3–5 April 2026
Three days of high-octane aviation excitement at Warbirds Over Wanaka International 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.
If you attended the 2024 show then you’ll agree that the weekend and static and displays were simply flawless! What a huge aray of aircraft and gorgeous weather we had!
The USAF with their F-16 Fighting Falcons, KC130 Tanker, C-17 Globemaster, the RAAF was also there alongside our own RNZAF complementing the incredible line up of WW1 and WW2 heavies like the Mosquito, Anson, P-51’s, Mustang, Corsair, Yaks, Strikemasters – the list goes on!
2026 is set to be just as thrilling with more and more aircraft being announced each month… so watch this space and our social media for updates.
While the aircraft are the main focus of their event, there are a lot of other displays on the ground which have made this show so successful over the past 33 years.
The amazing pyrotechnics, the Warhorse re-enactor groups, the aircraft for sale and other exhibitors will all be back to make 2024 a truly unforgettable experience for everyone. Airshow Travel has tickets on sale already- public will be early July when they will also be able to announce their first confirmed acts.
Friday is the practice day while Saturday & Sunday are the main show days with over 100 display aircraft expected to be participating, together with mock airfield attacks supported by ground theatre and pyrotechnics. There’s something for everyone with a Kid’s Fun Zone, classic cars, food and stalls selling everything except the kitchen sink!
In 1988, aviation entrepreneur and pioneer Tim (now Sir Tim) Wallis presented an airshow and country fair that attracted 14,000 visitors to Wanaka airport. With its overwhelming success and growth over the years, the show is now a biennial event over the long Easter weekend.
As the show grew, so did its support and aircraft attendance (national and international). The show now boasts around 50,000 spectators and is claimed to be the largest warbird airshow in the Southern Hemisphere. This is one event not to be missed!
Over the years they’ve had the local and national warbirds favourites: a Hawker Hurricane, P-51 Mustangs, Spitfires, a Japanese Zero, one of the original Messerschmitt 109s from the “Battle of Britain” film, Russian Polikarpovs, Yak-3s, a Catalina, Corsair, Kittyhawks and more! Accompanying them were a range of WWI aircraft from Sopwith Camels and Pups, Bristols to Fokkers.
Along with the aircraft, organisers are also reviewing all the ground displays to ensure that 2026 presents an absolute must for everyone.
Sport aircraft, including gyrocopters, RANS, Piper Cubs, Hornets, replicas and percentage scale aircraft will be displayed on the ground along with a various range of other aircraft from all eras.
Scrumptious food and beverages are available with Central Otago delicacies and the Region’s Wine and Beer. Over 40 food stalls with a huge variety of offerings and of course the real coffees.
Hospitality tents and stalls will also be back offering a great selection of food and drinks alongside Aviation trade stands – offering everything from headsets and avionics to aviation software, Boeing navigation solutions, aviation tours and aviation safety. If you’re in aviation come and find out what’s new, where you could be adding value to your aircraft.
Since the first Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow in 1988, military vehicles have been an integral part of the airshow, forming an interactive display with the aircraft stars. In 1996 the “Warhorses at Wanaka” group was formed, covering all interests in the field of military vehicles. Now the group also involves historical re-enactments giving the military vehicles the image of the time in history to which they belonged. Re-enactment enthusiasts come from all over New Zealand with authentic uniforms and weapons to give the restored vehicles a touch of realism. Watch their mighty 25-pounder guns when they display at lunchtime on the runway. It is hoped the Warhorse display will bring back memories of the past and be a learning experience to the young generations, lucky enough to not have had the experience of war.
Our favourite re-enactors are once again displaying vehicles, armaments, uniforms, tanks, jeeps, trucks and guns from WWI and WWII. See them near the main airport gate and on the runway at lunchtime.
Ever wanted to experience and feel what its like to be in one of these aircraft? Aircraft available for rides will once again be posted here nearer the 2024 Airshow.
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, or Avro Anson. See below:
- T-6 Harvard or Tiger Moth – Bevan: 027 553 4363
- L-39 Albatros Jet – Craig: 021 732737
- Yak-3 “Full Noise” – Graeme: 021 141 0099
Warbirds Adventure Flights
NZ Warbirds on 09 298 9207 or email office@nzwarbirds.org.nz
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 accommodation in Queenstown and a 3-day pass to the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.
Gold Pass Packages start from $1,549 per person
Silver Pass Packages start from $1,425 per person
General Admission Packages start from $1,299 per person
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Have a group or family?
Two bedroom lake View Apartment Packages
Package includes: Queenstown airport pick up/drop off and 5-day car rental, 4 nights 2 bedroom accommodation in Queenstown and a 3-day pass to the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.
Gold Pass Packages start from $1,379 per person
Silver Pass Packages start from $1,255 per person
General Admission Packages start from $1,129 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 pass to the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.
Gold Pass Packages start from $1,435 per person
Silver Pass Packages start from $1,319 per person
General Admission Packages start from $1,189 per person
(above is a guide only, based on twin/quad share, King bed)
Individual Ticket Prices
A range of ticket options are available from the general Admission tickets to the incredible Gold Pass experience (well worth it!).
A Three-day Gold Pass gives you the best seats at the Airshow in a grandstand situated directly in front of the runway, souvenir programme, gold cap, badge, priority parking and food is available with wine, spirits and beer, to be purchased from a cash bar.
Complimentary tea, coffee and water are available and breakfast may be purchased from 7.30am. This area has its own facilities with closed circuit television to watch the airshow. Also a voucher for free entry to the Warbirds and Wheels visitor attraction (vintage cars, warbirds, art and our Founder, Sir Tim Wallis’ story). Mingle with some pilots, get autographs and walk the flightline once on the Saturday or Sunday.