"Warbirds over Wanaka 2006" Wanaka Travelogue by kiwi

April 2006 and we were headed for a mountain trek in Mt Aspiring National Park. That mean driving past the airport at Wanaka, where the Warbirds were gathering for this year's airshow. Something of a tease, to be there but not able to stop. These photos were all taken from the coach, through the windows. As you can see the day was glorious. This was Friday, the practice day.

Catalina

The Catalina is always a huge attraction, and its sound and form flying slowly through the air are unmistakeable.

Catalina in the lake.

Wouldn't you know it! I walked back to the coach from the lake and then the Catalina decided to do a "Touch and Go" on the water. I didn't have time to run back down to the waterfront. This photo is the best I could do though. Well it's something, and you can see the lovely backdrop. You can just see the water at the bottom of the photo.

Setting up for the airshow.

They were still setting up but most things were in place when we drove past. This was likely the best day weatherwise, but I hear the weather was still ok over the weekend for the airshow. This venue is amazing and magical with the snowy mountains around and about.

Lined up.

The Nanchangs and Laks (I can never tell them apart) were lined up for all to see. Later they would be putting on a refined display of their agility.

Hurricane and Spitfires.

No airshow is complete without the Hurricane and the Spitfire. Look carefully and you can see these two stars in the photo. They are both true favourites of mine, and a lot of other people's too :-)

Wanaka Airport

Also, along with static aircraft displays there is a Transport and Toy Museum at Wanaka Airport.

Old Flying Machine Company

Looks like the Hanna's Old Flying Machine Company has set up a kiwi base here too. They are a well known UK aircraft restoration and display company. Sadly Ray Hanna died last year, and his flying son Mark was killed flying a display aircraft back in 1999. Ray was originally from New Zealand, but Mark was born and raised in the UK.