Wonderful Warbird Weekend At Wanaka

By Allan Udy

First Airshow in Six Years A Success

The Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow held in Wanaka (New Zealand) over Easter 2024 must be considered to have been a resounding success. The weather for the show was fantastic, the display aircraft lineup was impressive, and the crowds arrived to witness this awesome spectacle in their droves.

There are now only five airworthy de Havilland Mosquito aircraft flying in the world. Four of those have been built/restored by AvSpecs in Auckland (NZ), and this stunning example is the latest to roll off the AvSpec's restoration line. Having flown for the first time only a short few weeks prior to the airshow, this was the first time that a Mosquito has graced the skies at Warbirds Over Wanaka, much to the immense pleasure of all attendees.
Photo © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Click To View: Several current and ex- Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft arrive at the Wanaka airport ahead of Easter's Warbirds Over Wanaka International Air Show. Video © Historical Aviation Film Unit

After having the 2020 and 2022 airshows cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, WOW enthusiasts have been looking forward to this year's show for over six years, and they were well rewarded for their patience. A number of new aircraft made their Wanaka debuts this year, including the immaculate de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito, and the North American P-51 Mustang NZ2423, both of which have only recently been fully restored.

Check out the video below for some great footage highlighting most of these aircraft and the displays:

This video highlights many of the aircraft and displays seen at this year's airshow. Some firm favourites, and some new first time attendees. We hope we'll see many of them back in 2026. Video © Historical Aviation Film Unit

There are a number of other full reports on the show available on the internet (see the links at the bottom of this pictorial review), so instead of repeating the same info, we'll simply provide some of our favourite stills from the video we shot over the course of the weekend. We hope you'll enjoy these images, and that they'll encourage you to attend the next show.

The American Eagles display team, known as the Patriots Jet Team in the USA, used New Zealand based Aero L-39 Albatros jets to show off their high precision jet formation flying. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Bill Reid's immaculate Avro Anson Mk.1 returns to Wanaka in the late afternoon a few days prior to the show (in an attempt to beat a day or two of forecast bad weather in the South Island). Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

ex-RNZAF Goodyear FG-1D Corsair NZ 5648 has previously been displayed at Wanaka, but the aircraft has only been back in the air for several months, after an extended period on the ground since around 2017. New owner Mike Jones has repainted the aircraft in authentic RNZAF wartime colours, and has sourced a pair of drop tanks which give the aircraft a substantially new profile. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

The US Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcon was a welcome addition to the displays at Wanaka this year, and the American pilots put on an ear-shattering (but thoroughly enjoyable) display of this high performance fighter aircraft. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

The American Eagles L-39 team provided a stunning jet formation display for the Wanaka crowd. Not since the disbandment of the RNZAF's A-4 Skyhawk display team ('Kiwi Red') in the 1990's has a jet formation team using the same aircraft displayed in New Zealand skies. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Earlier in the week a dump of snow on the Souther Alps provided what is the quintessential Warbirds Over Wanaka backdrop image. Here the Royal New Zealand Air Force's Beechcraft Texan II aircraft of the Black Falcons display team approaches on finals at Wanaka after a great display. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Bevan Dewes' North American Harvard NZ1044, an ex-RNZAF wartime trainer, surprised the crowd when it straffed the airfield with its machine guns, as most T-6/Harvard are not armed. This aircraft however was so equipped and was used at RNZAf Ohakea to trainer fighter pilots during the Second World War. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

The Royal New Zealand Air Force's C-130H aircraft are soon to be retired, making way for the new C-130J models. Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024 was the last chance for the NZ public to see these H-models in action, and after 50 years of service with the RNZAF, it was a bittersweet display for many. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Simon Spencer-Bower is the only pilot to have flown at every Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow since the very first event at Wanaka Airport in 1988. At this years show he displayed the Hiller helicopter which was the very first helicopter operated by Sir Tim Wallis for his burgeoning venison business in New Zealand's Southern Alps. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Flying as a four-ship unit initially, the American Eagles L-39 jet formation team then split into two pair formations, each of which engaged the crowd in rapid succession, ensuring that the teams display was highly entertaining, with little 'dead time' as the high performance aircraft repositioned after each pass. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Opposing cross-over displays are not uncommon at airshows all over the world. But when they're flown by high performance jets, and with a relative closing speed of over 600 km/h, the pilots need to be highly skilled. Luckily the US crew of the American Eagles display team are just that, as shown in this image. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

