearing: 66° 1 minutes
Continue following the Inland-Kaikoura Road on a generally eastward course to where it makes a prominent dip to the south and then back into a northeast course. The road crosses Cribb Creek at this dip.
Cribb Creek(POI49) to Hapuku River(POI50)
Distance: 10.66NM Bearing: 46° 5 minutes
From Cribb Creek, turn into a northeast heading, passing just to the north of Rangamahoe, a small hill just to the east of Cribb Creek. Sight the Pacific Ocean in the distance, and maintain course to the Hapuku River, where it meets the ocean.
Hapuku River(POI50) to Half Moon Bay(POI51)
Distance: 5.27NM Bearing: 17° 3 minutes
Follow the coastline to the northeast to Half Moon Bay.
Half Moon Bay(POI51) to Clarence River(POI52)
Distance: 7.11NM Bearing: 22° 3 minutes
Follow the gentle arcs of the shoreline to the point where the Clarence River meets the Pacific Ocean.
Clarence River(POI52) to Kekerengu River(POI53)
Distance: 10.86NM Bearing: 356° 5 minutes
From the Clarence River, Cross over a wide bay to reach the Kekerengu River where it meets the Pacific Ocean. Beach sand along this stretch of coastline originates from rivers such as the Clarence and the Kekerengu, which carry eroded and weathered bedrock and deposit this material on the coastline.
Kekerengu River(POI53) to Waima (Ure) River(POI54)
Distance: 7.63NM Bearing: 13° 4 minutes
Continue up the Pacific coast to reach the Waima (Ure) River.
Waima (Ure) River(POI54) to Ward Beach(POI55)
Distance: 4.59NM Bearing: 20° 2 minutes
Gain a visual up ahead on Weld Cone, a small hill that lies directly on the shoreline. The Flaxbourne River flows into the Pacific Ocean just north of Weld Cone at Ward Beach.
Ward Beach(POI55) to Cape Campbell Airstrip(NZBL)
Distance: 7.35NM Bearing: 10° 4 minutes
Sight Mount Tako in the northeast distance, which lies just inland (to the southwest) of Cape Campbell. Sight Cape Campbell and the Cape Campbell Lighthouse. Follow the coast to Cape Campbell Airstrip, located just south of the Cape Campbell Lighthouse, and land.
Leg 8
Cape Campbell Airstrip to Nelson
Leg Distance: 59.12 Approximate time at 125kts: 28 minutes.
Cape Campbell Airstrip(NZBL) to Lake Grassmere / Kapara Te Hau(POI56)
Distance: 5.29NM Bearing: 266° 3 minutes
After launching from Cape Campbell Airstrip, head to the west-northwest, skirting the coast to Lake Grassmere / Kapara Te Hau, a freshwater coastal lagoon located just inland of the Cook Strait’s Clifford Bay.
Lake Grassmere / Kapara Te Hau(POI56) to Awatere River(POI57)
Distance: 7.01NM Bearing: 266° 3 minutes
Continue on a west-northwest course, heading inland. Sight the town of Seddon and then pass just to its southwest over the Awatere River. The Awatere River is notable as it was formed by, and follows the trace of, the Awatere Fault, one of the many geologic features indicative of New Zealand’s active seismicity.
Awatere River(POI57) to Waihopai Valley(POI58)
Distance: 13.19NM Bearing: 272° 6 minutes
Maintaining course, sight the Waihopai River, which runs north-south and connects with the much larger Wairu River. Continue on course and fly over Waihopai Valley, through which the Waihopai River runs. The valley is notable for its many vineyards and as a tourist destination. It is also notable as the location of multiple components of a large international signals intelligence (SIGINT) collections system called ECHELON. Operated by the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, ECHELON and the facilities in the Waihopai Valley trace their roots to World War II.
Waihopai Valley(POI58) to Mount Richmond(POI59)
Distance: 17.14NM Bearing: 268° 8 minutes
Continue on a west-northwesterly course and pass over the Wairau River. Gain a visual on a group of mountains in the distance, all of which lie in the Mount Richmond Forest Park, one of the largest parks in this part of the South Island. Sight the highest peak, Mount Richmond (5,774 feet above sea level), and pass over its summit.
Mount Richmond(POI59) to Richmond(POI60)
Distance: 12.77NM Bearing: 284° 6 minutes
Gain a visual on the Tasman Bay and locate Richmond at its southernmost extremity.
Richmond(POI60) to Nelson(NZNS)
Distance: 3.72NM Bearing: 16° 2 minutes
Turn into a northeast heading and fly out over the Waimea Inlet, skirting the eastern edge of the inlet. Sight Nelson Airport and land.
Leg 9
Nelson to Takaka
Leg Distance: 36.4 Approximate time at 125kts: 17 minutes.
Nelson(NZNS) to Moturoa / Rabbit Island(POI61)
Distance: 2.41NM Bearing: 281° 1 minutes
Lift off from Nelson Airport and set a west-northwest heading and cross the Waimea Inlet to reach Moturoa / Rabbit Island.
Moturoa / Rabbit Island(POI61) to Ruby Bay(POI62)
Distance: 4.65NM Bearing: 278° 2 minutes
Continue along the shoreline of the southern Tasman Bay to reach the town of Ruby Bay. Ruby Bay was named due to the abundance of red chert in the nearby beach, which is a form of sedimentary rock with high levels of iron, giving it a red, or “ruby” color.
Ruby Bay(POI62) to Port Motueka(POI63)
Distance: 6.64NM Bearing: 311° 3 minutes
Turn into a northwest heading, following the coastline past the village of Tasman and then pass over Jackett Island, a low, forested strip of land. Continue to Port Motueka, a small town that lies on the coast at the mouth of the Motueka River.
Port Motueka(POI63) to Takaka Hill(POI64)
Distance: 9.1NM Bearing: 298° 4 minutes
Continue on a northwest course, heading inland, and sight the upper reaches of the Riuwaka River and follow its course to its head. Sight Takaka Hill where State Highway 60 (Takaka Hill Highway) intersects with Canaan Road.
Takaka Hill(POI64) to Takaka City(POI65)
Distance: 11.01NM Bearing: 316° 5 minutes
From Takaka Hill, sight Golden Bay / Mohua in the distance, which is an arm of the Tasman Sea. Takaka City lies just inland of the southern extremity of Golden Bay / Mohua.
Takaka City(POI65) to Takaka(NZTK)
Distance: 2.59NM Bearing: 304° 1 minutes
From Takaka City, follow the Takaka-Collingwood Highway to Takaka Aerodrome and land, bringing this tour of the South Island of New Zealand to a close.
