Warhorses invading Wanaka

Joining a convoy of WW2 vehicles today will be (front) Adam North, of Blenheim, on his 1941 Indian; (from left) Spike Wademan, of Queenstown, in his 1942 Willys Jeep; David Teele (rear), of Arrowtown, in his 1943 Dodge weapons carrier; Dayna Wilhelmus and Vaughn Jackson, of Blenheim, in their 1946 Willys Jeep. Photo by Catherine Pattinson.

The main muster of World War 2 tanks, trucks and jeeps is leaving from Oamaru and will gather in Tarras with others from around the South Island, ready to travel in convoy to Wanaka Airport, where they will set up camp for the weekend.

Warhorses co-ordinator Merv Thorn said most of 20 vehicles were from the WW2 and Korean War eras.

They included army motorcycles, gun tractors, a 35-tonne tank, jeeps, Land Rovers, a Chevrolet long-wheel-base troop carrier, a six-wheel GMC truck and an armoured Unimog.

Tomorrow, they will practise the ground battle re-enactments spectators will see at the Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow on Saturday and Sunday.

Warhorse timetable
9am: Leave Oamaru.
11am: Meet group from points north at Omarama. Dunedin contingent meets Invercargill warhorses at Raes Junction.
1.30pm to 2pm: All vehicles rendezvous at the Maori Pt Rd-Tarras-Wanaka highway corner.
2.30pm to 3pm: Warhorses arrive Wanaka Airport.