About Us

Warbirds and Wheels was formed in June 2011 by the Warbirds over Wanaka Community Trust (WOWCT) and has replaced the NZ Fighter Pilots Museum (closed in February 2011).

The WOWCT was established in 2006 to ensure local icon Sir Tim Wallis’ legacy continues to develop and grow in Wanaka. The Trusts vision is to ‘inspire and educate generations’; with an all year round visitor attraction 'Warbirds and Wheels' and present an inspirational 'Warbirds Over Wanaka' International Airshow biannually.

WOWCT in partnership with the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum (RNZAFM) and a group of local classic car enthusiasts (Classic Car Consortium) developed a plan to create a visitor attraction that will show case Warbirds aircraft, the history of Sir Tim Wallis (from deer recovery operations to his collection of warbirds and the establishment of the Airshow and past NZ Fighter Pilots Museum), and NZ's finest collection of Classic Cars. The attraction will also incorporate a Visual Arts Gallery, Cafe & retail shop to provide a complete visitor experience.

WOWCT have worked in conjunction with RNZAFM & RNZAF to acquire display aircraft for the attraction. Aircraft display information has been kindly coordinated by the RNZAFM, who will also oversee the upkeep of memorabilia.

The Classic Car Consortium group is made up of four local classic car enthusiasts. They are committed to sharing their love for some of the world’s most highly sought after privately owned classic cars. Warbirds and Wheels promises to showcase a fresh collection of classic cars every 6 months.