Christchurch Visitor Attractions, New Zealand

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Discover one of the world's premier military aviation collections at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. From aircraft, engines and assorted displays to medals, pin-ups and parachute-silk wedding dresses.

Come and marvel at our collection of classic aircraft, be inspired by the bravery of present and past servicemen, servicewomen and their families, fly a simulator, take a guided tour and step back in time in a replica 1940's home.

Your journey through our visitor attraction in Christchurch will be something very special.

Tours at our Christchurch Visitor Attraction

You are welcome to explore the Air Force Museum by yourself, but the best way to make the most of your visit is to take one of our guided tours.

Our Behind the Scenes Tours are designed with the aviation enthusiast in mind, but of interest to everyone. This guided tour will provide the rare opportunity to see aircraft restoration projects in action. This tour also explores No.3 Hangar, our large object storage area, where you'll view a further 11 aircraft along with many other items of interest. Take this rare opportunity to walk inside the Bristol Freighter and through the Andover as you learn about these aircraft and others from their era.

The Air Force Adventure Tour is great for the whole family. If you're aged between 3 and 12 or simply young at heart then this experience will give you a chance to see if you've got what it takes to be an Air Force Pilot! Take this 60-minute tour to see areas of the museum not normally open to the general public and maybe even 'graduate' with your own set of Air Force Museum 'Pilot's Wings'.

Our Mosquito Flight Simulator has had a major upgrade - the graphics have been re-designed from the ground up so your experience is more life like than ever before! You can now relive one of World War II's most thrilling aerial raids as you fly the Mosquito over the Norwegian fiords in search of German battleships while sitting in a replica Mosquito cockpit.

We also offer a great range of public programmes; from Kids' Birthday Parties for boys and girls aged 5 to 12, to 1940s Tea Parties in our Wartime Family Home and Reeling Back Time: Films from Our Archives. Visit our Web site or call our Public Programmes Team on (03) 3439 504 for more information.

FREE ADMISSION, Open daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Collections at our Christchurch Visitor Attraction

Aircraft - The Museum holds the pre-eminent collection of New Zealand military aircraft. Although there are other museums in New Zealand which hold military aircraft, none do so in an Air Force context for the sole purpose of presenting the story of the New Zealand men and women who have given service to the nation in military air forces. All of the 28 aircraft held by the Museum are significant in the way they relate to New Zealand military aviation. Some are the only remaining examples of their type in the world, and others are the only aircraft of their type in New Zealand.

Engines - The Museum holds many free-standing engines which illustrate the development of engine technology from the early rotary and in-line engines of the World War I era through the radial engines that followed them, to jet engines.

Memorabilia - Memorabilia relating to personnel and units includes an extensive medal collection of over 200 medal groups, including the Victoria Cross and other medals awarded to Leonard Trent.

Art - The Museum holds a significant collection of artworks, featuring oil paintings and other works on canvas, including the largest collection in New Zealand of works by Maurice Conly, the RNZAF's only official artist. The collection also contains works on paper, prints and original cartoons.

Textiles - The textiles collection comprises approximately 6,000 items of uniforms and accoutrements, badges, flying clothing, safety equipment, flags, decorative items and escape aids. The uniforms include the full regalia of Marshal of the RAF Lord Elworthy, who is the only New Zealander to have reached this rank.

For further information about our Christchurch aviation museum, please contact us or visit our Christchurch visitor attractions Web site.