The massed helicopter salute is one of the unique displays flown at Warbirds Over Wanaka, and this year the display was even more poignant as it was a tribute to the late, great, Sir Tim Wallis, the original founder of Warbirds Over Wanaka. Sir Tim had a thriving venison and deer recovery operation in the region, enabled by the development of a helicopter fleet which was used in the rugged Southern Alps mountains. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Peter Vause's Trojan T-28B lands at Wanaka after a lengthy ferry flight from its home base in New Plymouth (in the North Island). The second New Plymouth-based Trojan was also due to perform at this year's airshow (making up a three-ship T-28 formation), but unfortunately that aircraft was delayed en route due to maintenance issues. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

NZ6372 is an ex-Royal New Zealand Air Force Mk.88 Strikemaster which continues to wear her original RNZAF colour scheme. The type was operated as an advanced trainer between 1972-1992, when it was replaced in service by the Aermacchi MB339-CB. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

The newly restored NZ2423, an ex-Royal New Zealand Air Force P-51D Mustang, starts its take-off roll. This aircraft had been stored in a 'barn' for many decades until being recovered several years ago. The aircraft has been subsequently restored by the team at the Biggin Hill Historic Aircraft Centre at RNZAF Ohakea (New Zealand), and only flew again for the first time a few months ago. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

The second Mustang at this year's airshow was ZK-TAF, wearing the colour scheme of NZ2415, a Mustang of the 3rd (Canterbury) Squadron of the New Zealand territorial Air Force. Originally owned by Sir Tim Wallis, this aircraft has performed at most WOW airshows, and only missed a couple due to maintenance issues. The aircraft is not an original ex-RNZAF P-51, it simply wears these colours in recognition of the Mustangs service with the TAF. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

The Royal New Zealand Air Force operates a number of NH90 Medium Utility Helicopters, which replaced the Iroquois UH-1H helicopters when they were retired in 2015. The NH90's central role is to provide tactical air mobility operations for the NZ Defence Force. Additionally, the type provides a range of support services to various government agencies including search and rescue, police operations and disaster relief. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

An RNZAF C-130H Hercules drops flares over Lake Wanaka during an evening display on Good Friday. The Air Force's Hercules are soon to be retired, being replaced with new C-130J models. Historical Aviation Film Unit

The six World War Two-era fighters during their final 'balbo' (massed formation) flight. Lead by the de Havilland Mosquito the formation then consists of the Yak-3U (LHS rear of Mosquito) and the Spitfire Mk.IXc, followed by the FG-12 Corsair and two P-51D Mustangs. The rumble of five V-12 Merlin engines, along with a couple of Pratt and Whitney radials was simply outstanding. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

A sight and sound that many people travelled a long way (to Warbirds Over Wanaka) to see - the de Havilland Mosquito taxis into the aircraft park after another thrilling display. Where else in the world could you see a Mosquito display at such a low level, and so close to the crowd? Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Another airshow debutante is the highly polised Lockeed Electra 12a Junior, now based in Wanaka. The aircraft was previously owned by Doug Hamilton in Australia but was purchased and brought to New Zealand in 2022. Smaller than the Electra 10's which were used on New Zealand's domestic air routes after WW2, the Electra 12 none-the-less evokes the sights and sounds of those pioneering days of domestic aviation in New Zealand. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

The Biggin Hill Historic Aircraft Centre's Mk.IXc Spitfire, in the colours of New Zealand WW2 Ace Al Deere, is a firm favourite at Wanaka and all the other NZ airshows she has attended over the past 15 years or so. Pilot Stuart Anderson (also leader of the RNZAF 'Black Falcons' display team) sideslips the aircraft onto the grass runway at Wanaka after a display with the BHHAC's P-51 Mustang. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Beech Staggerwing VH-UXP is registered as an Australian aircraft, but is actually based in Wanaka. The Waco UOC 'Custom Cabin' aircraft seen in the background of this image is based at Omaka Aerodrome in Blenheim. Both aircraft displayed as part of the Vintage Classics segment at the airshow, and both showed off their remarkable 'art deco' period lines (form the 1930s). Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

This BAC 167 Strikemaster MK.80a was formerly operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force, and it's probably fair to assume that during her military service she didn't get too many chances to land at an alpine airport such as Wanaka. Operated out of Christchurch (South Island) the tan/beige scheme of this aircraft is in stark contrast to the green camouflage scheme worn by the Royal New Zealand Air Force Strikemasters when they were in service. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

