Vintage Aircraft
New Zealand’s Richard Pearse was one of the pioneers of aviation, there are those who maintain that he managed flight before the Wright Brothers… apparently he was working on ideas for powered flight from 1899 and had built his first petrol engine by 1902, after which he built a craft that resembled the modern day microlight using bamboo, tubular steel, wire and canvas.
From these early beginnings, New Zealand's aviation industry and the interest of amateur pilots has grown steadily. Agricultural aviation was developed initially and the ability to apply fertilizer to hill country revolutionized productivity. Forestry, tourism and freight industries quickly recognized the advantages.
Wellington
Auckland Region
Museum of Transport and Technology
MOTAT is the home to New Zealand's most unique and historic aviation collection. The multi-million dollar project to provide a new Aviation Display Hall is now completed.
Warbirds Visitor Centre, Ardmore
The Warbirds visitor centre is home to a medley of planes - from T28 Trojan to the smaller scale Isaacs Fury. Most of the planes hail from the World War Two era but with the end of the war came the end of the planes' purpose in life.
Eastern North Island
Classic Flyers, Tauranga
Classic aircraft that still take to the skies, antique engines that roar into life before you, aviation memorabilia from a bygone era and so much more - all in our huge open hangar.
Sports and Vintage Aviation Museum, Masterton
The Vintage Aviator's rare and diverse collection of airworthy WWI Fighter Aircraft can be seen on display at Hood Aerodrome, Masterton.
Nelson / Marlborough
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre has an international reputation as one of the best- displayed aviation museums in the world. You need only hear the name Sir Peter Jackson to guess why. Open 7 days, 10am-5pm. Visitors can either self-tour or enjoy the rich stories offered by our knowledgeable guides
Canterbury
Air Force Museum of New Zealand, Wigram
Museum you can marvel at our collection of 28 classic aircraft, be inspired by the bravery of present and past servicemen, servicewomen and their families, fly a simulator, experience life in the Air Force and step back in time into a replica 1940’s home.
Ashburton Aviation Museum is home to some of New Zealand's most unique aircraft, including the GR3 Harrier VTOL JetFighter, 1933 Porterfield, B2 Canberra Bomber cockpit and the 1942 German Veihe Glider.
Otago / Deep South
Warbirds and Wheels Museum, Wanaka
Impressive collection of Warbirds, aircraft on display include a RNZAF Skyhawk fighter jet, Strikemaster, Vampire, Hurricane, and a WW1 SE5A. On display as well rare Classic Cars, the Sir Tim Wallis display, and original New Zealand art works.
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