Man has always dreamed of the freedom of flight...
Watching the gulls and the hawks, have you wondered as they glide and turn...silently, gracefully...how they do it and why?

Imagine yourself soaring around the sky in company with a hawk. There is no feeling like it...you feel so free, so peaceful and quiet. The only sound is the whispering wind over the glider and the view is spectacular.

Now, suddenly you will understand why they fly and why we do it again and again.

These competition pilots are at the apex of the sport

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On this website you will find all you need to know about the Taupo Gliding Club...

This website is for:

• Members of the club - membership, newsletters, events, photo gallery and links to the weather and other websites.
  

• The public may be interested in learning how to fly. - Find out about the club, introductory flights, membership and photo gallery.
  

• Visitung Pilots coming to Taupo or planning on visiting Taupo - about the Club, gliding in the Taupo region and photo gallery.
  

• Glider Pilots from all around New Zealand and the world - about the club and photo gallery.

What is gliding?

If you like flying you will LOVE gliding. There is no other activity like it. From the age of 16 to the age of 106 -gliding is an inspirational sport that can be enjoyed at all levels.

At club level, to aerobatics, to international racing competitions -the sky is yours.

Gliders fly using the same air currents that birds use to fly. The aerodynamic efficiency of a well designed glider enables speeds of up to 170 mph. and heights up to 40,000 feet.

You can strive to achieve records or enjoy gliding as a casual hobby, and a way of meeting new people. It can be an inexpensive way to get airborne and take in the birds eye view and discover a different perspective of the earth and the sky.

Of course it is also the most silent and graceful way of flying since there is no engine noise. You are using nature and nature alone to stay up there.

Is it safe?

Yes, it is very safe. Gliders have normal aircraft controls. They are easier to fly than most aircraft and can safely fly at lower speeds. The gliders are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of New Zealand. Gliding is an exhilarating sport that uses the lift sources of nature. The pleasure and the challenge appeal to people of all ages.