Waitangi Airstrip

[zkdex]

Waitangi Airstrip was the given location for an accident or incident involving Cessna 180 ZK-BUG in 1977, at that time owned by Far North Aviation Ltd. I'm trying to pinpoint the actual location of this airstrip, which may have been just West of Haruru Falls, Bay of Islands. Can anyone confirm this please?

[pepe]

Jan 31, 2023 3:37:44 GMT 12 zkdex said:

Waitangi Airstrip was the given location for an accident or incident involving Cessna 180 ZK-BUG in 1977, at that time owned by Far North Aviation Ltd. I'm trying to pinpoint the actual location of this airstrip, which may have been just West of Haruru Falls, Bay of Islands. Can anyone confirm this please?

This airstrip was located between the Waitangi River and State Highway 11, just west of Haruru Falls. It was utilised for many years by various users performing scenic flights, skydiving, and also, its original agricultural operations. I think Salt Air may have been one the last operators prior to their move to Kerikeri Airport. I am not sure when the airstrip closed but the expanding Haruru residential area may have been a factor.

After viewing Google Maps (satellite mode) you can still just make out the airstrip at 512 Puketona Road, Haruru running parallel to the highway.


www.google.com/maps/place/512+Puketona+Road,+Haruru+0204/@-35.2830653,174.0355272,1358m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6d0bba346ddd6075:0x31f2a3a91d2b5195!8m2!3d-35.2830333!4d174.0344208

[zkdex]

Hi Pepe,
thank you for your reply...I was looking at Google Maps and could make out what looked like an airstrip at the location you mention. It looks more than just your average topdressing airstrip so I thought this may be it. Google Maps also shows earthworks underway on the old airstrip site, and given the urban sprawl working its way up the valley from Haruru, I can see why this strip is now out of action.
One further query re the Paihia area...where is the Watea Airfield?

[FlyingKiwi]

Assuming that's the same strip that used to be referred to also as Haruru Falls airfield, it would have been in use until not that long ago, maybe 10 years? I recall it used to be depicted on the visual navigation charts as an unpublished airfield.

Edit - Actually there was (is?) an airstrip at Puhipuhi a bit further south that I might be mixing it up with.

[pepe]

Jan 31, 2023 16:24:58 GMT 12 FlyingKiwi said:

Assuming that's the same strip that used to be referred to also as Haruru Falls airfield, it would have been in use until not that long ago, maybe 10 years? I recall it used to be depicted on the visual navigation charts as an unpublished airfield.

Edit - Actually there was (is?) an airstrip at Puhipuhi a bit further south that I might be mixing it up with.

Waitangi or Haruru Falls Airfield are the same airstrip. I have flown in and out of there a couple of times in the 1990s. A wee bit wet in winter. I cannot remember when it was closed but 10-12 years ago sounds about right.

The Puhipuhi airstrip would be the Whangarei Gliding Club field at Gibbs Road, Puhipuhi. They were based there from the early 1990s until around 2015 when the farm was sold.

[pepe]

Jan 31, 2023 13:47:14 GMT 12 zkdex said:

Hi Pepe,
thank you for your reply...I was looking at Google Maps and could make out what looked like an airstrip at the location you mention. It looks more than just your average topdressing airstrip so I thought this may be it. Google Maps also shows earthworks underway on the old airstrip site, and given the urban sprawl working its way up the valley from Haruru, I can see why this strip is now out of action.
One further query re the Paihia area...where is the Watea Airfield?

I have to confess to never hearing of Watea Airfield but thanks to the magic of Mr Google...

watea.co.nz/december-22/

A new residential subdivision that just happens to be located at the eastern end of the very same airfield we have been discussing. I suggest that Waitangi/Haruru Falls/Watea airfield are again the same location.