Fly in a real Warbird

On the 11th of January 2026, the skies over Whangarei will roar with the sound of ex-military aircraft, and this is your opportunity to be a very real part of the excitement. The New Zealand Warbirds Association's experienced pilots will give you the thrill of a lifetime.

De Havilland DH82 Tiger Moth

Built to a requirement by the British Air Ministry for a basic trainer for the Royal Air Force, the Tiger Moth soon became the standard trainer for all commonwealth Air Forces prior to and during World War Two. Nearly 9000 were built. The RNZAF operated Tiger Moth aircraft from 1939 to 1956.

Power: Gipsy Major, 130hp, 373cu in. Speed: 110kph (70mph)

Flight Cost: $400
Aerobatics: $475

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De Havilland DHC1 Chipmunk

Developed as a replacement for the Tiger Moth by the Canadian arm of De Havilland shortly after WW2 , some 1280 Chipmunks were built. The Chipmunk's flight characteristics have been favourably compared to that of the Spitfire.

Power: Gipsy Major 1C, 145hp, 373cu in. Speed: 166kph (103mph)

Flight Cost: $400
Aerobatics: $475 

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Boeing Stearman Model 75

The Stearman (Boeing) Model 75 is a biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft, of which at least 10,626 were built in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s. After WW2, thousands of surplus aircraft were sold on the civilian market. In the immediate postwar years they became popular as crop dusters, sports planes, and for aerobatic and wing walking use in air shows.

Power: Lycoming R-680-17, 300hp, 680cu in. Speed: 155kph (96mph)

Flight Cost: $400
Aerobatics: $475

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AESL Airtourer

Ex RNZAF, side by side seating, aerobatic primary trainer. Designed as a replacement for existing training aircraft, and the precursor to the RNZAF’s main trainer the PAC AirTrainer, 

Power: Continental IO-360, 210hp, 360cu in. Speed: 280kph 
(175mph)

Power: Lycoming, 150hp, 320cu in. Speed: 200kph (125mph)

Flight Cost: $400
Aerobatics: $475 

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PAC CT4 Air Trainer

Used by the NZ Airforce from the mid 70’s until retired in December 2014, these trainers were built in New Zealand as a replacement for the AT-6 Harvards. Extremely aerobatic, they were also the NZ Air Forces aerobatic team aircraft, until replaced with the Texan II.

Power: Lycoming AEIO-540, 300hp, 540cu in. Speed 280kph (175mph)

Flight Cost: $400
Aerobatics: $475 

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North American AT6 Harvard

Also known as the T6 Texan, the Harvard was first flown in 1937 and widely used as an advanced trainer in WW2. They were retired by the RNZAF in 1977. Harvards are in demand for airshow displays with the Roaring 40’s display team, a major airshow drawcard.

Power: Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp, 1344 cu in, Speed: 300kph (186mph) 

Flight Cost: $800
Aerobatics: $950

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IMPORTANT:
How to book a flight:

Bookings are essential. Customers need to email flights@nzwarbirds.org.nz with the recipient's name and the flight they would like to take. Payment on the day via EFTPOS or Cash. Bookings will need customer/pax name, age, weight, phone and email.

Conditions:

  • All flights are subject to weather, or unscheduled maintenance.
  • Flights are approximately 15-20 minutes.
  • Minimum age: 8 years side by side (AirTourer/AirTrainer), 14 years others Passenger must have a good understanding of English.
  • Passenger must be medically fit for the flight.
  • Passenger must be physically suitable for the aircraft.
  • Passenger must be able to exit the aircraft unaided in an emergency.
  • Passenger must wear suitable clothing (long trousers and closed shoes, zip up type jacket).
  • Passenger must sign a passenger waiver form.
  • No loose items: Mobile phones, hand held cameras, Go-Pro’s must have a tether strap and be attached to passengers wrist or belts. We can loan tethers for phones.
  • Max weights: 100kg Chipmunk. 110kg Harvard. 120kg Stearman. 120kg Tiger Moth.