A paraglider blown 1km off-course on Sunday says the wind was so strong he suffered air sickness during his ordeal.
Inspector Simon Feltham said the Picton man, who was on only his second solo flight, left Collins Hill about 1.15pm intending to land at Koromiko.
The 49-year-old was reported missing by a friend when he was about three hours overdue and the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter was called in.
The man was eventually found about 7.30pm at Robin Hood Bay, Port Underwood.
He told police he was caught in strong wind gusts and lifted about a 1000 and blown well off-course before landing in farmland.
The man said he suffered air sickness during the flight and fell asleep for some time after landing.
