Airshow Travel

Three Spectacular Airshows

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Hello all,

It seems we may have some light at the end of the COVID tunnel (and it not being a train coming the other way!) in regards to freedom of travel. We’ve got 3 spectacular airshows to showcase, including an escorted group tour to the Australian International airshow in Avalon.

  • Warbirds Over Wanaka 2022
    After being forced to cancel in 2020, organisers are determined to deliver a stunning Airshow at Easter 2022. The Royal New Zealand Air Force has confirmed it will be at Wanaka in force to celebrate its 85th Anniversary.
  • Australian International Airshow, 100yr Centenary 2021
    Join me on an escorted group-led tour taking in the centenary celebration. Expect to see a large variety of other nation’s military attendance as well to help the R.A.A.F celebrate. This is one airshow you don’t want to miss!
  • Yealands Classic Fighters 2021 (new dates)
    What better way to celebrate Father’s Day? All the show’s air and ground mock battle sequences are simply outstanding and get better every year! 2015 saw a scale V-1 “buzz bomb” flying around the field with Spitfires chasing it until it was destroyed in a ball of flames.

Warbirds Over Wanaka: 15, 16, 17th April 2022

Three days of high-octane aviation excitement at Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow over Easter weekend at Wanaka Airport, New Zealand. The scenery this show is set in is spectacular! Renowned for its stunning mountains, lakes and wilderness, this natural amphitheatre provides a stunning backdrop for the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.

Famous for attracting a wide variety of privately owned warbird aircraft along with their modern-day counterparts from the likes of the RNZAF, RAAF (F-111s, F-18s & Hawks etc), USAF (B-52, F-16s, C-17 Globemaster) and French Air Force. The Royal New Zealand Air Force has confirmed it will be at Wanaka in force to celebrate its 85th Anniversary. Warbirds Over Wanaka has an enviable record of attracting other air forces such as the RAAF, USAF and French Air Force and they’re expected to be back to help celebrate the RNZAF’s 85th. Airshow organisers also confirm that a rare German-based Polikarpov I-16 will be at the airshow along with the return of Jet Racing which lit up the skies in 2014, with five jets racing metres apart around an aerial racetrack. In total more than 100 aircraft will be on display, from Spitfires and Mustangs, to the polished Harvard and Yak display teams. All the aerial action will be backed up by stunning pyrotechnics, set against a backdrop of the majestic Southern Alps

We have access to dozens of motels and resorts in the Wanaka and Queenstown area according to budget. We can also easily add on domestic and international flights from your home city as well.

A few options are highlighted below, but please contact us for a quote – we can tailor a part or full package to your needs.

Queenstown Packages
Package includes: Queenstown airport pick up/drop off and 5-day car rental, 4 nights City View studio apartment 4-star accommodation in central Queenstown and a 3-day GOLD pass to the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.

Gold Pass packages start from $1,109 per person
Silver Pass packages start from $979 per person
General Admission packages start from $889 per person.

Upgrade to a Lake View with balcony studio room for an extra $55 per person!

Have a group or family?
Two bedroom lake View Apartment Packages

Package includes: Queenstown airport pick up/drop off and 5-day car rental, 2-bedroom lake view apartment 4 star accommodation in central Queenstown and a 3-day GOLD Pass to the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.

Gold Pass packages start from $939 per person
Silver Pass packages start from $819 per person
General Admission packages start from $719 per person

Wanaka Packages
Package includes: Queenstown airport pick up/drop off and 5-day car rental, 4 nights accommodation in Wanaka and a 3-day GOLD pass to the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.

Gold Pass packages start from $1,355 per person
Silver Pass packages start from $1,239 per person
General Admission packages start from $1,149 per person.
[above is a guide only, based on twin share, King bed]


Australian International Airshow, 100yr Centenary
26, 27, 28 November 2021

The skies above Avalon are set to erupt when the Australian International Airshow returns – with the Centenary of The Royal Australian Air Force! It’s going to be a huge weekend of high octane excitement and fun for the whole family. This once-in-a-lifetime event will bring together the largest variety of RAAF assets ever assembled at Avalon, including historical and modern aircraft spanning the 100 years of the Royal Australian Air Force. They’ll be joined by a cavalcade of civil aircraft including historic barnstormers, WWI, WWII, breath-taking aerobatics and the latest military jet power from nations around the globe.

Departing New Zealand on the Thursday 25th Nov and spending 4 nights in a 4-star central city hotel in Melbourne, we’ll be visiting the historic R.A.A.F. museum at Point Cook and also taking in the 3-day airshow which includes the Friday evening fireworks and two main show days Saturday/Sunday and then heading home Monday.

Based at Avalon in Melbourne, the event showcases the latest military jet fighters, bombers and attack helicopters, vintage warbirds, military re-enactment mock battle displays and barnstorming aerobatic displays. On the ground also features modern, historic and classic aircraft from throughout the ages and the Aerospace and Defence Expo displaying the latest products and inventions from the world’s leading aviation, aerospace and defence companies. It is by far the largest, most comprehensive event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and will bring together aviation and aerospace professionals, key defence personnel, aviation enthusiasts and members of the general public.

Package includes: return economy class flights ex Auckland to Melbourne (incl. meals, drinks, movies and baggage), one way airport to hotel transfer, 4 nights hotel accommodation, one way private transfer from hotel to the R.A.A.F. Museum at Point Cook, entry into the museum, (working on a guide now), private transfer from museum to the Avalon airshow then home again Friday evening, (Ticket options and pricing TBA when released in May), 2 days return train tickets from Melbourne CBD to the airshow (Sat/Sun) & departure hotel to airport transfer.

