Wānaka locals are being encouraged to lock in their tickets for the 2026 Warbirds Over Wānaka airshow, with organisers warning that premium passes are already selling fast.

Tickets have been on sale for just over three weeks, and sales are ahead of where they were this time before the 2024 show – which ended up a complete sell-out on both Saturday and Sunday.

Warbirds general manager Ed Taylor said locals had turned out in force in 2024 and he hoped to see the same strong support next Easter.

“We loved having so many locals joining in the fun at last year’s airshow and we are just advising them if they want a premium ticket they should buy them now,” he said.

Demand has been particularly strong for Titanium Lounge access, Hurricane Tim packages, and the popular Gold and Silver Pass grandstand seats.

“We know locals often host friends or family who want to see the airshow,” Ed said. “So getting the tickets you want now just means you’re not disappointed if you leave it till nearer the event.”

Ed said organisers were close to confirming a couple of “major overseas acts” that would be firsts for a New Zealand airshow.

They’re going to “rock the house” at Wānaka Airport next Easter, he said.

As well as buying tickets through Ticketek, residents can call into the Wānaka i-SITE on the lakefront and secure tickets over the counter.

The 2026 Warbirds Over Wānaka International Airshow is set to take place over Easter weekend and is expected to again draw tens of thousands of visitors to the region.

Since its beginnings in 1988, Warbirds has grown to become one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier aviation events, blending aerial displays, vintage aircraft, and military showcases in a unique setting.

More information and tickets are available here.

PHOTO: Warbirds Over Wānaka