Things to do in Wānaka
Events
Wānaka events are led by Warbirds Over Wanaka, the airshow held at Wānaka Airport over Easter weekend every second year. The next one is 14 to 16 April 2028, its 40th anniversary. Around 60,000 people come across the three days, for historic warbirds, modern air force displays and pyrotechnics.
Tickets go on sale during 2027 through Ticketek, the only authorised vendor, with a 24 hour priority window for waitlist holders. Accommodation across Wānaka goes early for an Easter airshow, so book your site or cabin well before the tickets themselves are released.
The Friday evening community display on the Wānaka waterfront is free, and the foreshore is a five-minute walk from the park, so that part costs nothing and needs no car. Camp sites suit airshow weekends, and the Nordic Village suits groups coming together for the three days.
Questions
Before you head out.
When is Warbirds Over Wanaka on?
14 to 16 April 2028, over Easter weekend. It is biennial, held every second year, so there is no airshow in the years between. The 2026 show has already been held.
How do we get tickets?
Tickets go on sale in 2027 through Ticketek, the only authorised vendor. Waitlist holders get a 24 hour priority booking period ahead of the general release.
Is there anything free?
The Friday evening community event on the Wānaka waterfront is free, with aircraft flying against the lake and mountains. The foreshore is five minutes' walk from the park.
Stay at Sundale
A base five minutes from the water.
Your Wānaka basecamp
Make Sundale your base.
Cabins, studios, motels and soft-grass camping, five minutes from the water and close to everything above.