A special experience for Bridget and Roger, to fly high in pre-WW2 aircraft for a scenic Auckland flight experience with the opportunity for aerobatics on request – the choice is yours!

Experiencing Auckland from a bygone era, Roger you will be seated in Supermarine Spitfire flown by Husband and Wife Team Liz Needham and Frank Parker. Bridget you will be seated in the Air Tourer craft flown by Chief Flight Instructor Dave Brown.

Choose on a day of your choice from September onwards, your very own flight experience with a professionally edited Go Pro movie of your flight to reminisce over for years to come.

Flying high together, the Air Tourer aircraft will meet and pass by the almighty Spitfire as they manoeuvre around each-other for a unique experience from each-others perspective.  Once readied for your flight on the day, take off and soar with incredible views of Auckland city and delight at the view of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf.

At New Zealand airshows, the pair choose differing fighter aircraft and fly alongside each other in mock dog fights and reenactments – a truly unique experience.

Liz and Frank are truly a versatile and rare combination, and we couldn’t put you both Bridget and Roger in better hands. Not only do they understand these aircraft’s from a unique perspective, but share a strong bond of love and will provide you with an experience that brings you closer together in the most incredible way.

Piloting the Air Tourer aircraft Bridget, will highly likely be Dave Brown, Chief Flying Instructor of New Zealand Warbirds Association. Dave is hugely experienced as an ex RNZAF Skyhawk Jwt pilot, a flight test examiner and leader of the ‘Roaring Forties’ display team. Bridget, you will be in experienced hands to push you comfortably outside of your comfort zone with nothing too crazy!

Supermarine Spitfire:

One of the most iconic British aircraft of World War II. This aircraft was built in 1942 and is now powered with a super-charged Packard Merlin V12. In total, she completed over 59 combat missions over occupied Europe. The last combat flight for MH367 was on the 18th of April 1945 escorting 822 Lancasters to Heligoland. Originally an Mk IX, she was converted to a two-seat TR9, and arrived in New Zealand in 2008.  She is now painted in the colours and markings of Group Captain Colin Gray’s Mk IXc Spitfire, New Zealand’s highest-scoring Ace. She is currently the only 2-seat Spitfire available for flights outside of the UK – a very rare icon! Put yourself in the pilot’s seat and ‘live’ the experience of the ‘The Few’, those immortal fighter pilots of the Battle of Britain, and every European theatre of World War II thereafter.

Air Tourer:

Small in size, big in heart; chose from a simple scenic flight, with fantastic views from the bubble canopy or really go for it and try the fully aerobatic option perfect for thrill-seekers – our aerobatic pilots are the best in New Zealand, sit beside a former RNZAF Skyhawk pilot.

Q. How long are the flights?

A. Each flight is for approximately 20-25 minutes but allow around 1 hour for the whole experience. We can of course tailor any flight, please let us know.

Q. What level of fitness is required?

A. Only a low level of fitness is required and while we provide stairs for you to get up on to the aircraft, you do have to be able to get into and exit the cockpit.

Q. Is there any age, weight or height limits?

A. There is no upper age limit and we have taken people in their 90’s, as long as you’re mobile. There is a lower age limit of 18 years and above due to safety and licencing requirements. There are upper weight AND height limits that vary per aircraft, please ask for more information.

Q. What if I don’t want to do aerobatics?

A. Don’t worry we tailor the flight completely to you, you can still experience an incredible thrill by taking a gentle scenic flight and we’re happy to do that. If you think you might like to experience one or two very gentle manoeuvres please, just let us know.

Q. What clothes should I wear?

A. Although generally it will not be cold, we ask that you wear as a minimum full length trousers and you MUST wear closed in footwear.  If you are flying in the open cockpit Stearman or Tiger Moth, we suggest you bring another layer, such as a light jacket or something warmer if its winter months.  We can supply a full flying suit for you to wear over your own clothes.

Q. Can I bring my own camera or smartphone

A. Yes of course, that is no problem, but you MUST have it attached to a neck or wrist strap, so that it will not fall down into the cockpit or if in an open cockpit, be lost overboard.

Q. What if the weather isn’t suitable?

A. Because it is an outdoor activity your flight might be affected by weather or aircraft serviceability; we do want you to enjoy your flight experience. We check the weather forecast each morning and if the weather is not suitable our pilot will let you know, but sometimes we may not know until just before your flight, so if we do not postpone in advance, you might be asked to come out and we’ll make a decision before your flight is due to go. All efforts will be made to proceed with the flight on the day.  If we need to postpone your flight because of the weather conditions or the aircraft is not serviceable, we will happily re-book you for another date. A voucher will be issued for your chosen flight in the circumstances of unforeseen weather and adverse flying conditions that can be used at any stage during a 12 month period.

NZ Warbirds Association is a registered charity that is privileged to have such iconic and beautiful aircraft to look after; two hangars full of stunning aircraft from both the WW1 and WW2 eras and beyond.

They are beautifully restored, some after experiencing actual wartime service and all but three aircraft are fully operational and inline with our vision of working hard to ‘Keep ’em Flying’.

A flight in these incredible machines is a dream come true.

Many Kiwi pilots have started their careers on just these types of aircraft and are part of New Zealand’s rich heritage.

We invite you to experience the thrill and romance of flight and create for you a lasting memory in your own backyard.