Despite the popularity of this weekend’s Warbirds Over Wānaka air show organisers say there are still plenty of tickets on Good Friday (March 29).

The event is sold out on Saturday and Sunday for what is regarded as one of the best line-ups of aircraft in its 36-year history including a rare WWII Mosquito fighter-bomber and the USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon jets.

“The good news is we still have plenty of tickets for our practice day on Friday, including Silver Grandstand tickets,” Warbirds Over Wānaka general manager Ed Taylor said.

“The last of the Sunday tickets have now gone while Saturday sold out more than a week ago.”

Ed said that Friday is a great option because all the ground exhibits are open across the day and many of the aircraft are scheduled to display, including the Mosquito and the F-16.

“All children aged 16 and under are free on Friday so it’s a great way for the whole family to come and enjoy all the excitement of the airshow,” Ed said.

At 4.30pm on Friday afternoon there will be a free community airshow on the Wānaka lakefront.

“We expect to have upwards of 8,000 people at various vantage points around the lakefront including up on Lismore Park,” Ed said. 

“All-in-all Friday is a great way to experience all the sights and sounds out at the airshow before then heading into town for the free lakeside display.”

The first of the display aircraft have started arriving at Wānaka Airport. The Biggin Hill Spitfire and P-51 Mustang arrived from Ohakea on Saturday (March 23) while the four L-39 jets to be flown by the American Eagles jet display team arrived yesterday (March 24).

More aircraft are due throughout the week with all expected to be at Wānaka by Thursday afternoon.

PHOTO: Supplied