Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow

Every other year the planes take to the sky in the Southern Hemisphere's largest air show, Warbirds Over Wanaka. Over three days Lake Wanaka becomes centre stage for an extravaganza of aerial action, featuring the classic aircraft of yesteryear together with the modern jets of today.

In 1988 aviation entrepreneur Sir Tim Wallis presented an air show 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 almost 100,000 people make the pilgrimage to Wanaka for their weekend of excitement.

Over 50 aircraft will attend Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2010 featuring some of the most famous warplanes that helped defend our freedom during four world conflicts. The flimsy biplanes of World War I, the heroes of World War II, the fighters of Korea and the awesome jets of Vietnam are all flown in exciting scenarios that recreate history right before your eyes. Participation by aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force completes the scene. Feel the heat from huge fireballs and the concussion of explosions as a pyrotechnics display, to rival the best action movie, combines with military vehicles and tanks.

The military vehicle and vintage machinery display is a walk back in time and a great way to discover New Zealand's agricultural heritage. You can chat with the enthusiasts who have restored and now maintain these working examples and learn how equipment has developed through the last century. The military enclosure is also an area not to be missed.

Located 2 kms north of Wanaka Airport, Lime Tree Lodge is ideally placed to get a sneak preview as the aircraft practise in the lead-up to the show and for visiting the show itself!

For more information, visit www.warbirdsoverwanaka.co.nz