Slope Soaring

OK, so this will probably provoke a little hilarity amongst you flat-land dwellers but I have to ask......(and anyway spreading a little hilarity is no bad thing right?)

Contemplating a move to UT later this year. Have visited (briefly) on two previous occasions. I am resigned to being no longer able to pursue my interest in gliding/soaring but have wondered whether there may be a site, albeit some distance from UT, where i may be able to continue my interest on a much smaller but just as rewarding scale. I have recently enjoyed constructing and flying "foamie" slope-soaring models here in the South Island of NZ where we have no shortage of wind or the appropriate topography! From my brief association with UT and its environs i am guessing that continuing with this interest may prove to be problematic Thermal soarers or the self launching variety may be the way I must go if I am to pursue this hobby at all. But just in case and in the hope that I am wrong, is anybody aware of a site within 2 hours of UT where such conditions (accessible ridge facing prevailing wind, minimal obstructions) might be found?

Also, any other members with similar interests????

no and no, but Nongbualamphu is a hill range 30 mins out of city

Thanks for that Maaka - and Gidday Many Kiwis here?