Experience the throaty roar of a radial or the silky smooth growl of a V12 piston-engine Warbird or choose a sedate roam around the local countryside or over Auckland City in a pre-WW2 biplane.

From scenic to full aerobatics or even in an aerial formation with other aircraft – the choice is yours! With a well-deserved lunch and a gorgeous wine or two afterward, reminisce over the feeling and unique aspect of a gorgeous old-world sensation.

See Auckland from a bygone era!

New Zealand and Auckland have a rich aviation history & does not aim to glorify war at all, but rather, to see some of these grand old military aircraft preserved in flying condition for the enjoyment of all. Who can resist the throb of a Harvard or the sheer romance of a Tiger Moth, the roar of a Mustang? Come fly with us and enjoy all the creature comforts of morning tea, a superb lunch afterwards and a chance to see Auckland from a once in a lifetime perspective.

Depart and Drive to Our Airfield For Your Flight

Depending on how and where you are travelling from, will determine what you receive as far as our “behind the scenes” incredible instructions maximising and enhancing even the journey prior to your exciting adventure beginning.

Readied for your flight, take off and soar with incredible views of Auckland City delight at the view of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf . A stunning 20-minute flight in aircraft from an era gone but not forgotten, opt for a fabulous scenic flight or for those who ask, a special aerobatics performance that will leave you feeling exhilarated.

Once you are back down to earth after a once in a lifetime experience, it is now the perfect time to make your way to your second destination we have planned with all the trimmings. Enjoy a personalised wine tasting, having the time to understand that particular region’s wine-making story and why they are very good at making certain varieties before sitting down to a gorgeous lunch where service is second to none.

Now it’s time to wander around the local places we have designed for you to visit, where people truly will know your name. Treat yourself to a coffee on us with the local, boutique cafes, craft shops, markets plus much more. An opportunity to support the local perfectionists who are passionate about everything they do. Gather up the little treats we have designed for your basket of memories on the way making your day truly personalised and leaving you with the phrase, “Wow, I never knew that this was here.”

Choose From Our Portfolio Of Glorious Boutique Overnight Accommodation Experiences 

Extend your time away to include some unforgettable memories.

How about our boutique luxury lodge nestled in the New Zealand native bush close to the seaside town of Whitianga. Stunning water views across Cooks Beach and beyond to Mercury Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula.

A luxurious suite, with a King bed, spacious en-suite with bathtub and separate shower to really languish and relax.

Spacious living areas feature a fireplace, outdoor terracing, an outdoor fire, and beautiful sea and bush views.  Read a book in the library or listen to some cool jazz in the snug. Relax in the indoor/outdoor solarium or outdoors on the spacious decks overlooking the garden and native bush. Walk through Shakespeare Reserve and be wowed by the stunning views out to Mercury Bay.  Take a bush track walk down to the beautiful secluded Lonely Bay. Drive to Hot Water beach and do again what many of us have already done or if you have never had the time, now is the moment to dig your own hot pool and simply relax, breathe and take a moment.

So, without further ado, make a decision to linger for a couple of nights, allow us to create some gorgeous moments in time, and allow us to know the perfect overnight experience we can suit to you.

Never flown before or an experienced aviator? – An Adventure Flight is not to be missed; however, you do need to be mobile enough to get into and out of the aircraft. Because you will be seated in a confined ‘military’ style cockpit, separated from your pilot, this experience is only available to ‘pilots’ eighteen years and over, a weight restriction applies to some aircraft. As we build your experience from the beginning, we will assess what flight would work best for and with you.

Your flight will be in some of the most iconic aircraft of our time. Legendary ‘Fighters’, Spitfire, Mustang and Kittyhawk, the ‘Pilot Maker’ Harvard Trainer, or the Romance of the Tiger Moth and Boeing Stearman ‘Open’ cockpit biplanes are just some of the offerings to raise your adrenaline to new heights.

These are the famous aircraft of World War Two. Choose your flight profile, a city scenic – or chance some aerobatics!

Safety is our priority, you will receive a full safety briefing and details of your flight profile both prior to you confirming your date as well as on the day to ensure you have ALL the information you need to enjoy and no to worry.

Our Pilots and ground crew are some of the most experienced in the world and will ensure you are fully prepared and ready to fly.

Just in case you are on a post-flight adrenaline ‘overload’  our crew will be on hand to help you disembark and now is the perfect time to get that camera and capture ‘your moment’, smiles never to be forgotten. So don’t forget to ask your pilot to take that amazing picture.

Airtourer Trainer – $492.00 per person.  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, it’s better than any roller coaster ride and did we mention you sit beside some of our better-looking pilots. Availability from June 2020

De Havilland Tiger Moth– $492.00 per person. Built right here in New Zealand, this ‘Moth’ was a wartime trainer, serving with the Royal New Zealand Air Force for 13 years from 1942, before teaching numerous civilian pilots to fly. She wears her original RNZAF colours. Be inspired by the unique experience of the sights, smells, and sounds from this open cockpit bi-plane and re-imagine a bygone era. Availability from June 2020

Boeing Stearman – $615.00 per person. Designed as a WW2 pilot trainer with a 9 cylinder radial engine, our Stearman initially saw service in the Philippines with the US Army Air Force.  A beautiful roomy open cockpit aircraft to enjoy a fabulous scenic and gentle aerobatic flight. Availability from June 2020

North American T-6 Harvard – $1,110.00 –  Earned their name as “The Pilot Maker” due to its important role in preparing and training allied pilots for combat during World War II.  Our Harvard’s served with the Royal NZ Airforce, used over 36 years to train ‘Kiwi’ pilots. Our Harvard’s form the Roaring Forties Display team you see displayed around NZ. With its large radial engine, it makes a very distinctive ‘noise’ because it propeller tips spin at over the speed of sound. Availability from June 2020

Curtis P40 Kittyhawk – $3495.00 per person – Our awesome V12 Allison engined ground attack fighter was built near New York in 1943 and sent to Australia to fly combat missions out of Papua New Guinea in the Pacific, during WW2. Recovered from the war, she was rebuilt here at Ardmore and converted to a two-seater, one of only 20 to 30 Kittyhawks still flying in the world.  She is displayed by her owner all around New Zealand. Availability is now available for flights from August 2020 onwards.

American P51 Mustang – $3495.00 per person– now painted in the colours of New Zealand Territorial No 3 squadron, this iconic thoroughbred was built in the USA in 1943.  Serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force before later being imported to NZ by the famous Sir Tim Wallis of Wanaka fame.  Fitted with the much-admired V12 Merlin engine she can reach speeds up to 430mph and performs like an absolute dream. Taking bookings for late August 2020 onwards.

Supermarine Spitfire (MH367) – $4,808.00 per person – 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.

• Due to the nature of the aircraft, the max passenger weight is 100 Kg.
• You must be physically capable of entering and exiting the aircraft under normal emergency situations;
• You must declare all medical conditions;

Taking expressions of interest for September 2020 onwards.

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.