Warbirds Over Wanaka confirms RNZAF presence at 2026 airshow

Warbirds Over Wanaka has announced the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is planning a big turnout for next Easter’s 2026 Airshow.

Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager Ed Taylor, says they’re rapt to potentially have a full line-up of RNZAF aircraft displaying next Easter.

The RNZAFs Formation Thunder at Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024 | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren

The RNZAF is planning to display all of it’s heavy aircraft, including, the first airshow display of their C-130J-30 Super Hercules, possibly one of the last airshow appearances of their Boeing 757-2k2 and the relatively new Boeing P-8A Poseidon. These aircraft are hoped to fly an RNZAF classic, the Formation Thunder, with a 757, P8 and 2x C130Js.

“If you love big aircraft you’re going to love this display,” says GM Ed Taylor.

The airshow will also see the return of the world class Black Falcons Aerobatic Display Team using their sleek Beechcraft T-6 Texan II trainer aircraft.

Crowd favourite, the RNZAF Kiwi Blue parachute display team is also set to take to the skies over Wanaka.

All three of the RNZAFs helicopter types are hoped to fly at the easter airshow - the NH-90, A109 and SH2G Seasprite.

With the 2027 replacement of the Seasprites and 2028 retirement of the 757s, this could be one of the last airshows with these aircraft in attendance.

Alongside the modern RNZAF aircraft, the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand will also be joining in on the displays. The AFHNZ will be showing up to Wanaka with it’s Supermarine Spitfire, P-51 Mustang and Grumman Avenger. The Heritage Flight is a joint initiative between the RNZAF and the Biggin Hill Trust with the aircraft housed at Ohakea Air Base. Flight Commander Squadron Leader Sean Perrett says the team is very much looking forward to once again being part of New Zealand’s Premier Airshow.