Drool over leather interiors, gleaming tailpipes and rare models while visiting Warbirds & Wheel, a museum showcasing classic and vintage automobiles, motorcycles and military aircraft.
View the collection of 30 privately owned classic cars and motorcycles, including a Buick from 1915, a 1918 Harley Davidson motorcycle with sidecar and a 1928 Ford Model A. The oldest vehicle is a 1910 Metz, and the youngest is a Plymouth Cuda from 1972. All the vehicles have been sourced from collectors all over the world.
Learn about the evolution of fighting planes by browsing aircraft from World War I and World War II and jets from more recent times. Look over the A-4 Skyhawk, a lightweight bomber flown by the Royal New Zealand Airforce's first female pilot. Marvel at the De Havilland FB5 Vampire's unusual shape and see the replica of a Hawker Hurricane. The original hurricanes fought in the Battle of Britain in 1940.
Go over to the Fighter Ace Wall and read biographies of more than 90 World War I and World War II pilots credited with shooting down enemy planes. View the collection of lithographs and etchings by renowned New Zealand artist Grahame Sydney.
In the mezzanine area is an exhibition dedicated to New Zealand aviation innovator Sir Tim Wallis. He pioneered live deer recovery using helicopters. Among the exhibits are his flying suit, helmet and equipment he used to capture the animals.
Stop by the workshop of Ralph Watson, an engineer who designed and built engines and racing cars. His original workshop was transferred from his home and reconstructed in the museum.
Located at Wanaka Airport, Warbirds & Wheels is less than a 10-minute drive from Wanaka, an alpine town known for its proximity to the Southern Alps. On-site car parking is free. If you don't want to drive, travel by taxi as there is no public transportation in Wanaka.
Warbirds & Wheels is open Monday to Friday, and admission charges apply. There are discounts for senior citizens and children aged between 5 and 15 years. Under-fives, get in for free.
