Where to see an airshow this year in New Zealand
2026 is another busy year for airshows and other aviation displays across the country including a busy display schedule for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and the largest NZ airshow, Warbirds Over Wanaka. Here are some of the top, largest airshows/displays happening this year here at home in New Zealand.
The RNZAF Black Falcon Display Team pulling out of a formation loop at Wings Over Wairarapa | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
The Royal New Zealand Air Force Black Falcons Display Team
While not technically an airshow, the Black Falcons visit several aviation and nationally significant events from around the country. Throughout the display season there will be plenty of opportunities to view a Black Falcon display that certainly will not disappoint. The Black Falcons have perfected their display routine over multiple months and kicked off their year will displays at the ATC National Aviation Course and Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School. For more information about the Black Falcon displays check the NZDF website and keep updated with the NZDF Community Alerts and NZDF/Black Falcon social media pages.
Wanganui Aero Club Aero Day - 18 Jan
To kick off the airshow season, the Wanganui Aero Club will hold an Aero day over Wellington Anniversary weekend during the Wanganui Vintage weekend. Aircraft on display during the action filled day will include: home build aircraft, microlights and vintage classics, ex-military jets, warbirds and aerobatics machines. The event will run from 9am till 4pm with flying occurring in two airshow slots during the day. Throughout the day joyrides, scenic flights and of course- displays to enjoy.
So far, aircraft confirmed include: a TMB Avenger “Plonky” from the RNZAF Heritage Flight (RNZAFHF), a newly restored Lockheed 10 Electra from Omaka, a similarly newly restored DeHavilland (DH) Chipmunk from Auckland, a high performance Pitts Special, North American T-28 Trojain, the worlds only flying DH Venom jet and a Wellington based BAC Strikemaster as well as many many more to come see. To find out more about the incredible event check the website at wanganuiaeroday.co.nz.
Part of the 12-ship Yak-52 Red Stars aerobatic team at the Classic Flyers Aero Day 2025 | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
Thames Wings and Wheels - 24 Jan
The Thames Wings and Wheels is a smaller aviation event held at Thames Airfield (Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield). The event began as a group of car enthusiasts but quickly grew and eventually made the addition of aircraft into the one day show. Originally, the show has only had static aircraft displays but now includes a range of flying displays. The event will have many aircraft and other vintage vehicles to explore up close as well as food stalls and live music.
Throughout the day you can walk around the displays and talk with the owners of: Vintage and Classic Cars, Historic Military Vehicles, Trucks and Vintage, Warbirds, Sport, Homebuilt and Microlight Aircraft. After 12pm the airshow flying will kick off with displays from Warbirds, the New Zealand Red Stars Yak aerobatic team and a Solo aerobatic display. For more details head to the Wings And Wheels Thames website.
Warbirds On Parade (Auckland) - 10 Mar
Aucklands anual airshow Warbirds on Parade is back againfor 2026! This year it is set to be held on March 15th and you won’t want to miss it. The airshow is held at Ardmore Aerodrome, near the New Zealand Warbirds Hangars. Gates open at 9am and close at 4pm. Throughout the day, there will be plenty of air displays with flying starting at 10am. In between the flying displays there are several ground/static displays to explore like the New Zealand Coastguard Cessna 182. To find out more about the airshow check out the NZ Warbirds website.
One of the most popular warbird flying displays in the country, the Roaring Forties. Flying will be on display at their home airshow using ex-RNZAF Harvard trainers, during their formations the aircraft come within less than 5 metres of each other. The formation team was first formed in 1979 with their first display being at Te Kowhai near Hamilton and has since become a staple of New Zealand airshows.
So far, confirmed displays for the airshow are limited but include the extremely popular WWI fighters display and tail chase sequence, the iconic Roaring Forties formation team, one of NZ Warbirds’ newly restored Tiger Moths, and on static display, the NZ Coastguard Cessna 182. There will also no doubt be many more exciting act confirmed as the airshow gets nearer.
The Fighter Formation closing the Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow 2024 | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
Warbirds Over Wanaka 2026 - 3-5 April
This Easter New Zealand’s premier airshow Warbirds Over Wanaka will return to the skies with an incredible set of ground and air displays and plenty of other things to do while at the airshow. This year, the show will be from Friday the 3rd of April till Sunday the 5th of April, with the Friday being considered a ‘practice’ day where many of the display aircraft to refine their displays ending with a lakeside airshow on the shores of Lake Wanaka on Friday evening. The Saturday and Sunday usually follow similar programs with non-stop flying from early in the morning till the late afternoon. Boasting spectacular views of the southern alps as a backdrop for the jaw dropping displays, the renowned airshow draws crowds of over 50 thousand spectators from across the world.
Bring on the big guns! For the first time ever in New Zealand, the United States Air Force (USAF) will be bringing their F-22 Raptor Demonstration team to show of their mind blowing display. Alongside the USAF, the RNZAF will be showing up in force with at least one of every aircraft type set to be on show. From the first public airshow display of the C-130J-30 Super Hercules to the mighty Boeing 757 and P-8A Poseidon. The RNZAF Black Falcons T-6 Texan aerobatic team will also fly their thrilling display all three days of the show. As well as the fixed wing aircraft, the RNZAF will also bring its three helicopter types, the A109 LUH, NH-90, and SH2G Seasprite.
Further international visitors are a rare Spitfire Mk. XI from the United Kingdom which is painted an iconic blue. A Douglas DC3 named ‘the Spirit of Douglas’ is currently on a world tour - hoping to circumnavigate the entire world - will stop in Wanaka for the airshow.
From NZ, confirmed highlights include the Biggin Hill Trust (RNZAFHF) P-51 Mustang, Spitfire and Avenger. There will be two Yak 3 warbirds on show; ‘Full Noise’ and ‘Steadfast’. On the jet front, two BAC Strikemasters, a DH Vampire and a small BD-5 Microjet will fly during the show. Display formations include the American Eagles in L-39 jets, the classic Roaring Forties, the Yak-52 Red Stars 12-ship and the new ‘Southern Force’ aerobatic team. To see a full list of the aircraft confirmed visit the Warbirds over Wanaka website.
As well as flying displays there will be many static displays, aviation stands, live music and food stands to suit everyones needs, this make Warbirds Over Wanaka the perfect place to be this Easter. Find out more by checking the WOW website: warbirdsoverwanaka.com.
If you would like to view a selection of Oceania Aviation Insiders top photos from recent airshows, check out our Photography page on this website.