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Warbirds Over Wanaka generated more than $57 million for the regional economy in 2026, with a new economic impact report showing the biennial event’s contribution increased 40 per cent compared with 2024.
The findings, prepared by independent Christchurch-based researchers The Curiosity Company, highlight the continued economic significance of one of New Zealand’s largest aviation events.
The report found much of the increase in direct spending was driven by stronger attendance from New Zealand visitors outside the region, who accounted for 76 per cent of the audience, up from 73 per cent in 2024. International visitors remained a key market, making up 8 per cent of attendees and contributing $8.6 million in spending.
Warbirds Over Wanaka general manager Ed Taylor says targeted marketing efforts in Auckland had helped broaden the event’s reach.
“Canterbury continues to be our biggest market, with 39 per cent of visitors coming from that region, but Auckland is now tied for second with Otago on 14 per cent,” he says.
“We believe there is further growth to be had in the Auckland market and the North Island in general.”
The event also delivered benefits for the wider visitor economy, with total bed nights in the region increasing to 130,517 and visitors staying an average of 4.6 nights.
Wd says visitor satisfaction remained high, with the airshow achieving an overall positive rating of 88 per cent. The event also received a 96 per cent positive rating for health and safety.
Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism chief executive Mat Woods says the figures underscored the importance of the event to the region.
“Warbirds has been producing internationally acclaimed airshows for almost four decades, contributing a remarkable $350 million-plus to the local economy over that time,” he says.
The next Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow will be held from April 14-18, 2028 and will mark the event’s 40th anniversary.
