Cancelled – AOPA NZ – Tairāwhiti Tipi Haere – Ruatoria Fly-in 17th – 19th November

Due to the weather forecast 17th – 19th November we have CANCELLED this Fly-in.

We hope to have news of a replacement Fly-in possibly combining with other North Island destinations for early next year. Stay Tuned !!

PLEASE Note: As at 12/11/23 : 20.00 the Turangi X-mas Lunch for Sunday 19th is still on.

Friday 17th afternoon arrival and Departing in the morning Sunday 19th. Open to AOPA NZ members AND non members.

Come and join us at wonderful Ruatoria for some local hospitality and fun. Altenative activities on Saturday for those not wishing to go flying.

Here is a summary of what AOPANZ members and non-member atendees can expect at the AOPANZ Tairāwhiti Tipi Haere Fly In

Nau mai haere mai, we hope you can join us at Ruatoria for AOPANZ’s Tairāwhiti Tipi Haere Fly In set down later this month.

Tipi Haere means to roam and is used by the Ngāti Porou soldiers after their soldiers became known for exploring new places after WWII.

Ruatoria aerodrome is one of the most eastern in the country. This weekend promises our members a unique cultural experience, offers some challenging flying and connecting with AOPANZ whanau in the heart of Ngāti Porou country.  

The programme includes high tea at the iconic Puketiti Station, a large sheep and beef operation south of Ruatoria, staying at a local Marae with the best kai on offer and entertainment by AOPA’s Got Talent.

Our hosts are an enthusiastic group of seasoned ag flyers, proud locals, eco warriors and kaumatua in aviation paradise (no ATC, landing fees and big landscapes).  

Come and enjoy Hikurangi Maunga (first to see the sun in the Southern Hemisphere), the manaakitanga of the Ngāti Porou people and what promises to be a very special and unique experience.

Paul and Sarah Grayson will make a 90 sec video on what to expect around Marae protocol etc, they are both AOPANZ members and will offer people who aren’t familiar with Māori culture some good guidance, comfortably.  

We are inviting people who are not AOPANZ members to join us. Depending if you are a member or not please register via one of the two links below.

Also, many people who are coming to Ruatoria are also coming to our Xmas lunch at Turangi. See more here

For further information contact

  • Mahanga Maru – 021 220 0737
  • Chris Hoffman – 027 563 4016
  • Ian Sinclair – 0274324150