At least six vintage aircraft are expected to take part in a World War 1 centenary event over the Wanaka lakefront next Easter.
A grant from the Lottery Grants Board World War One Commemorations fund has enabled organisers to increase the scale of the free public event, which is being planned as part of the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.
Event co-ordinator Ed Taylor said it was hoped a mid-air dogfight between fighter planes would be re-enacted between aircraft sporting allied and enemy colours.
The commemoration would begin at 4.30pm on Friday, April 18, with Sara Randle, from Masterton's Vintage Aviator fighter collection, presenting a commentary from a stage on Pembroke Park.
Searchlights and music would add atmosphere, Mr Taylor said.
''We hope families and individuals from across the region will come and join in. This is a tribute to those aviators who took a step into the unknown and for us it's an exciting first in being able to bring the airshow right into town.''
