Parts of South Otago will resemble mini airports over the New Year break when the district hosts the New Zealand Model Aero Club championships for the first time.
Four venues will accommodate different sections as flyers of all ages and experience converge in the area.
The championships start with a rally day on December 30, the main event to run from December 31 until January 4.
Nationals co-ordinator and long-time South Otago Model Aero Club member Antony Groenewegen said it was exciting to have the club and district hosting the event that brought out the best of the best in model aeroplane enthusiasts.
About 70 people from throughout the country are expected to attend and compete.
The South Island hosts the nationals every four years.
Mr Groenewegen said the South Otago club "put our hand up" to host the nationals, and much planning had gone into ensuring it was well run and an event to be remembered.
The Balclutha Showgrounds will be the base for the championships, and while that venue will host events and be the official "campsite" for the week, competitions will be scattered over three other sites, too.
All radio-controlled and aerobatic competitions will be held at the Balclutha aerodrome, all gliding classes will be staged at Mark Sinclair's farm between Balclutha and Clydevale, and all free flights will be conducted at the club's official field at Adams Flat, just south of Milton.
The public will be welcome to watch the competitions.
