In 1988 aviation entrepreneur, the late Sir Tim Wallis, shared his passion for Warbirds and Classic Aircraft with the public by creating an Airshow that is now a biennial centrepiece of Central Otago’s tourist attractions. The first airshow and country fair attracted 14,000 visitors to Wanaka Airport.
Delighted with this success, he decided to expand on the theme and hold a biennial event over the long Easter weekend. As the show grew so did its support and now more than 50,000 people make the pilgrimage to Wanaka for their weekend of excitement.
Now acclaimed as the largest 'Warbirds' Airshow in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the world's top Warbirds airshows, we will be celebrating 38 years of operating Airshows in 2026.
In 2006 the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust Board was established to ensure Sir Tim Wallis’s legacy continues to develop and grow in Wanaka. As a Charitable Trust (CC30150) our Vision is to:
'Aspire to be the best Warbirds Airshow in the World.'
Our Mission: 'To educate through the celebration and promotion of aviation past and present.'
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Paul Moodie Chairman |
Marion Franks
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Brett Nicholls
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John Lamont
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Peter Townsend
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We invite you to assist us to fulfil our Vision and Mission statements by making a donation.
Because you can take part in helping preserve New Zealand's aviation heritage for all generations
To assist us implement a formal education plan and scholarships to ensure New Zealand has enough pilots who can fly WWII aircraft into the future. In joining the Warbirds Over Wanaka Family you can contribute to exhibiting aircraft and promoting aviation.
Contact us to make a donation for any amount or donate $50 or $100 through the link to our shop below.
We appreciate your support.
ed@warbirdsoverwanaka.co.nz or call on 64 3 443 8619.
We thank you for your willingness to assist in preserving New Zealand's aviation heritage.
Warbirds Over Wanaka is proud to be an accredited member of the New Zealand Airshows Association. This group was set up in 2012 to further the aims of the Warbird movement in New Zealand and to enhance the visitor experience at this country’s leading airshows.
The founding members are: Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow (Wanaka), Wings Over Wairarapa (Masterton), Classic Flyers (Tauranga), New Zealand Warbirds Association (Auckland) and The Vintage Aviator (Masterton). Associate members include CAA and the RNZAF.
Warbirds Over Wanaka is a member of the New Zealand Event Association.
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NZ Event Association Award for NZ's Favourite Event 2024 |
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NZ Event Association Award for NZ's Favourite Event 2018 |
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2014 Trustpower Community Awards - Heritage and Environment Regional Winner |
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2013 Trustpower Community Awards - Heritage and Environment Regional Winner |
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2004 Around NZ Air Race - recognition of support |
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1998 Certificate of Achievement - Best Small Event in NZ |
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1996 International Aeronautical Federation - contribution to exciting and spectacular displays of extremely rare aircraft |
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1994 Tourism NZ Award Finalist |
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1993 Order of St John - thanks for furtherance of their work at our airshows |
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1992 Tourism NZ Award Finalist |
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1992 Civic Development Award - Otago Chamber of Commerce for the development of the Airshow |
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1990 Tourism NZ Award - Commendation Winner of Special Events |
