Featured Activities
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps, Warbirds Over Wānaka attendees will get to see over 70 warbird aircraft from New Zealand and the around the world. These include classics like Spitfires, Kittyhawks, Mustangs, Yak-3s and Polikarpovs, as well as modern fighting aircraft like the F-18 Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Contrary to what the name suggests however, you’ll get to see more than just warbirds. Catch classic aircraft like the beautifully restored Beech Staggerwing and DH Dominie. For a change of pace, catch one of the world’s biggest gliders gracefully perform to classical music.
The aerial displays at Warbirds Over Wānaka are supported by expert commentary and a pyrotechnics team, which enhances the displays with its array of huge blasts and fireballs culminating in a massive ‘Wall of Fire’.
If you’re a tech junkie, you’ll find a home at Warbirds. The show is proud to host New Zealand’s first fully electric aircraft, as well as a robot from Christchurch Airport, one of the world’s first autonomous air taxi aircraft and a display of 3-D printing aircraft parts.
Fancy yourself a flyer? Talk to RNZAF recruiters about careers in the military or chat with the many civilian aviation industry organisations about the job opportunities which are available.
Stay for the Rides Day on Monday and tick off that ‘Bucket List’ ride in a Warbird. Rides are available in numerous aircraft ranging from an iconic WWII Fighter to the more modern and super-fast L-39 jet aircraft. If you’re feeling a little less high-octane, try a flight in the Catalina Flying Boat with a landing on Lake Wānaka, or take to the skies in a Tiger Moth.
