The flights will take place during a new ''Rides Day'' event on Easter Monday following the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow. The day is facilitated by the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust and aims to encourage people into aviation careers and warbird flying.
The Spitfire, owned by Auckland-based pilot and businessman, Doug Brooker, completed nearly 90 combat missions with three different squadrons operating over Europe during World War 2. Flight operator Frank Parker said about 60% of the bookings for the Wanaka flights were from overseas visitors, many of the customers Australians.
''Because of the cost we tend to attract the pure enthusiasts ... individuals with the interest, desire and money to do this once-in-a-lifetime experience.''
Mr Parker and his wife, Liz Needham, are both experienced warbird pilots who recently started a business at Auckland's Ardmore Airport, where they provide rides in three classic warplanes: the Spitfire, a P-40 Kittyhawk and a Harvard.
There were still a few slots left for the Rides Day in the Kittyhawk, at $2500 a ride. Extra flights had been scheduled for early evening after the airshow on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but those had also already sold out in the Spitfire.
Passengers at the Rides Day will be able to choose from Tiger Moths, a Pitts Special aerobatic aircraft, a range of helicopters and light fixed-wing aircraft, as well as classic warbirds such as the Kittyhawk, P51-D Mustang, Harvard, Strikemaster, jets and a Yak 52.
