Bush Pilot Fly In: Mesopotamia Station

VATNZ invites pilots to leave the usual routes behind and explore the wild side of New Zealand aviation with a bush fly-in adventure to Mesopotamia Station.

Depart Christchurch and trade highways for river valleys, radar vectors for mountain navigation, and terminal gates for a remote grass strip hidden beneath the Southern Alps.

Bring your Cub, Cessna, Maule, Kodiak, or helicopter and discover why backcountry flying is one of New Zealand’s greatest aviation traditions.

Departure

Christchurch International Airport (NZCH)

Pilots depart Christchurch and head inland towards the Canterbury foothills.

Leg 1: Canterbury Plains to Rakaia Gorge

Suggested routing:

• Christchurch
• Rolleston
• Rakaia River
• Rakaia Gorge

Pilots transition from the flat Canterbury Plains into the foothills of the Southern Alps.

Leg 2: Into the Backcountry

Suggested routing:

• Rakaia Gorge
• Lake Coleridge area
• Harper River
• Rangitata River Valley

Pilots should follow natural terrain features where practical, using rivers and valleys as navigation aids.

Leg 3: Mesopotamia Valley Arrival

Suggested routing:

• Lake Heron
• Lake Clearwater
• Mesopotamia Airfield

The final approach will require pilots to assess terrain, wind conditions, and runway suitability before landing.

Event Rules

Pilots must select aircraft appropriate for the route and destination.

Aircraft should:

• Be capable of VFR operations
• Be suitable for bush/backcountry flying
• Be able to safely operate from a grass airfield

Large commercial aircraft and aircraft unsuitable for short-field operations are not permitted.


Mesopotamia Arrival Procedure

Due to the remote nature of Mesopotamia, pilots shall make a standard overhead joining procedure.
Standard Overhead Joining Procedure

Pilots shall monitor and broadcast on the advisory frequency 122.8 during event.