Warbirds over Wanaka 2018 didn’t disappoint (not that I thought I would).  Queenstown was beautiful as always and the Hilton Residences were really amazing to stay in.  Day One of the airshow Nigel and  Barrie went across to Wanaka to check out the practice day while Dawn and I went to Rata for lunch!  Oh Rata… if I never eat anything else ever in life it would have to be the Rata cheeseroll that sits on the top of the list.  There is something about the honey and the cheese and the numminess that just blows everything out of the water.  Anyhoo… The airshow.

Day One we decided to leave a little bit later as the weather was clearing but still raining.  When we arrived we heard over the speakers that the runway was closed.  We later found out that it was because a Yak 3 had crashed into a cherry picker in the opening part of the show.  So we hadn’t really missed anything at all (apart from seeing the crash).

Part of the reason that I love WOW is because we have VIP tickets.  As you all know I love a magic lanyard.  It opens a world of possibilities that mere mortals don’t get to see eat or drink.  It provides luxury toilets, no queuing and a front and middle of the runway view.  Perfection!

Day One was great but Day Two when the sun was shining bright and we arrived in plenty of time to see the whole show was absolutely brilliant.

My favourites were the jets especially the F16 (including the American commentary set to music was so cool.  When it’s timed to speed past front and centre precisely as the beat drops in “TURN DOWN FOR WHAT?” (You had to be there)

My other favourite was the helicopter lineup, the Harvards formation, the Texans display, the 757, Jurgis the nutty Lithuanian aerobatics guy and the model aircraft display surprisingly enough (we had to apologise cause we thought that was going ot be really boring and the only time we would get out to see any of the displays – not the case).

Anyway, I had a really great time!  Barrie and Dawn loved it and Nigel was in his element.  He finished off the day today before going to the airport buying a half dozen fresh Bluff oysters and eating them down by the lake.  Pretty much an ideal weekend really.

So back home now for a few hours and heading off on the cruise to Napier tomorrow.

Thankful…  I’m truly and utterly thankful 🙂