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Rotorua Airport is celebrating 60 years of serving the community with a special Aviation Open Day and month-long exhibitions for locals and manuhiri (visitors) to enjoy.
On Saturday, October 5, the Aviation Open Day will offer a rare opportunity to view aircraft up close, meet pilots, and purchase scenic flights on classic WWII planes like the Harvard and Boeing Stearman.
Throughout the month, mini-exhibitions celebrating Māori culture and aviation will also be on display across the airport.
Rotorua Airport chief executive Nicole Brewer highlights some notable exhibits in collaboration with Air New Zealand that will be on display, including Air New Zealand: Years of Uniform, which showcases the evolution of airline fashion through the decades, and the Air New Zealand Waka Rererangi (Flying Canoe), which explores the rich connection between Māori heritage and aviation.
“Both exhibits are equally significant,” she says. “Years of Uniform reflects the airline’s evolving style, while the Waka Rererangi celebrates the unique cultural identity that Air New Zealand brings to the skies. Together, they provide insight into the airline’s history and its deep-rooted ties to New Zealand’s heritage.”
Since its opening in 1964, Rotorua Airport has built a deep sense of pride and connection within the community. Now, celebrating 60 years of growth, the airport remains dedicated to forging lasting partnerships with Ngāti Uenukukōpako and local stakeholders.
The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, also celebrating its 60th anniversary, will showcase the internationally acclaimed Tuku Iho Living Legacy exhibition – an extraordinary display that has seldom been presented on New Zealand soil.
Nicole says Tuku Iho combines a beautiful blend of Māori culture, showcasing traditional and contemporary art forms.
“Whether you’re flying in or out of our beautiful city, we encourage you to immerse yourself in these remarkable taonga (treasures) and the rich narratives they hold.”
NZMACI general manager Eraia Kiel highlights the role air travel has played in sharing Māori culture globally.
“Through our exhibitions and performances around the world, we’ve shared our cultural legacy far and wide. Just as our ancestors navigated the Pacific, we now also navigate the skies, ensuring our stories are told across the globe.”
Both the Aviation Open Day and the month-long exhibitions are family-friendly, and free to attend, with 60 minutes free parking on site.
Reflecting on Rotorua Airport’s growth and transformation over the past six decades, Brewer says the celebration isn’t just about looking back – it’s about embracing the future.
“Rotorua Airport has grown alongside this vibrant city, and we’re excited to continue innovating while honouring Rotorua’s unique cultural heritage.”
As Rotorua Airport celebrates 60 years of adventure, culture, and connection, the community is warmly invited to join in the celebrations. For more information and to book scenic flights, visit Rotorua Airport 60 Year Anniversary.
