Wanaka

[vs]

In the 90's, Warbirds over Wanaka was the big aviation event. "are you going to Wanaka?" was a common question.

Now with so many other air shows to attend, has Wanaka lost its appeal? I had not been to a air show in New Zealand for a long time. This year I have been to the Tauranga and Ohakea shows which I really enjoyed.

Looking at the line up at Wanaka and the price, I would have to ask if it is worth it anymore? There was no "wow factor" as far as I could see.

Are they planning on having another show in 2014?

[Dave Homewood]

I love Wanaka as a place and I loved the three airshows I have attended there, 1992, 1993 and 2006. But for me it is far to expensive and too much hassle to get to. And yes, now that we have top class airshows regularly at Omaka (which I think personally is better than Wanaka), Tauranga, Ardmore and Masterton, plus the RNZAF airshows, and now without the Hannas and the AFC, Wanaka has lost a lot of the appeal it once held for me. I doubt I'll be going along in 2014. It's sad to think that way, but there it is. For what it is though it's still a top class warbird airshow and I guess probably still the best in the southern hemisphere in terms of scenery, people numbers, etc. But I think Omaka's smaller crowds, friendlier feel and more accessible location - with much better aviation content - is the one for me.

[fwx]

I wondered if my fourth WOW might be one too many, especially as the line-up was missing a couple of expected highlights for me (Anson, FW190), but I really enjoyed it.

The setting, organisation (apart from traffic management this year!), weather, and relaxed atmosphere spread over 3 whole days of aeroplane bliss. The traditions and memories of our 'original' warbirds show (Sir Tim and the AFC, the wonderful displays & pilots over the years, the Luggate Faction) ... The aerial activity over Wanaka township each evening ...

I get the impression that the pilots really enjoy it, and the attendances suggest that the public are still keen. Roll on 2014 I say!

[Dave Homewood]

So Wanaka's traffic management wasn't any good this year either then? (despite the assurances given on the TV news that they had it all sorted?)

[fwx]

Not as good as past years I've been to - they changed the system and blocked off the main road, so no thru-traffic, no drop-offs allowed for. No roadside signs to explain that. Any traffic trying to get back to Wanaka was sent down a back road, again no signage. I heard that the queue coming in from the Cromwell end was pretty bad as well.
Spoke to a traffic marshall on the Saturday after the show and he thought they stuffed up this year.

[Dave Homewood]

Oh dear. Did they use the same company that Ohakea did? In the past when i have been there there was never really any issues despite crowds of 50,000 + each day.

[vs]

yes, I went in 1996 and 1998. It is a great place to visit, but the line up and ticket cost to me feel like it is not worth it. I am prepared to pay the price...but I can goto Tauranga and see pretty much the same line up (for $10).

With all the WW1 airplanes arriving, I think Omaka and Masterton will soon be truly unique air shows which will be truly international air shows.

[fwx]

IMHO, Wanaka should concentrate its efforts on WW2 heavy metal warbirds and not try to be all things to suit all interests. Although the prospect may sound too risky to the organisers, WOW has built itself a reputation worldwide for the warbirds action, and should look to make itself as attractive as poss to the vs's and DH's of the world, ie., the real enthusiasts.

In the near future, with the FW190, another Spit, Tempest, Anson, etc., etc., along with the odd exotic import, it can become the Flying Legends of the Southern Hemisphere.

I think a true warbirds line-up would still hold a lot of appeal to Joe Public. I agree that if WOW becomes too generic it may struggle amongst the other up-and-coming airshows closer to the major population areas.

[Deleted]

I like the idea fwx put forth: focus on WW2/heavy metal.

As a kid I grew up DEVOURING everything Wanaka. I got the 1996 video for my ninth birthday. I got every single book and video as it came out. My parents recorded documentaries on Sir Tim. I felt such a connection to the place that I wept when the announcement of TB863's sale was made. I finally went in 2004 and it was great! 2006 and 2008 though were pretty average, and 2010 was back up there. But I felt then - as I do now - that I missed the golden age. When I got there there was only a handful of Polis, no Japanese aircraft or Avenger, but at least I got to see Ray Hanna fly.

