American Eagles to Headline 2026 Warbirds Over Wanaka
WANAKA — The stars of last year’s record-breaking Warbirds Over Wanaka are coming back.
The American Eagles Jet Aerobatic Display Team has been confirmed as the first major international act for the 2026 Airshow, set for Easter weekend. The four-ship civilian team stunned fans in 2024 with breathtaking formation flying at 600kph, just metres apart — a style never before seen at Wanaka.
“Many people told us they’d never witnessed anything like it here,” said Airshow General Manager Ed Taylor. “The feedback was clear: people wanted more. These pilots are the best of the best, and they’re promising an even more spectacular routine for 2026.”
The Eagles fly Aero L-39 Albatros jets, supplied and maintained by Tauranga-based Fighter Jets NZ. Company owner Craig Mossman says his team is eager to get the jets back to Wanaka. “It’s always special seeing our aircraft flown the way the Americans do,” Mossman said.
Fans will again have the rare chance to book a ride in one of the jets over the Airshow weekend — a once-in-a-lifetime thrill that sells out quickly.
The American Eagles are just the beginning. The 12-ship New Zealand Red Stars Yak Team will return, as will the legendary Roaring 40’s Harvard Display Team, a fixture since the first Wanaka Airshow in 1988. A brand-new four-ship display team, which has been quietly training together for years, will also make its debut in 2026, with more details to come.
Taylor says several other international acts are still under wraps but will be revealed over the next two months. “After 2024, people told us that was the best Wanaka Airshow yet and that we couldn’t possibly top it. But with what we have lined up, we’re confident we can,” he said.
The 2024 Airshow was a milestone for the event, selling out for the first time in its 36-year history. Organisers say ticket demand for 2026 is already ahead of schedule.
“My only advice is, don’t wait,” Taylor said. “Especially if you want a grandstand or hospitality seat in the middle of the flightline — those sell out first.”
Tickets are available now through Ticketek.
