This is my report on the Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show for 2024. It had been over 10 years since I had been to a show (thanks mainly to COVID) so I just had to get there this year! 70,000 other agreed with me, making this the best attended show yet. I was ably assisted taking videos and photos by my daughter, Nicole, so thanks for that!
The stars of this show were the F16 Fighting Falcon, AKA Viper, and the Mosquito fighter bomber from World War II. The C17 Globemaster III was also there, but only did a short display, for some reason. The American Eagles Aerobatic Team from the USA did a very impressive precision display in their L39 jets.
I used a Canon EOS-70D with a 75-300 mm lens (equivalent focal length about 480 mm) for the close up photos, and an Apple iPhone Pro Max for the movies and wide angle shots. Photos were processed in PixelMator Pro on a MacBookPro.
This is the RNZAF parachute display team, Kiwi Blue, part of the RNZAF PTSU (Parachute Training and Support Unit). …
8 aircraft were displayed. Click a thumbnail image or title above to see information about the aircraft.
Discussion
Comment by Biggles on 2026-01-27 at 21:28:27: I liked the older shows when they stuck to old prop planes. The modern jets do not have the same character any more.
Comment by OJB on 2026-01-27 at 21:30:42: Yes, I can see your point, and other people have said the same thing. I am happy to go to see anything from an old Bleriot to a modern F-22 (or an F-35 if they ever send one). Also would like to see some modern Russian or European aircraft: maybe an Su-57 or a Typhoon.
My latest blog post: Think for Yourself: In the end, everything is just an opinion. Be skeptical, and think for yourself! (posted 2026-04-25).
AIR SHOW PAGE
