How to Fly Queenstown to Wanaka

Something for the aspiring XC pilots out there! I've put together a selection of videos that I have collected over the last few years of flying from Coronet Peak to Wanaka, I talk about the different ways to approach it and share my experiences from trying all sorts of different routes. Hopefully everyone will have something to take away from this, some confidence for new pilots to give it their first go, visiting pilots who want the beta or old hacks that might take a new approach next time.
What I don't talk about in the video is the ideal weather conditions, that would be a light (less than 15mkh) south westerly (tailwind) on an unstable day with at least a 7500ft cloud base. Check out these helpful links that Louis has put together at kiwiparaglidin...
Hopefully this shares around the knowledge, generates some stoke and we can get more people lobbing it over the back. Make sure you are prepared, have a look at the routes you'd walk out if you don't make it, take some food/water, tell someone your plan and always take an Inreach/spot/epirb.

[@finnmillard6564]

What an awesome channel :). Best XC videos on KZbin. Your flights are great. And your commentary, knowledge and video editing are bang on. Really wish I had been into paragliding while I lived in QT... Keep up the very good work :)

[@BenjaminKellett]

Thanks so much, appreciate the kind words! 😄

[@linzcustom6856]

Thx for the Video, the graphics made it so easy to understand whats you explaining.

[@BenjaminKellett]

Sweet! Cheers!

[@simonjkh1]

Thanks Ben, great video, good learning to be had

[@timothyrussell2409]

Love the graphics

[@BenjaminKellett]

Ahh cool! Thanks!

[@richardmcdermott6745]

No footage of an actual landing in Queenstown? 🙃🙃🙃 Absolutely awesome videos and commentary almost feel like I can put these flights into my logbook! Thank you!

[@BenjaminKellett]

Great!! Thanks very much!

[@panther-xc8929]

Love your videos Ben. X-alps talks were fun 😅 hope to catch up with you boys when I visit south in a couple of months. Keep posting more awesome content 👍

[@BenjaminKellett]

Thanks mate! yeah sounds good!!

[@danielclearwater4586]

Awesome tutorial!

[@BenjaminKellett]

Thanks mate, still learning how to do this video editing lark. Need more practice at the animations.

[@bertusbredenhann7215]

This is stunning.... thanks man

[@BenjaminKellett]

No problem, hopefully this will help get some people over there!!

[@olsheehan2267]

Nice, on the to do list.

[@BenjaminKellett]

Go for it, tis the season!

[@olsheehan2267]

@@BenjaminKellett unfortunatly Jacinder is having sex with us in Auckland and my paragliding by locking us down... Ill send ya a frend request, keen on seeing your adventures:)

[@Rush2Dust]

Outstanding

[@DamianChaparro]

Epic, thanks Ben! Super helpful.

[@BenjaminKellett]

All good mate!

[@sophiesteaching5904]

Brilliant Benjamin! Paragliding is indeed an activity that requires wisdom, skills and a wide range of knowledge. I do admire paraglider’s courage and spirit of taking challenges. I am also curious about the beeping sounds. What does the beeping indicate to you? What map do you use to get familiar with the route? Thanks.

[@BenjaminKellett]

Thanks very much! The beeping is a Variometer, it has a barometer in it which measures air pressure changes. Basically it beeps when you go up, the tone and frequency varies depending on the rate of climb. This really helps us find the best lift! The maps I study mostly before I fly so I already know where to go, I use Google Earth and topographic maps together.

[@anthonysaupin5590]

Not sure I'll be able to make it but that will help for sure !

[@BenjaminKellett]

You can do it for sure mate! Just have to try!

[@Jesse_Dhue]

You make it look so easy

[@BenjaminKellett]

Haha, it’s a tricky one at the best of times. Wouldn’t recommend for first attempts at XC, plenty of easier/less committing flights to be had from TC or Roy’s.

[@cristianmadariagaqt]

Amazing :)

[@BenjaminKellett]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@peterphil9686]

Very good vlog bro

[@BenjaminKellett]

Thanks mate!

[@Mrigler1999]

fair play! haha and its that simple

[@flyingmamen]

I have to come back 😜

[@BenjaminKellett]

Do it!