Thousands flock to Wanaka to watch aircraft put through paces

Looking the part: Adding a touch of musical entertainment to the Warbirds show (back from left) Nadine Hoskins, Cher Hunter, Catriona MacDonald, Mel Hunter and (front) Lois Trenberth. Driver Ralph Weir.

Standing by: St John ambulance officers (from left) Annemarie Hope-Cross, of Auckland, youth member Sam Toms, of Alexandra, and Pat Chapman, of Christchurch, were on hand for any emergencies at the show.

Static display: This LC-130 ski-equipped Polar Hercules made its debut appearance at the show this year (from left) Captain Daniel Marchegiani, Senior Master Sergeant Randy Randy Williams and Chief Master Sergeant Jason Taylor.

Boys’ road trip: Down from Te Puke for the show on a father-son holiday are aircraft fans Nathan (13) and Jules Senior.

Family trip: Visiting from Australia for the show were (from left) Qantas Captain Matthew Gray and his parents John and Anne. Capt Gray spent time in the 1980s flying for the Royal New Zealand Air Force as part of an exchange programme.

Well prepared: Having been to three other Warbirds Over Wanaka shows before last weekend’s one, the Waddell family of Gore knew what to expect when it came to noise levels. Parents Jo and Graham made sure their children Aiden (4, left) and Hamish (5).

The Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow last weekend was bigger and better than ever as the show celebrated its 20th anniversary.

An estimated 86,000 people attended the show - now acclaimed as the largest warbird airshow in the southern hemisphere - over the three days of flying. Friday was practice day, during which many people took advantage of the slightly cheaper entry fee to come and gaze skyward, while the two scheduled flying days were on Saturday and Sunday and attracted huge crowds.

Along with the impressive aerial action overhead which showcased classic aircraft of yesteryear through to modern jets, there were also plenty of aviation attractions, military vehicles, vintage machinery and vehicles and a trade expo and market to explore down on the ground.