Packages start from $1,699 per person (twin share). Single room please add $550.

For packages with additional domestic flights or different international flights, please contact me for a quote.


Yealands Classic Fighters 2021
3, 4, 5 September (new dates)

2021 will be their 20th Anniversary so, to mark this occasion, they will draw on the best of the best of Classic Fighters to bring you an unforgettable Easter weekend of spectacular entertainment!

The show takes place on Easter Weekend at Omaka Airfield, Blenheim, New Zealand - amongst some gorgeous scenery of the Wither Hills and surrounding numerous vineyards. Set against the majestic Wither Hills in the Marlborough region, the Classic Fighters airshow prides itself on the creative imagination of theatrical scenes as well as a vast array of aircraft from all eras.

From WWI vintage aircraft, WWII heavy metal fighters and light bombers, post war, civil and military hardware from the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force - the static and ground displays are not to be missed - including the Friday evening displays and night fireworks display!

Omaka is also home to the internationally renowned Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. The centre has world class displays with their jewel entitled Knights of the Sky – a dedicated tribute to the Great War in the air, displaying over 20 WWI aircraft in a wonderful environment along with their “Dangerous Skies” WWII exhibition. Also on display will be the much talked about John Smith’s “barn find”. A WWII Mosquito, Tiger Moth and P-40 Kittyhawk. I know the team down there have been tirelessly restoring both of these amazing machines! These are a must-see!

 Accommodation – booking out FAST- be quick!
Accommodation ranges from quaint B&B’s (Bed & Breakfasts), motels, hotels and resort lodges ... so whatever your budget we have something for you. We can tailor complete or just part packages to suit – international or domestic flights, rental car, accommodation and entry passes to the airshow.
As a guide:

Packages include: Blenheim Airport rental car pick up/drop off and 4 days hire, 3 nights (Thu-Mon) accommodation.

Twin Share Packages start from:
$549 per person (3 star - Raymar)
$669 per person (4 star - Chateau Marlborough)
Domestic flights to be added from any airport - just let us know where ...

Ticket options: 3 day GA pass $180 / 3 day Gold Pass $425.
Children and student prices also available!

We still have a very few spots left on the DC3 Dakota Package!

Packages include: return flights from Ardmore to Omaka/Blenheim in a DC3 Dakota, return airport to hotel transfers, 4 nights accommodation and transfers to the show each day.

Twin Share Packages start from:
$1,099 per person (3 star Aorangi Motel)
$1,349 per person (4 star Chateau Marlborough)
$1,679 per person (4 star Vintners Retreat)

Ticket options: 3 day GA pass $180 / 3 day Gold Pass $425.
Children and student prices also available!

Treat dad to an amazing Father's Day gift!

Warbird Flights
During the weekend you’ll also have the opportunity to take a ride in many warbirds … imagine yourself in the passenger seat of a P-51 Mustang, a P-40 Kittyhawk, a Yak-3 (Full Noise), or a cruisey ride in the DC-3 Dakota or Avro Anson. Click on the below links for more info:

DC3 Dakota Joy rides
Adults are $100, kids 3-15 $80, family discounts also.
www.flydc3.nz/tour/daily-classic-fighters-airshow-tour-2021-scenic-flight

Avro Anson Joy rides
Adults $990
www.avroanson.com

Yak-3 “Full Noise” Joy Rides

Stearman Joy Rides
Adults are $380 for TWO people for 20mins.
www.omaka.org.nz

Warbirds Adventure Flights

Now…. Still haven’t booked? And want to go? Contact us FAST and we can get you to this incredible event!

Accommodation – booking out FAST- be quick!
Accommodation ranges from quaint B&B’s (Bed & Breakfasts), motels, hotels and resort lodges ... so whatever your budget we have something for you. We can tailor complete or just part packages to suit – international or domestic flights, rental car, accommodation and entry passes to the airshow.

As a guide:

We have ONLY A FEW packages left ... accommodation availability is disappearing FAST!

Packages include: Blenheim Airport rental car pick up/drop off and 4 days hire, 3 nights (Thu-Mon) accommodation.

Twin Share Packages start from:
$549 per person (3 star - Raymar)
$669 per person (4 star - Chateau Marlborough)
Domestic flights to be added from any airport - just let us know where ...

Ticket options: 3 day GA pass $180 / 3 day Gold Pass $425
Children and student prices also available!

For more info and pictures, please click on https://www.airshowtravel.co.nz/new-zealand/yealands-classic-fighters-omaka/

While every attempt is made to display these aforementioned magnificent aircraft (either static or flying) it is of course subject to confirmation closer to the time and dare I mention the bloody COVID19 drama. As you can imagine there are a number of factors which affect the attendance of specific aircraft. Thanks to Gavin Conroy, Geoff Soper and Andreas Zeitler for images.

We have other airshow events on around the world in 2020 and 2021 already. Keep an eye on our web site www.airshowtravel.co.nz for updates and also if you’re on social media we have lots of pictures and stories uploaded regularly - Instagram and Facebook.

Cheers

Pete.

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(+64) 09 831 0535 • Mob: (+64) 027 609 4816
18 Westgate Drive, Massey, Auckland, New Zealand
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