Warbirds Over Wanaka 2026
Article and Images by Lachy McKay
Warbirds Over Wanaka has established itself as New Zealand's premier airshow since it was founded in 1988, attracting over 60,000 people from around New Zealand and overseas. It showcases dozens of different aircraft, ranging from 1930s classics to modern fighter jets, set against a stunning backdrop of the mountainous Wānaka region. The 2026 event was one of the most anticipated in recent history, as well as one of the most dramatic.
One of the undisputed star acts was the American Eagles Jet Aerobatic Display Team, returning for 2026 with an even more ambitious display than 2024, flying four L-39 Albatros jets borrowed from Fighter Jets NZ. The team is a smaller subcomponent of the US Patriots Jet Team, composed of former Air Force and commercial pilots. Lead pilot Dean “Wilbur” Wright is a seasoned combat pilot with 151 hours of combat experience in the A10 and F117 Stealth Fighter during the first and second Gulf Wars. He is also a former pilot of the Thunderbirds USAF display team, flying as Thunderbird 5 in the 1999-2000 season. Wilbur has attained over 4000 flight hours and now flies as a corporate pilot. The American Eagles put on a precision formation display that left crowds stunned. The four-ship routine included a diamond roll, opposing passes, and a low-level formation pass in front of the crowd, finishing with a fan burst.
In the week leading up to Easter, the unfortunate news that military performers would not attend the airshow was announced. On the 27th of March, organisers confirmed that the USAF, the RNZAF, the RAAF, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force had all pulled out, citing matters beyond their control. The RNZAF subsequently confirmed its withdrawal was due to rising international fuel costs caused by the conflict in Iran. The intended headline act had been the American F-22A Raptor, with the USAF's F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team confirmed for its New Zealand debut. Reaction on social media was mixed, with some claiming the event would no longer be worth attending without the raptor. Despite these opinions, organisers held firm, promising a full-day programme and delivering one.
Another highlight of the weekend was the Kahu Blackhawk helicopter display, which provided a one-of-a-kind experience for the audience. Originally intended as a static display for the Airshow, the team at Kahu couldn't resist getting involved in the action. The Blackhawk delivered an incredible showcase of the helicopter's capability, demonstrating low passes, steep torque turns, low-level flying and dramatic decelerations, sending rotor wash through the crowd. The display was flown with incredible precision by pilots Mark Law and Jason Hill, who showcased the incredible capabilities of the Blackhawk as a utility helicopter. Former SAS soldier Mark Law is a seasoned pilot who was awarded the New Zealand Bravery Star after his involvement as a first responder in the White Island Volcano eruption, evacuating 12 people. Mark Law has attained over 9,500 flying hours.
The Spitfire PR.XI, owned by top UK warbird pilot John Romain, marked the 90th anniversary of the Spitfire's first flight. Travelling from Duxford in the UK, the Mk 11 arrived in a shipping container in 4 pieces and was assembled by the team at Warbirds Over Wanaka. The long-awaited return of the Grumman Avenger after an eight-year absence, paired with the Spitfire Mk IX and P-51 Mustang of the Air Force Heritage Flight from Biggin Hill Trust, gave the show a warbird focus that few airshows in the world rival.
The classic fighter lineup was outstanding. It included a variety of Soviet aircraft such as the Yak-3U ‘ Steadfast’ and Yak-3 ‘Full Noise’, as well as the world debut of the Yak-7B, the only airworthy example in existence, which unfortunately was unable to take to the skies due to a maintenance issue with the brakes. Having only completed its first flight two weeks before the show, and achieving its airworthiness certificate on the Monday of the airshow week, the timing to get the Yak-7B approved was a significant challenge.
Classic fighter jets such as the De Havilland Vampire and BAC Strikemaster also took to the skies, performing solo and formation displays across the weekend, outlining the history of training and active service jets of the RNZAF.
Warbirds Over Wanaka 2026 also saw the debut display of the Southern Force display team, taking to the skies in their 3 Pitts aircraft. The team put on a fantastic display as the debutantes of the show, demonstrating corkscrews, inverted mirrors and more!
The Red Stars put on a stunning formation display, separated into 3 elements. Originally debuting its 9-ship loop in a world-first at Warbirds Over Wanaka in 2018. The team has now expanded in 2026, displaying 12 aircraft and making it the largest civilian-owned Yak-52 display team in the world.
The show ultimately hosted nearly 100 display aircraft with approximately 70 flying, witnessed by sold-out crowds on both Saturday and Sunday. Despite the withdrawal of the military aircraft disappointing many, Warbirds Over Wanaka did not fail to impress us, returning to its original form as a celebration of historical warbirds, showcasing the deep culture of aviation history, as envisioned by founder Tim Wallace. Warbirds Over Wanaka 2026 is evidence to prove that classic aircraft are more than enough to put on an excellent display of heritage aviation. Warbirds Over Wanaka is expected to return in 2028 to celebrate its 40th Anniversary, promising a bigger, more action-packed weekend for people from across the globe to witness.
