Hang gliders will take to the skies above Murchison this weekend as pilots gather for the national championship.
The 48th New Zealand Hang Gliding Open Championship 2026 runs from 7-14 February, with Murchison serving as its base for flights over the surrounding mountainous country.
Mt Murchison is the main site for the nationals, thanks to its central location between the west and east coasts, and its 360 degrees take-off options for pilots.
Co-organiser Tom Mulder says about 36 registered pilots will be competing and everyone is “pretty excited” to get back to Murchison and take flight.
“The Murchison area provides for some pretty special terrain to fly over, the views are breathtaking and the climate is relatively protected from the coastal sea breezes,” Tom says.
“As the sport is very sensitive to weather, we’ve found year on year that Murchison is very consistent at producing flyable conditions.”
Murchison also has its own appeal off the mountain.
“We also love hanging out in town visiting the local establishments as the locals are very welcoming,” he enthuses.