After a lengthy ferry flight from the North Island, de Havilland DH.82a Tiger Moth ZK-ANL arrives in Wanaka at the hands of Ross Brodie. This aircraft was one of several Tiger Moths that displayed as part of the Vintage Classics formation during the airshow. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Brian Hall's T-28 Trojan shows off a splash of colour as it touches down at Wanaka. As with the other Trojans in New Zealand, this aircraft was used by the US Navy as a trainer, and it continues to wear her original USN colour scheme. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Originally built in Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force, this Mosquito fighter/bomber aircraft was later sold to the RNZAF and served with 75 Squadron as NZ2308/YC-Z. Now fully restored the aircraft once again wears the colour scheme of NZ2308, which attendees at Warbirds Over Wanaka will attest looks stunning when the aircraft is in the air (particularly when banking). Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Grumman Super Widgeon ZK-CFA has a long and distinguished service career in New Zealand, flying a number of maritime air routes, with several different small airlines, over several decades. Now based in Northland the aircraft no longer performs water landings at sea, but as shown here will performs such feats on fresh water lakes, such as Lake Wanaka. Here the aircraft performs for the crowd on the Lake Wanaka foreshore during the Friday evening air display. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

When pilot/owner Mark O'Sullivan switches on the Saunders smoke generators on his Yak 3U 'Steadfast' there's usually a lick of flame to be seen as the system starts up. Eagle-eyed watchers who spot this are often surprised as it's not usual to see flames dancing from an aircraft's wing-tip! Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

The New Zealand Red Star Yak-52 aerobatic display team always put on an impressive display at Warbirds Over Wanaka (and the other airshows they regularly attend). This year's display was specially memorable when the team flew a 'Missing man' formation in honour of former leader Brett Emeny, who unexpectedly passed away in 2023. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Another shot of the snow covered Southern Alps, which is relatively familiar for long-time attendees at Warbirds Over Wanaka. Oh, and there's an Albatros L-39 in the shot as well!. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

ZK-WAR is a North American Harvard that was one of the first ex-RNZAF trainer aircraft to be purchased by civilian pilots when the New Zealand Warbirds Association was first formed in the late 1970's. The aircraft has a long history of performing with the "Roaring 40s", the Harvard aerobatic display team operated by the NZ Warbirds Assn. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

A long-time stalwart of Wanaka (and other) airshows is the Mandeville based de Havilland DH.89a Dominie. This elegant old biplane was one of the New Zealand's original airliners and did stirling work in helping New Zealand companies develop the domestic air routes after the Second World War. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

The USAF has often flown the C17 Globemaster III into New Zealand as part of its Antartic operations, but the aircraft rarely gets an outing to display at an airshow. This year the crowd at Wanaka were entranced to see this massive jet fly a display low overhead, highlighting the impressive performance capabilities of this heavy lifter. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Once again Jurgis Kairys, a Lithuanian aerobatic pilot, was back at Warbirds Over Wanaka to wow the crowd with his own brand of aerobatic display. Jurgis has previously appeared at a number of early Wanaka airshows, and his displays are always a crowd favourite. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

Another image show just how tight the American Eagles L-39 jet formation gets during the four-ship part of their display. There's literally only a couple of metres separating these high speed aircraft, with the result that the display is very impressive. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

The Royal New Zealand Air Force has been operating the AgustaWestland A109 Light Utility Helicopter for a number of years now, and this year two examples took part in the displays at Wanaka. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

'Steadfast' returns to the ground after an impressive solo display performance. While accurately being a World War 2-era Yakovlev Yak-3U (built with strict regulations to achieve that specification), this aircraft was specifically built, and powered by it's Pratt and Whitney engine, for air racing at the National Air Races in Reno (Nevada, USA). During its racing career the aircraft won several competitions, and broke several world records. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

The newly restored NZ2423 features the colour scheme of the 2nd (Wellington) Squadron of the New Zealand Territorial Air Force, which operated these aircraft in the early 1950s. The Second World War was all but over when the first Mustangs arrived in New Zealand and they were initially placed in storage, only to be recovered and placed in service with the TAF in 1951. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

NZ2308's profile is distinctly 'de Havilland'. Here the aircraft starts its take-off roll for its return flight to Auckland (prior to being shipped to the USA for its new owner), on a chilly and moist Monday morning after the show. Copyright © Historical Aviation Film Unit

For more information about the next Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow, and for details about the Official Video from this year's show, see their website at: http://www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com

For a more in-depth review of the Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024 show, see the Vintage Aviation News report: https://vintageaviationnews.com/airshow-news/warbirds-over-wanaka-2024.html

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