What's on at Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Latest from the museum
Latest Exhibition
Victory!
It is 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
Our Victory exhibition, upstairs in the atrium, marks this significant milestone in world history, and the story of the RNZAF.
Victory includes images and memories of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day which have been sourced from photographs, letters, postcards and personal histories in our collection.
Victory includes insights into how Kiwis celebrated, and how they felt.
Many found it difficult to rejoice after so much loss and suffering.
You’re welcome to come along and learn all about the end of World War Two with us.
Exhibition
The Mighty Hercules
The Mighty Hercules exhibition is on in the Cochrane Gallery upstairs in our atrium. Come and visit and learn all about this extraordinary aircraft.
Learn More
Update
Overseas visitor charge
A $15 entry charge was introduced for all international visitors to the Air Force Museum of New Zealand from 31 March 2025. Tickets available online or from our Welcome Desk on arrival.
The charge is required to cover rising costs and to contribute to our new $20 million extension to house the newest members of our collection – our historic Hercules and Orion aircraft.
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Our Aircraft
Explore AircraftMore to explore
Congratulations Haydn - well deserved!
We cannot thank you enough for all your years of service - and your extraordinary generosity with your time.
Thanks also to the family for sharing Haydn with us here at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand.Congratulations to Haydn, our 🌟Volunteer of the Month🌟for November!
For 27 years, Haydn Clark has been a dedicated volunteer host and guide at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, making him one of the Museum’s longest-serving volunteers.
His connection to aviation began in the 1950s when he trained as a pilot in Britain’s Royal Air Force. His flying career took him across the world in Avro Shackleton maritime patrol aircraft, including one memorable day when, while flying low on submarine patrol, he had to pull up fast to avoid a surfacing whale. He later became a flying instructor, with early ambitions of becoming a test pilot, before moving into civil aviation and instructing pilots on commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 747 in Malaysia.
When Haydn retired to Christchurch in 1998, he joined the volunteer team at the Museum. Since then, he has shared his knowledge and stories with thousands of visitors. “The best part,” he says, “is passing on my knowledge as a former pilot. I enjoy being able to give accurate information to those who want or need it.” Haydn also mentored many other volunteers, helping build the respected hosting team the Museum is known for today.
Now 93, Haydn is retiring from his volunteer role. His commitment, generosity, and storytelling have left a lasting legacy. He reflects simply: “If you possess the broad knowledge of teaching, go for it!” ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you for your time and expertise. Your dedication as a volunteer is an inspiration to others.
Haydn - you are a star and a gentleman. Thank you. 🌟
Congratulations
CONGRATULATIONS BRAINIACS! We were pleased to be invited to the Children’s University graduation ceremonies held this week at the James Hay Theatre in the Christchurch Town Hall, where a total of 1,184 young learners were recognised for their achievements.
Each student completed 30 hours or more of learning activities outside of school during the year, with some completing hundreds of hours — an impressive commitment to lifelong learning.
Our Education Officer Chris Davey and Director Brett Marshall each attended a ceremony, representing the Air Force Museum of New Zealand — the most visited learning destination for Children’s University students in Australasia.
Congratulations to all the students for your commitment to learning and to your families for supporting you - and thanks for visiting!
#childrensuniversity #canterburyuniversity #universityofcanterbury ... See MoreSee Less
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Our grandson was one of them. 😀
HERE'S HERMAN: Meet Herman Wirth, who's been back to Wigram for a visit more than 50 years after he first arrived.
Herman (real name Hendrik and second from the right in the middle row) followed in his father's footsteps and joined the RNZAF, arriving as a recruit at Wigram in 1973.
He trained in communications electronics and spent the next 20 years in the RNZAF, with postings to Wigram, Base Auckland and Ohakea - and a lot of overseas deployments in between.
He served on Nos. 3, 5, 40 and 41 Squadrons and was Avionics Flight Sergeant at Whenuapai in 1993 when he decided it was time to try out life as a civilian.
He says he loved all of his time in the RNZAF.
"The electronics training was excellent and it set me up for a life of work as a civilian. I loved the comradeship, being with my mates and the whole 20 years.''
He went on to a long career specialising in marine electronics and is now retired in New South Wales.
During his time as an adult with the RNZAF (he served also as an air force child, with a posting to Lauthala Bay in Fiji among others!) he served with his dad, Ludwig Phillip Wirth, an electronics warefare specialist who was on No. 5 Squadron at Whenuapai at the same time.
"I used to get the Orion ready for dad and the crew to fly in, which was great.''
His favourite aircraft are the Orion - of course - and the Strikemaster which was "a lot of fun'' to fix.
Thanks for visiting your museum Herman, and thanks for your service!
#rnzaf #orion #homeforheroes #rnzafpastandpresent ... See MoreSee Less
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I see Andy Raynell there but is that young GT Roberts on the top row first one?
I was P3 crew (FE} on the squadron during you and your dads time. He had an at times dreaded sense of humour, but good times in retrospect.
Could we get all the names of that photo I'm 3rd from left centre row (Graeme Moar)
good to see you looking fit and well Herman.
Just the best PT staff 🤪
Spent some time on 40 Squadron with Herman, they were good days.
Nice story.
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