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New Zealand’s premier airshow is preparing to mark a major milestone this Easter, with the one millionth visitor to Warbirds Over Wanaka expected to pass through the gates during the opening day.
General manager Ed Taylor says organisers anticipate the milestone will be reached on the Friday morning of the biennial event.
“We’ll be greeting the one millionth visitor with a celebration and a special goodie bag,” Ed says. “That includes tickets to the Titanium Pass luxury area for our 40th anniversary airshow in 2028, a one-off commemorative cap and a merchandise voucher.”
The Titanium Pass package is valued at almost $1,400 and provides access to premium viewing and hospitality at the 2028 show.
Ed says the milestone reflects the growth of the event since its beginnings in the late 1980s.
“It’s incredible to think back to the very first airshow in 1988, when about 14,000 people attended,” he says. “Nearly four decades later, we’re still here, welcoming our one millionth visitor and standing as one of New Zealand’s major biennial events.”
The airshow has also confirmed the return of its Future of Aviation Exhibition, following its debut in 2024.
“One of the great strengths of Warbirds Over Wanaka is that, alongside iconic aircraft from the past and present, we also showcase what’s coming next — particularly in the sustainability space,” Ed says.
This Easter’s Future of Aviation Exhibition will include solar-powered unmanned aircraft from Kea Aerospace, which has already achieved stratospheric flight, along with exhibits from Merlin Labs and Pratt & Whitney highlighting more sustainable engine technologies.
Other exhibitors include Skilplane, showcasing new approaches to pilot training, and UC Aerospace, which will display rockets and a hybrid rocket engine.
Organisers say the exhibition reinforces the airshow’s role not only as a celebration of aviation heritage, but also as a platform for innovation and future-focused technology.
