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Full Attraction Now Open

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:31:09 +1300

The much anticipated Warbirds & Wheels visitor attraction is now fully open and showcases an impressive collection of Warbirds, rare Classic Cars, Sir Tim Wallis display, and original New Zealand art works.

The attraction located opposite the Wanaka airport terminal, has been in development by the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust for the past year and replaces the NZ Fighter Pilots Museum.

Warbirds & Wheels spokesperson, George Wallis, says that it’s fantastic to finally open the doors to the public and welcome them to a world class attraction.

“The attraction will undoubtedly fascinate all ages and interests with its broad collections of aircrafts, vehicles, art works and early Wanaka history. It’s an attraction not to be missed by visitors and locals.”

Warbirds aircraft on display include a RNZAF Skyhawk fighter jet, Strikemaster, Vampire, Hurricane, and a WW1 SE5A.

The Classic Car opening collection includes a line up of 26 vehicles, predominantly American models, sourced and owned by local private collectors. A Packard theme will debut, featuring a rare 1918 Packard Twin Six model sourced from New York that was one of two produced in the world.

The Sir Tim Wallis Story honours the exploits of a local legend and tales of one of southern New Zealand's most colourful personalities who founded the successful international air show Warbirds Over Wanaka.

The Visual Arts Gallery opening exhibition includes artworks from the Real Art Roadshow collection. It features original art pieces by highly acclaimed New Zealand artists, including Greer Twiss and Toss Woollaston.

The Diner, which has a 50’s themed decor, opened earlier this month and is the only food outlet at the Wanaka airport.

Click here for admission costs

Diner Open

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:26:34 +1300

A new retro themed Diner is now open at Warbirds & Wheels.

The Diner, which has a 50’s themed decor, is the first service to open at the new Warbirds & Wheels visitor attraction currently still under construction. It is the only food outlet at the Wanaka airport and located opposite the terminal.

Warbirds &Wheels Diner Manager, Corey Hondelink, says that it’s very exciting to finally open the long awaited Diner.

“There is a real buzz about the place. Workers at the airport have already been in to trial the espresso, and are enjoying the retro theme”, says Mr Hondelink. “There is even a juke box to code in your favourite tune while you sip your coffee”.

The food offering is influenced by the American Diner theme, and broadened to include a brunch style menu also. Three staff will work in the cafe, which will open 7days a week from 8am to 4:30pm.

The Diner will service travellers arriving and departing at the Wanaka Airport terminal, workers around the airport hub, and tourists visiting the attraction soon to open.

Retro furniture has been sourced directly from New York and a 1959 Harley Davidson Pan Head motorbike has been installed overhead the diner entrance.

A local company, McGregors, has secured the management contract with Warbirds & Wheels to operate the diner.

The Warbirds & Wheels visitor attraction is hoped to be fully operational by Christmas and will showcase warbirds aircraft, classic cars, Sir Tim Wallis story, visual arts gallery and a retail shop.

Strikemaster Arrives

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:26:26 +1200

WANAKA – Warbirds over Wanaka Community Trust has welcomed the arrival of a Strikemaster aircraft which will be permanently displayed in the Warbirds & Wheels visitor attraction soon to open.

The RNZAF has provided the Strikemaster aircraft on loan to the WOWCT, where it will form part of the new visitor attraction near completion at the Wanaka Airport.

Spokesperson for Warbirds & Wheels, George Wallis, says that it’s a pleasing moment and one step closer to the exciting launch of Wanaka’s new tourist attraction.

“These aircraft will be a significant draw card for visitors to our region. It will also provide plenty of enjoyment and education for future generations”, said Mr Wallis.

The Strikemaster arrived from Ohakea yesterday by the RNZAF and assembly has begun today. It will be permanently displayed alongside a Skyhawk fighter jet, Vampire, Hurricane and SEA5.

The Strikemaster aircraft was withdrawn from service by the Air Force in 1991 and replaced by the Aermacchi MB339CB. It has since remained at Ohakea as part of the Museum’s exhibition centre until 2007, and thereafter been in storage.

The tourist attraction will also exhibit a world class selection of privately owned classic cars, exhibition on local icon Sir Tim Wallis, a visual arts gallery, retail shop & cafe. The attraction aims to offer a more interactive and family friendly experience

Located at the Wanaka Airport, the Warbirds and Wheels attraction replaces the NZ Fighter Pilots Museum and is scheduled to open in November 2011.

WOWCT would like to thank Edgewater Resort and Wanaka Car Rentals for assisting RNZAF personnel involved in the assembly.

Skyhawk confirmed

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:26:26 +1200

A Skyhawk Fighter Jet will permanently exhibit at the attraction...

The new Warbirds and Wheels visitor attraction announced this week that it will permanently showcase an Air Force Skyhawk fighter jet when opening late this year. The Minister of Defence, Wayne Mapp, confirmed last week that a Royal NZ Airforce Skyhawk aircraft would be retired to the Warbirds over Wanaka Community Trust. Eight Skyhawks will be displayed in NZ museums, and all other remaining are on the market.

“These are aircraft with a proud service record”, Dr Mapp said. “Now they are a central part of our aviation history”. The Chairman of Warbirds over Wanaka Community Trust, Murray Cleverley, says that after months of negotiations they are delighted. “This is fantastic news for Wanaka and our new Warbirds and Wheels visitor attraction currently under construction”. “It will be a significant draw card for visitors to our region and enhance Wanaka’s reputation as one of the country’ aviation focal points”, says Mr Cleverley. “It will also provide plenty of enjoyment and education for future generations”.

The Skyhawk will be displayed at Warbirds & Wheels alongside more of NZ’s finest Warbird aircraft. The tourist attraction will also exhibit a world class selection of privately owned classic cars, exhibition on local icon Sir Tim Wallis, a visual arts gallery, retail shop & cafe. The attraction aims to offer a more interactive and family friendly experience. Approval is needed from the US Department of State before the Skyhawk can be moved to Wanaka from Woodbourne Air Force base.

Located at the Wanaka Airport, the Warbirds and Wheels attraction replaces the NZ Fighter Pilots Museum and is scheduled to open in November 2011.

Classic Cars to Feature

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 09:33:07 +1200

Be inspired by a world class display of rare Classic Cars. Privately owned vehicles have been sourced from around the globe, and will showcase at Warbirds & Wheels attraction. Due to the interest by owners to showcase their prized possessions, we will be regularly be updating the collections every six months & will follow themes. The opening collcetion will include six Packard's, along with another 20 rare classics.