Raptors for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2026
Warbirds Over Wanaka has confirmed the attendance of the world famous, United States Air Force (USAF) F-22 Raptor Demonstration team for this year’s airshow at Easter.
One of the USAF F-22 Raptors at the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2024 | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
For the impressive display over this Easter weekend, the thrilling jet will be displayed by USAF F-22 Demonstration Team Commander, Captain Nick 'Laz' Le Trouneau.
The USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team will be performing on all three days of New Zealand’s premier airshow.
In the past, Warbirds Over Wanaka has seen several fighter jet displays such as the F-111 Ardvark, F/A-18 Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcons, and now the might F-22 Raptor.
The F-22 Raptor Demonstration team flies one of the most spectacular, eye opening airshow displays that WILL make your jaw drop. From appearing to stand still in the air to racing past the crowd only barely below the speed of sound, the Raptors won’t disappoint.
During their stay in New Zealand, the two F-22s will be based out of Christchurch International Airport. For those in the Christchurch area that can’t make it to the airshow, Christchurch airport will pretty much have its own little airshow. Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager Ed Taylor says the team at Christchurch has been instrumental in helping secure the F-22s. “This is a very special aircraft and Christchurch Airport has gone beyond in making sure the Demo Team requirements can all be met. We couldn’t have done it without them,” says Ed.
The display at Wanaka this Easter, will be the first appearance of an F-22 Raptor in New Zealand and maybe even the only time we get to see the mighty jets in New Zealand.
A USAF F-22 tearing up the skies over a sunny Gold Coast during the Pacific Airshow 2024 | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
In total, the USAF only manufactured 183 F-22s since their entry to service in 2005, with each unit costing over $200 million NZD. The Raptor is also the only United States built fighter jet to not be sold to any other air force in the world - and for good reason.
Since entering service, the F-22 has been widely regarded as the best, most advanced and most lethal fighter jet produced to date. Its stealth and incredible manoeuvrability has given the F-22 a huge edge over other fighters. It is also special in the way that it is capable of “supercruise” - where the aircraft is able to fly supersonic without afterburners.
Ed says having the Raptor Demo Team come to New Zealand is a real coup. “This team displays at all the major airshows in the US and at big military airshows around the world. To have them come here says a lot about how well regarded the Wanaka show is globally. This is right up there with the biggest acts we’ve ever secured in the 38 years of our event,” says Ed.
The airshow promises to be spectacular so don’t miss out! To find out more about the show, read our article about the show or check the Warbirds Over Wānaka website.