New Zealand Warbirds Association — Attraction in Franklin

Wow Wow WOW!!! I did a flight in the P40 Kittyhawk today with Frank Parker at the controls. Yes, its not a cheap way to spend 30 min BUT the adrenaline and rush is incomparable and i THOROUGHLY RECOMMEND you to save up and give this a go if you want a thrill.

This plane is vintage.... was built in the 40s I believe and has an incredible history with the RAAF and service in PNG in combat flight. Now it’s homed in NZ and flown by Liz Needham and Frank Parker for enthusiasts who want to experience something very very special.

Prior to the flight the ground crew showed me around the plane and when it was time to fly the two ground crew expertly assisted me into the aircraft, strapped me in, set up a headset and ensured I was ready to go. The volunteer ground crew at NZ Warbirds are just awesome!

Today Frank and Liz flew in formation - us in the P40, Liz in the Spitfire - and we headed out over Beachlands and Maraetai then simulated a bombing run off small island in the gulf. After that it was towards Miranda where Frank executed some aileron wing overs, a barrel roll and a full loop - of gosh the G Forces!!!!. Then we headed off to Hunua Ranges and "bombed" the Hunua Dam before linking up with the Spitfire to fly back to Ardmore in formation.

What a day!! Thank you Frank and Liz. Your passion is well and truly shared now!

It's the P51...

I bought my husband an aerobatic flight in a Tiger Moth to celebrate his birthday and today he took to the clear blue skies with his pilot, Vaughn for the experience of a lifetime. The flight exceeded his expectations, especially the loops and barrel rolls which were just awesome - plus a scenic flight! The whole family were able to join him for photos with the Tiger Moth pre flight and a fantastic tour of the hangars, history and other Warbirds was a highlight. A very impressive collection and Gary was so knowledgeable. The family enjoyed coffee and croissants (brought from home) while we waited for their return on the balcony. A great view of all the small aircraft taking off and landing. A fantastic full mornings entertainment. Thanks to everyone at Warbirds for offering these flights to the public, it...

Great musuem to visit if you are in to NZ aviation and war aircraft history. Contained over 2 hangers. Hanger 2 contains a mix of restored and operational WWII and post WWII airraft and Hanger 1 a mixture of WWI german, british aircraft. Hanger 2 contains many models and story boards. You can get up close to all aircraft but WATCH YOUR HEAD as you move arround as craft are snuggly fitted in. The volunteers a very polite and friendly and happy to engage in conversation on exhibits and the history. Gift shop has something for everyone and entry at $15 adults and $5 children over 5 is affordable and was reasonable for Auckland. We spent about 2 hours there. Parking is sufficent outside main Hanger 2 and more down by Hanger 1...Would reccommend to others and may...