Oceania Aviation Insider strives to make high-quality content for our readers and has now worked with Warbirds Over Wanaka, the Pacific Airshow, Fly DC3 and many more to document NZ aviation.
You can read some of our work below.
Hawaiian Airlines ends seasonal Auckland service, citing economic pressures
Hawaiian Airlines has announced it will suspend its seasonal Honolulu–Auckland service for the upcoming 2026–27 summer, ending the only nonstop connection between New Zealand and Hawaiʻi after just a few years of post-pandemic operation.
Air New Zealand Unveils New Boeing 777 Cabin Interiors Ahead of Fleet-Wide Retrofit
Air New Zealand has revealed the first official images of the completely redesigned interiors that will be installed aboard its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, marking the airline's most significant cabin refurbishment programme in more than 15 years.
Queenstown Airport Announces Major $60 Million Airfield Upgrade with New Heavy Taxiway
Queenstown Airport is set to undergo one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades in its history after unveiling plans for a $60 million investment that will transform aircraft movements on the airfield while strengthening the airport's long-term operational resilience.
RNZAF P-8 Poseidon fires anti-ship Harpoon missiles for the first time
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has successfully conducted its first live AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile launch from a Boeing P-8A Poseidon during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, marking a significant milestone in the development of the fleet's full operational capability.
RNZAF C-130J returns to NZ after training exercise in Alaska
After 27 days overseas, a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130J Super Hercules has successfully taken part in the United States Air Force-led (USAF) Exercise Red Flag, where several air forces had their combat support skills tested in the Alaskan environment.
RNZN conducts training exercise with Fighter Jets NZ ahead of deployment
Recently, the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) conducted a training exercise with Tauranga based Fighter Jets NZ. The jets used were three of Fighter Jets NZ’s Aero L-39C Albatros’. During the exercise, the L-39s were used to identify and track simulated missle threats on RNZN vessels.
Air NZ to re-launch flights from Christchurch to Perth, Singapore and Tokyo
Air New Zealand announced it will begin three new non-stop routes from Christchurch from later this year operated by the airlines fleet of Boeing 787s.
Glenorchy Air to launch new brand with a Tecnam P2012
Queenstown based, Glenorchy Air will launch a new private charter brand named Queenstown Air Charter from October 2026.
RNZAF, RAAF and USAF C-130J crews train together in Exercise Mobility Astra
This March, C-130J Hercules crews from New Zealand, Australia and the United States conducted precision air mobility training in the skies above the upper South Island.
Air Niugini to start flights to Auckland and Tokyo from mid-2026
Air Niugini will resume flights to Auckland and Tokyo in mid-2026. The airline most recently flew scheduled services to Tokyo six years ago and hasn’t regularly flown to Auckland since 1998.
Multiple Air Forces carry out international flying exercise in New Zealand’s South Island
Last week, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) posted a community alert telling the public they will be conducting multiple exercises alongside aircraft from other nations. The RNZAF said this would include low level and tactical flying.
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
Iconic Spirit of Douglas DC3 touches down in New Zealand
The Spirit of Douglas, a 1942 Douglas DC-3, has arrived in New Zealand as part of a worldwide “World Cruiser Tour”. Its arrival into New Zealand followed a multi-leg Pacific routing via Australia and Norfolk Island, continuing its westbound global circuit across the Pacific.
RNZAF Black Falcons head north aiming flyover several North Island cities
This weekend, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Black Falcons will take to the skies over the North Island. The team will fly over many towns across the North Island with a focus on town centres.
Jetstar to launch new non-stop Christchurch to Perth flights
Starting in October this year, Jetstar will offer non-stop flights between Christchurch and Perth using their new Perth based Airbus A321LRs.
Auckland’s Warbirds On Parade set to take flight again
On Sunday 15th March, NZ Warbirds will filled the skies over Ardmore with an impressive range of vintage and modern aircraft. Warbirds On Parade is Auckland’s annual local airshow and always makes for a great day out. Planned displays for the 2026 include the thrilling Yak-3 ‘Full Noise’ and exciting Westpac and NZ Police helicopters.
Raptors for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2026
Warbirds Over Wanaka has confirmed the attendance of the world famous, USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration team for this year’s airshow at Easter.
Where to see an airshow this year in New Zealand
2026 is another busy year for airshows across the country including a busy display schedule for the (RNZAF) and the largest NZ airshow, Warbirds Over Wanaka. Here are some of the top airshows happening this year in NZ.
German Air Force to visit New Zealand for training
From later this week, The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) will host several German Air Force (GAF) aircraft across New Zealand and working alongside the aircraft while they visit for fight training.
Air New Zealand to start direct flights between Christchurch and Rarotonga
Allowing South Islanders to escape the cold winters, Air New Zealand has announced new non-stop flights between Christchurch and Rarotonga.