F-22 Raptor stealth jet confirmed for Warbirds over Wanaka: Here’s what else is coming
February 8, 2026
Nestling in the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island is the town of Wanaka, which hosts the Southern Hemisphere’s largest aviation event. Warbirds over Wanaka will take place from 3 – 5 April 2026, and this year’s lineup of aircraft is promising to be one of the best yet.
Wanaka welcomes the F-22 Raptor for the first time
The United States Air Force (USAF) has confirmed its F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team will be making its show debut this year. This 5th-generation fighter will operate from Christchurch Airport, as the runway at Wanaka is too short to operate fast jets. It will be flown by Captain Nick ‘Laz’ Le Trouneau, Team Commander.
The USAF have previously featured at Wanaka with the F-16 Demonstration Team with a jet from Japan, and they have displayed the C-17 Globemaster, but this will be the first time that the F-22 stealth jet will make an appearance.
But that’s not the only reason to mark the date of the airshow in your calendar. Here’s what else is confirmed to be attending (so far).
Royal New Zealand Air Force take centre stage at Warbirds over Wanaka
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is a big supporter of the show. 2026 brings examples of all their current in-service fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, with their new Boeing P-8 Poseidon and Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules making their first appearance at the show.
They will also display one of their two Boeing 757s, possibly being the last time it appears at Wanaka, as they are due to be replaced in 2028 by two leased Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
Airshow spectators will have amazing views as these large aircraft are displayed with the snow-capped Southern Alps making the perfect backdrop.
Warbirds, classic jets and trainers
With the clue being in the name of the event, the airshow wouldn’t be complete without the Warbirds. With an impressive line-up of piston engine classics, such the P-51 Mustang, two Yak-3s, a Grumman Avenger, a DC-3 and a Spitfire Mk IX.
Also being shipped over from Duxford in England, especially for the show, is the Photo Reconnaissance Supermarine Spitfire XI PL983. This blue Spitfire may be familiar to many in the UK, as it flew all around Britain during the COVID-19 pandemic as a “Thank You” to the NHS.
It will be displayed by world-renowned display pilot and engineer, John Romain of the Aircraft Restoration Company. He’s no stranger to displaying at Wanaka, having previously flown his Hispano Buchon (a Spanish licence-built Messerschmitt 109) at the 2016 and 2018 shows.
Another welcome return to the display this year is the Goodyear FG-1D Vought Corsair (ZK-COR/NZ5648), one of the few remaining flying aircraft in the world to have flown with the RNZAF during WWII.
Not to be outdone by the vintage piston fighters, there are also several classic jets on display, such as the Strikemaster, Vampire, L-39s and a BD-5 Microjet, which people may recognise from the James Bond film Octopussy. A large number of training aircraft will also be on show, such as the T-6 Harvards, T-28 Trojan, de Havilland Chipmunk and Tiger Moth.
Formation aerobatic teams at Wanaka
This year’s show will feature no less than five Formation Aerobatic Teams, including the RNAF’s Black Falcons, the “Roaring Forties” Harvard Team, a four-ship of L-39 Jets, the NZ Red Stars with 12 Yak-52s and the “Southern Force” Pitts Special Team, who are making their airshow debut.
Warbirds over Wanaka brings something for everyone
One of the things that makes Wanaka one of the world’s best airshows is the variety of aircraft on display.
From military aircraft, helicopters, aerobatic teams, vintage aircraft, airfield attacks with large pyrotechnic displays, an aerobatic glider, agricultural aircraft and large flying model aircraft to pure entertainment.
Previous years have included an “illegally parked” car or caravan being airlifted away by helicopter and then accidentally dropped in front of the crowd. There’s also a lot happening on the ground, with the Future of Aviation Exhibits taking an important place this year.
Warbird rides at Wanaka
One of the other unique events for spectators is the chance to go for a flight in some of the two-seat warbirds such as the L-39 Jet, Yak-3 or T-6 Harvard. This gives unforgettable views of Wanaka, the surrounding lakes and mountains.
With a few months still to go until the show, there could be more announcements soon of other display aircraft. With the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) having displayed at previous shows, they may yet surprise us.
Featured image: US Air Force