I didn't go this year, but I don't feel that I missed it. Nothing leapt out at me ("oh no, my chance to see X and I can't get there!"), and I had seen everything there before. 2014 will have to be very impressive to get me to go.

We have a great all-round show with significant WW1 content in Omaka, and from the look of it Tauranga is catching up. Like vs said: why spend >$100 when $20ish will get you the same stuff?

[DragonflyDH90]

The thing to remember is once upon a time a good portion of the aircraft displaying at Wanaka were Wanaka based and for those not based there the fuel and operating costs were CONSIDERABLY cheaper. Tauranga as an example is approx 30mins away for 80% of the Warbirds. It takes approx the same amount of time to fly from Auckland to Omaka as it does from Omaka to Wanaka so you can very quickly work out the economics of the whole thing, you could have the same number of aircraft at Omaka for half the cost or double the number for the same cost.

[vs]

I see what you mean, the problem is Wanaka to me is not value for money anymore. If I am going to spend that sort of money, I need to see more that what I spent $10 to see at Tauranga

[kiwithrottlejockey]

I missed Warbirds On Parade in 1988, but I first attended Warbirds Over Wanaka in 1990. In 1992 I purchased a Gold Pass (that was the first time they had a Gold Pass enclosure & grandstand) and I've been to every Warbirds Over Wanaka since, always with a Gold Pass apart from 2010 when I had a Silver Pass (the group of us who always meet up at WOW and occupy part of the back row of the grandstand decided to check out the Silver Pass enclosure, but after trying it out decided to return to the Gold Pass enclosure for 2012).

I attended the first Classic Fighters at Omaka in 2001 and have been to every one since, always with a Gold Pass.

I haven't been to all of the Wings Over Wairarapa airshows, but have attended more than half of them, although always with a general admission ticket only, and always only on the Sunday. Possibly the fact that I live locally (only about 3km from Hood Aerodrome) has meant I have tended to take the local Hood classic aviation scene more for granted than Omaka and Wanaka. Plus, there are regular TVAL airshows at Hood, so if I miss one, I'll usually catch the next one.

I've always felt that Warbirds Over Wanaka peaked around 2000 and 2002, then it was surpassed by Classic Fighters at Omaka, although that is just my personal opinion. However, quite a few of the crowd I always meet up with at Wanaka and Omaka, and share the grandstand with have a similar opinion to me as to when Omaka surpassed Wanaka. However, I still enjoy attending Warbirds Over Wanaka and will definitely be in the Gold Pass grandstand in 2014, as well as being in the Gold Pass grandstand at Omaka next year (2013).

I have also always been in the back (top) row of the grandstand. While at the recent Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow, an Australian (who is part of a group who always sits next to our group) made the comment that “those of us who always occupy the back row of the grandstand are the train spotters of the aviation world!” I recalled an article published by The Southland Times in 2008 which was about the aviation fanatics in the back row of the Gold Pass grandstand at WOW and mentioned to the Australian about it and he said he'd love to track it down and have a read. I pulled my laptop out and went online and searched the STUFF website, and located it, so emailed the URL to the Aussie.

Here is the article from the STUFF website archives, formatted into BB code for these ProBoards messageboard forums....



Time of their lives for the fanatic few

By WILL HINE - The Southland Times | Monday, 24 March 2008


SPEED DEMON (left): One of the fastest biplanes ever produced, the Russian Polikarpov I-153 fighter,
proved popular with its aerial display at the air show. | ON THE WING (right): A P51 Mustang, regarded
by many as the greatest piston-engined fighter built during World War 2, thrilling the crowds at the
air show. — JOHN HAWKINS/The Southland Times.

"He's got his carriage down ... this is going to be a dirty, dirty run ... low and slow it'll be, all its bits hanging out." Though the words transfer to paper easily enough, the enthusiasm does not.

They are the thoughts of a man in ecstasy, a man in rapture, a man at the top of the gold pass grandstand at Warbirds Over Wanaka as he watches an Australian F-111 pass over the runway with its landing gear down. This spiel, from an unknown voice in a swollen crowd, is typical of what one hears at the top of the stand during Warbirds.

