Wings Over Wairarapa at Hood Aerodrome in Masterton on the south island of New Zealand is a fantastic air show. I attended the 2013 show and was not disappointed. I spent 3 days there mainly to see World War One era aircraft and the de Havilland DH98 Mosquito fly but there was so much more including impressive displays by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The fly past of the Boeing 757 VIP transport is always impressive. The pilot throws the big bird around like a fighter!
The RNZAF no longer operates jet combat aircraft. The government of the day retired and mothballed their Lockheed A-4K Skyhawk attack aircraft and Aermacchi M.B.339 jet trainers in 2001. Today they fly basic trainers, maritime patrol aircraft, transports and helicopters to fulfill border protection, search and rescue, peacekeeping and humanitarian aid roles. Examples of many of the current RNZAF aircraft were at the air show.
