History

In 1988 aviation entrepreneur Tim Wallis presented an airshow and country fair that 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 around 65,000 people make the pilgrimage to Wanaka for their weekend of excitement.

Now acclaimed as the largest Warbird Airshow in the Southern Hemisphere, this is the one event not to be missed.

• Read more on our history and previous airshows : 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

View our photo galleries of Warbird Aircraft: World War I, World War II, Post World War II and Non-Military Aircraft.

View our photo galleries Warhorses and Vintage Machinery

Wanaka Alpine Resort

Lake Wanaka is located right in the heart of the Southern Lakes and is the gateway to the Mt. Aspiring National Park. Internationally renowned for its glaciers and magnificent tramping and climbing it us nestled on the shores of an azure blue lake amongst the mighty peaks of the Southern Alps. The natural amphitheatre created by these mountains provides a backdrop of stunning scenery for the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.

This alpine resort features over 30 restaurants and has all the amenities to satisfy the most discerning visitor.

Centrally situated, visitors have a choice of accommodation and are within four hours drive of three international airports.

• Find out more about Wanaka.