The chaps who occupy these highest rows — and they invariably are chaps — range from airshow enthusiasts to airshow anoraks to airshow fanatics.

Bryan Patterson, of Hamilton, has been coming to every Warbirds since 1997. His heart is worn on his chest, where he sports 16 commerative pins marking various air shows.

"They will make them for a short while, and then they smash the dies and you can't buy them anymore," he states proudly.

Mr Patterson is $180 out of pocket after the Wings and Wheels over Waikato airshow collapsed this month and has spent another $365 on his gold pass here, but does not seemed fazed by the numbers.

"I like watching the old stuff. Most of the stuff ends up in museums even though it is able to fly."

Trying to select a weekend highlight, Mr Patterson hesitates, before declaring he likes Mustangs, especially when they fly in pairs.

Beat Radelfinger, of Switzerland, is short on English but not on gusto.

Attending his second Warbirds, Mr Radelfinger said he liked the variety at the Wanaka event.

"It's old aircraft, it's new aircraft and you have an exhibition about firefighting and military tanks. Here in Wanaka it is for all people."

Asked to select his favourite display, Mr Radelfinger says the F-111 and then lets out a low guttural moan, which, transcending language barriers, sounds worryingly orgasmic.


FANATIC (left): Gold pass holder Bryan Patterson from Hamilton showing off the 16 decorative pins
on his chest from previous air shows. | KEEN WATCHER (right): Australian Bill Toal pointing out a red
staggered wing Beechcraft on the Wanaka runway. — WILL HINE/The Southland Times.

Irene Toal, of Wagga Wagga, sitting in the cafe area below the grandstand, is a Warbirds widow this weekend.

"My husband's up in the stand taking photos of the planes he took photos of yesterday. I think he got 400 (shots) then," she says, smiling wearily.

Bill Toal can indeed be found on the top row of the grandstand, camcorder in hand.

A delight to chat with, Mr Toal talks about aircraft with the fondness most adults reserve for their children. "The DC-3," he says, pointing to a taxiing plane. "You can give me one of those anyday. It's got a radial engine, lovely to fly in."

"On this side there's six windows. There's seven on the other side. How does that grab you? The cargo version has two windows."

Mr Toal is due to go for a flight in a Catalina the next day and is ecstatic about it.

"They can fly for 20 hours. They did so many things during the war it was amazing."

Asked how long the flight tomorrow will last for, Mr Toal shakes his head.

"I don't have a clue but it won't be long enough."

Kids in candy shops have nothing on middle-aged men at air shows.

www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/archives/2008-warbirds-over-wanaka/328344

[DragonflyDH90]

I agree 100% and as has been mentioned I think the likes of Tauranga will go from strength to strength as well as Omaka growing (absolutely fantastic venue and infrastructure) as it is so centrally located and Masterton (if the weather plays the game) with it diversity and bucking the trend of 90% heavy 10% light and going polar opposite.

[obiwan27]

I can't say that I agree with everything others have said about Wanaka, although many good points are raised.

If I went to every airshow or even just the two 'main' shows - Omaka and Wanaka year after year, then I am sure that I'd feel that it was time for a 'rest'. In fact this was my first Wanaka Airshow since 2006. I booked the accommodation 12 months in advance and then got my air tickets on a good deal and purchased a one day grandstand ticket only.

I went on the Sunday only and found parking no problem, arriving at the airfield gates between 8 and 8:30am. Leaving was another matter, but then it always is, in my experience.

The weather was great and there was a big crowd in both grandstands and elsewhere. I thoroughly enjoyed the airshow in spite of no Anson or Focke-Wulf and also no Red Checkers display.

So in short, for me personally, I attend airshows infrequently and enjoy them more as a result. I appreciate that people have different circumstances and expectations so it's natural that airshows in other centres will become popular due to the lower cost and time etc involved in attending these airshows for the general public.

Wanaka this year could have been quite different with the absentee aircraft present, who knows? I also did as many do and incorporated it as part of a long weekend holiday with my gf, with the airshow as our Sunday 'activity' and we both enjoyed it immensely.

It all comes down to individual choice, circumstances, finances and what spins your wheels.

