After six years stuck on the runway due to Covid restrictions, Wānaka’s long-lived crowd-pleaser is finally happening.
Aircraft have been flying in to Wānaka all week and the team behind the international airshow could not be chirpier about the sellout crowd of at least 60,000.
Warbirds general manager Ed Taylor said demand for tickets had been "unbelievable".
"We have sold out for Saturday and Sunday, which is unprecedented. We have been very careful not to oversell because we still want everyone to have a great experience," he said.
In 2018, the show drew 55,000 people in total but this year, to meet demand, the general admission area was expanded and extra tickets were released for Saturday and Sunday.
Mr Taylor confirmed that Saturday and Sunday are the same show.
Tomorrow’s practice day would not include commentary but tickets for children were free, making it more affordable for families.
"Even practice day will be good," he said.
Mr Taylor expected most people would leave Wānaka Airport by 3.30pm tomorrow so they could get to the free 30-minute lakefront display over Roys Bay from 4.30pm.
The lakefront display was about giving back to the community and providing a free, half-hour display, he said.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council has declared Roys Bay a temporary reserve and put boating restrictions in place for tomorrow.
Mr Taylor said Wānaka Airport had been very busy all week and he was grateful for the co-operation of Queenstown Airport Corporation staff and airport businesses.
"They are having to adjust their normal work schedules to accommodate us setting up all the infrastructure needed for such a big international event. Without that co-operation it just wouldn’t be possible," Mr Taylor said.
About 8000 people were expected to gather for tomorrow’s lakefront display.
Warbirds over Wanaka
By the numbers
People: 60,000-plus
Aircraft: About 80
Pilots: About 80
Food trucks: 55, plus VIP hospitality caterer Flying Trestles
What you need to know
Tickets: Sold out for Saturday and Sunday. At the time of going to press, tickets were still available for tomorrow (practice day).
Lakefront demonstration: Starts 4.30pm tomorrow. Expect a crowd of 8000.
Roads: Expect delays. Allow extra time. People are travelling to Wānaka from all over the South Island. To plan routes, go to journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner. To check congestion, go to www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/holiday-journeys/easter-weekend-2024
Mt Iron and Ballantyne roundabouts: Open. Roadworks have been paused for Easter. Watch for gravel. Go slowly, follow the signs. More information at www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/major-projects/upper-clutha-safety-improve....
marjorie cook@odt.co.nz
