Warbirds Over Wanaka

[Dave Homewood]

After several changes in plans I have decided I am definately going to Wanaka this year. I am flying down to Christchurch from Hamilton on the 11th of April, and will then bus to Wanaka on Thursday the 13th. I shall be in Wanaka till the 17th when i bus back to Chch.

This has been a massive decision for me, as original plans I had to travel with a mate fell through when he decided this week he cannot go due to certain circumstances. This is a shame. We were going to do it on the cheap together as neither of us are very rich right now.

But I decided I really want to go this time after missing every Wanaka show since 1993. Every year that one goes by (or Omaka) I lament sadly as i watch the highlights on the television news, buy the book and watch the airshow video.

This time I shall be there!! Yey.

There is a hitch though!

As previous plans have dissolved, I don't actually have anywhere to stay in Wanaka. I wondered, have any members here got a place booked where i can roll out my sleepoing bag and kip on the floor/couch? Or maybe pitch my tent?

I am happy to sleep rough so long as I'm there. I'd prefer to be indoors as it'll be cold, based on past experience tenting there with the RNZAF in 1993 (frozen toothpaste in the morning, not to mention chipping ice off the sleeping bag!)

If anyone can help, I don't take up much space. I'm used to sleeping in cars and all sorts of places so am happy wherever. Can you help please?

Also, who else is DEFINATELY going to be there? We need to organise a forum meet. Where's a good place? Sadly I noticed on a visit to the town in 2004 the wonderful old Barrow's pub is no more!

[phil82]

The sad thing about Wanaka is it has become a victim of its own success and rampant commercialism, and is now a very expensive outing unless you live nearby! Where you could once buy a return charter seat for about $120-00, they are now talking "packages" of flights and accommodation costing hundreds. It is actually cheaper to fly to the Avalon Airshow in Melbourne than it is to go to Wanaka.

[Dave Homewood]

Correct, which was a huge factor on my mind when deciding whether or not to do this trip. But it's an opportunity I felt I had to take.

Mind you it's not just Wanaka though - a chap who is buying Mum's business flew up from Woodbourne to Hamilton and back the same day, and that cost him about $900. He could have done 3 or 4 trips to Sydney for that!

[Damon]

Hi Dave .I might .. might be able to help you out .Contact me by e-mail address.

Damon

[turboNZ]

Hey Dave,

Myself and Bridget will DEFINITELY be there on the Saturday.

We motorcycling down on our bikes and staying at Lake Tekapo on the way back.
So we're not really able to offer any assistance in the way of accomodation sorry.

Be great to meet up.

I think there is also going to be some sort of Warbirdz.net meet as well (ie John Parker).

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Damon, an email has been sent to you. Welcome to the forum too by the way.

I'm certainly looking forward to meeting up with you Chris too, and Bridget. Another couple who I shall hope to see there are Peter and Kay Arnold from the UK, who're currently staying here at my place tonight on their way south.

[DragonflyDH90]

As it stands (as long as nothing breaks and the weather plays the game) Croydon Aircraft Company will be displaying 4 Tiger Moths, the Fox Moth and the Dragonfly around lunch time Sat and Sun. Our 1910 Pither Monoplane replica will be on display (static only) for those interested also.

[Dave Homewood]

Brilliant! I am so looking forward to seeing this display. Especially the Fox Moth and the Dragonfly, wow. I hope to catch up with you at some point Ryan. At least I won't be pre-occupied with camera work ths time like I was at Tauranga.

[zknsj]

its a pity you dont have a car, as you could stay somewhere like omarama, which is still 2hrs or so drive away, but much cheaper, when i went in 96 we stayed in clyde

[Dave Homewood]

It's ok, I got somewhere right in town real cheap. There was still accommodation up till yesterday in the town centre. It's a myth I think about booking ahead by a year.