Personally I rate my Wanaka experience this year slightly ahead of my Omaka experience last year. I think the view from the grandstands at Wanaka is superior, plus you have the added 'bonus' of aircraft flying down and popping up from the Clutha River. The weather at Wanaka this year also surpassed that at Omaka last year.

It all adds up to your airshow experience and of course, airshow organisers can't control the weather or serviceability of aircraft. As a mainlander I'll definitely support both Omaka and Wanaka in future but won't go to 'every' airshow at either venue as it is just too expensive for me to do so. Both are generally well run and organised events that are a drawcard for the Easter Weekend for both regions.

Personally I wouldn't be inclined to attend any airshows in the North Island unless there was a pretty big number of drawcard. I agonised over whether to go to Ohakea as I wanted to see the F18s strut their stuff, but maybe Wanaka in a couple of years time instead.

[tonyg]

Hi
Have been to every Warbirds over Wanaka since it started (and the Warbirds on Parade), I do agree with the majority that for regular goers WOW is missing the X factor it used to have. I usually get a gold pass but this year only went on the Sunday as I felt, even with the 75th anniversary, that it was going to lack that extra special event or aircraft as in years gone by.
Have only been to Omaka once (last year), bought a gold pass and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend (apart from the weather ), the 2 shows complement each other IMO.
Hopefully WOW will attract a special appearance next time as I would hate to think I wouldn't visit again because it has got a bit predictable.
Never really had a problem with traffic, arrive early and be patient when leaving

Cheers

[Dave Homewood]

Welcome Tony.

I think every time that Wanaka holds a show the content is fantastic, how can we begrudge such amazing line ups that they have there. However these days they are not the only shows gathering such line ups, that's the difference. If I could afford to go to Wanaka every time I probably would, and I'd love every minute. It's just the huge costs involved getting there and staying there and being there which makes it impossible for many of us.

[tonyg]

Yes I agree Dave, cost is always a problem
I live in Mosgiel near Dunedin so South Island airshows are the only ones I can afford, acommodation and travel to the North Island always hold me back from visiting Ohakea etc

Cheers

[mumbles]

In agreement with the general sentiment here. Attended Wanaka '92, '94, '96, '98, and 2002. Drove down for the first two, and flew in for the rest. That era might perhaps now be thought of as a golden era, when Wanaka was pretty much the only game in town in terms of event and spectacle. But times change, and Wanaka became increasingly difficult for this Wellington based enthusiast to get to, which is why I haven't been back for a while. You either fly in for a day, or take the better part of a week off. In all seriousness I have found flying to Australia for an airshow cheaper and easier than getting to Wanaka. Shouldn't be that way but it is.

Part of the problem that turned us away we felt was when the event ticketing structure became more suited and aimed for those with the time and funds to attend all three days (and overseas visitors). Not everyone can do this, and it felt like a snub to the less enabled enthusiasts who were a big part in making the show what it was.

[johnnyfalcon]

I guess it's about your personal perspective and what spins your propeller. I've attended 5 Wanaka shows, 2 Omaka shows and 4 Wairarapa shows (among 'hundreds' of other GA shows) and I like them all for different reasons.

There's no doubt that Wanaka is more expensive, but check out the scenery! There's also something special about the remoteness of the location and the hub that it can be for seeing more of that special part of NZ. This year I planned to go but I also wanted to go to Ohakea and other commitments meant Wanaka lost out. Otherwise I'd planned to drive Chch - Cromwell on Thursday night, choose one day at the show based on the weather forecast, spend 2 days further afield sight seeing with partner and kids with Cromwell as my base and return home Monday. For around $1200. That required saving $10 per week over 2 years. Thats what I did in 2010. And I got to have a wee break too :-)

To me, Wanaka hasn't changed much, everything else has. Most shows have borrowed from its successful formula and now it doesn't have the same independence it once had. I agree that it would be time to consider adding to its uniqueness somehow, perhaps by specializing in heavy warbirds only, but to me it will always be something special. Onwards and (especially) upwards!

[Dave Homewood]

"There's no doubt that Wanaka is more expensive, but check out the scenery!"

The scenery is free when the airshow's not on.