Hi there!

I am a freestyle buggier and PKSF Instructor from the UK. I do a bit of land boarding and hope to learn snow kiting, kite surfing and paragliding this year. I am coming to NZ in August 2006 for at least 6 months. I intend to snow kite and snow board for while in the South Island and then travel round NZ before finding somewhere to settle for work for at least a few months…

Just wondered if you guys could help out with a few things:

Where is the best place for snow kiting and snow boarding (I am flying to Christchurch end of July) in the south?

Where would be the best all-round place for paragliding, land boarding and kite surfing? I’m thinking Nelson looks good?

Is there a big freestyle buggy scene in NZ (and if so, where)? Maybe more so now Rob Hills has spent some time over there!

Also for work I am a New Media (Web and Flash) Developer, but was hoping to work for a kite school or shop, hopefully using my Instructor qualification to teach buggying/boarding – anyone know any good places to try – preferably near Nelson - if that is the best place for boarding/paragliding/kite surfing?

Any big kite festivals or clubs I should look out for?

Cheers! Hope to see some of you on the beach!

Jay

During the first 4 months probably best to leave the paraglider in it's bag and just use the kitesurfing gear as there is normally more wind than you can shake a baby at. Sep - Dec it's pumping everywhere in NZ that faces west.

Jay

Don't count out Christchurch as a good base of operations for your time in the South Island. I'll send you a PM...

hi jay

www.snow.co.nz/

this is a great site for info on ski fields in nz.


not many ppl snowkite here yet, i think wanaka would be the best place to set youself up for this but remember the season finnishes the mid/end of october.


conrad

Cheers for the info Guys!

Flying into Christchurch end of July - hoefully see some of you about!

Anyone brought a snowbaord bag from the UK on BA/Quantas flights?