Warbirds Over Wanaka confirms flying display programme ahead of 2026 airshow
One of New Zealand’s largest and most highly anticipated events, Warbirds Over Wānaka is set to return for 2026 with a display sequence that will not disappoint. Every two years, the airshow returns the noise to the quiet Wānaka Airport with aircraft to suit everyones taste whether that be the insane size of the C-17 Globemaster and the highly manuverable F-22 Raptor or the more tame 11-ship 1930’s formation of classic aircraft.
The American Eagles L-39 jet display team flying in 2024, the team will return again for the 2026 airshow | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
Flying begins on Friday April 3rd at 10am with three and a half hours of ‘warm up’ acts before the smaller lakefront airshow. The Saturday and Sunday are typically the main airshow days both featuring six hours of non-stop action. The Saturday and Sunday displays start at 10am opened by a huge formation of not one… not two… not even three… but four Lockheed C-130 Hercules’ from four different countries; the Royal New Zealand Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Singapore Air Force and United States Air Force. After almost 30 different displays and over 80 aircraft, the show is lastly closed by the BIG grand finale that will definitely turn up the heat.
The flying programme provided on Warbirds Over Wānaka website.
The airshow programme is looking incredible so it will be well worth the trip to Otago.
As well as flying displays there will be many static displays including a French Air Force CASA CN-235, aviation stands, live music and food stands to suit everyones needs, this make Warbirds Over Wānaka the perfect place to be this Easter.
Previously, the airshow was forced to cancel in 2020 and 2022 due to Covid-19 but roared back into life at Easter 2024. The 2024 airshow was a tremendous success, attracting over 64,000 guests and generating over $40 million for the local economy.
In 2024, the overall number of spectators was up 18% from the 2018 airshow with both Saturday and Sunday shows selling out. Now in 2026, the show is close to being sold out with only very limited tickets remaining.
You can view images and descriptions of the aircraft on display at the 2024 airshow in our article: Warbirds Over Wanaka visualised