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A television ad in the 1980s, with the slogan ‘don’t leave town till you’ve seen the country’ is still relevant today, with NZ travel destinations in high demand.
Seemore Tours director Nikki Clerke says one of the Hot Tickets for 2024 is the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow, which last took place in 2018. The event is held every two years, but Covid-19 restrictions impacted that timetable, causing the six-year break.
Organisers have already announced the first confirmed displays for the show, which takes place March 29-31 next year. They include an ex-RNZAF P-51 Mustang which is nearing the end of a two-and-a-half year restoration project and which will fly at Wanaka for the first time in 67 years, along with the NZ Red Stars Aerobatic team which will perform a world-first 12-ship display. More big displays will be announced over the next few months. Along with the WWII and other classic aircraft will be more modern types from the RNZAF and visiting airforces such as the RAAF and USAF. The action in the air is backed up by pyrotechnics with huge fireballs and other explosions filling the air. And on the ground there are numerous exhibits and entertainment including, for the first time, a ‘Future of Aviation’ exhibition.
“There is huge pent-up demand for this internationally recognised airshow next Easter,” Nikki says.
Getting away from it all
Bayes Coachlines operations and logistics manager, Clare McCabe, says it is clear that the passion to explore our own backyard is still strong. “More often than not, this involves getting back to nature and off the beaten track,” she says. Most popular are the classic Kiwi breaks that often include staying in unique places like the Powderhorn Chateau in Ohakune, traversing roads less travelled like the Forgotten Highway from Taumarunui to Stratford and the scenic winding hills of the Gentle Annie from Napier to Waiouru. “Testing one’s appetite for adventure and getting amongst the redwood trees in Rotorua is always a popular stop on any North Island itinerary.” Some things stay the same though, and for international visitors, the natural beauty of the South Island, especially the journey between Christchurch and Queenstown, remains the most popular. Lake Tekapo is one of the top picks on this route and the Dark Sky stargazing experience is on everybody’s must-see list.
