Classic Flyers NZ

19/06/2026

Help Bring the F86 Back to Tidy Condition. ✈️

We're looking for a few keen people who'd like to be part of refreshing the Sabre Jet.
Harry and Troy are managing a small team to look after this specific job and first up our F86 “910” just needs a good clean.

But the list is bigger than that…….

Whether you have experience in restoration, engineering, painting, fabrication, aviation, or simply enjoy rolling up your sleeves and getting involved in hands-on projects, we'd love to hear from you. Even if you have ideas to share or know someone who may be able to help, we'd appreciate you getting in touch.

Helping out at Classic Flyers is a fantastic opportunity to be part of preserving pieces of aviation history for our future generations to enjoy.

And joining in with some newfound mates….

Interested? Send us a message, give us a call on 📞 07 572 4000, email [email protected], or pop into Classic Flyers and see how you can get involved.

19/06/2026

🎬✈️ Calling all aviation enthusiasts, adventurers, and fans of Middle Earth!

A remarkable new film, There's a Hole in My Bucket, is coming to New Zealand cinemas. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, the film follows Royd Tolkien, great-grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien, as he sets out to complete a secret 50-item bucket list left behind by his brother Mike after his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

Joined by Peter Jackson, Billy Boyd, John Rhys-Davies and friends from Middle Earth, the journey takes viewers across some of New Zealand’s most spectacular locations. Funny, inspiring, and deeply moving, this is a story about family, friendship, and making every moment count.

📍 Upcoming screenings:
🎥 Auckland – Capitol Cinema | 25 June, 8:15pm (Q&A with Royd Tolkien)
🎥 Takapuna Beachside Cinema | 12 July, 5:15pm
🎥 Wellington – The Roxy Cinema | 21 July, 7:30pm
🎥 Christchurch – Jack Mann Theatre, Kōawa Studios | 2 August, 4:45pm
💻 Online nationwide | 27 July – 10 August

If you love adventure, New Zealand landscapes, aviation, or simply a great story, this is one not to miss. ❤️ The film is also a finalist in the Doc Edge Awards!



Belindalee Hope Royd Tolkien

18/06/2026

Just thought you might like to know ---
Radial Engine “Ground Run”.
This Friday (19th)

All things proceeding to plan, our Volunteer Engineering Crew will ground run (for maintenance purposes) the Grumman Avenger this Friday 19th on the Classic Flyers apron.

It’s a heavy WW2 torpedo bomber, powered by a large radial engine, known for its rugged build and unmistakable sound.
While this one doesn’t fly, you’ll see it come to life on the ground with a full engine start. It’s a rare chance to experience the aircraft running as it would have in service.

🕥 Engine start is approx. 10:45am

Bring the kids along and try our Little Friends Deal. Includes museum entry, one medium drink (coffee, hot chocolate etc.), a kids fluffy, plus your choice of a scone or muffin.

It’s a relaxed way to spend a visit, watch a Classic Aircraft, explore the museum, and have a coffee.

17/06/2026

✈️🌟 Inspiring the next generation of women in aviation and aerospace! 🌟✈️

We're excited to see the June Young Women in Aeronautical Engineering programme for Bay of Plenty secondary school students (Years 11–13) coming together with an incredible lineup of guest speakers!

📢 There are still a few places available! If you know a Year 11–13 student with an interest in aviation, engineering, or aerospace, we'd love to hear from them.

📧 Contact: [email protected]

Our June Young Women in Aeronautical Engineering programme for secondary school students (years 11-13) in the BOP is shaping up to be something special!

We're thrilled to welcome four incredible guest speakers who will share their unique career journeys and provide students with authentic insight into the many pathways available within aviation and aerospace.

Students will hear from:
🔹 Nikki Sutherland, People & Talent Advisor at Salus Aviation
🔹 Katrine Amiria, 2nd Year Aeronautical Engineering Apprentice at Salus Aviation
🔹 Bernice Hintz, Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer & Pilot
🔹 Keshika Warnakula, Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer at SYOS Aerospace and 2025 Aerospace & Defence Rising Star Award winner

From recruitment and apprenticeships to aircraft maintenance and aerospace engineering, our students will gain firsthand insight into what it takes to build a successful career in this exciting industry.

Most importantly, they'll have the opportunity to ask questions, make connections, and hear real stories from women who have forged their own paths in aviation and engineering.

A huge thank you to our guest speakers for helping inspire the next generation and showing our students that there is a place for them in this industry.

AND - we still have a few spots available! So reach out if you (or someone you know) would like to join us! [email protected]

Classic Flyers NZ

12/06/2026

🍖 Weekend Special at AvGas Cafe & Bar! 🍟✈️

Treat yourself this weekend to our delicious BBQ Pork Riblet served in a warm bun with crispy fries for just $18.50!

While you're here, take some time to explore the aviation museum and discover the incredible stories and aircraft displays that make Classic Flyers such a unique destination.

Great food, great history, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
See you this weekend! 😊✈️

11/06/2026

🥶❄️ The chilly mornings have definitely arrived! ☕✈️

If you’re looking for the perfect way to warm up, pop into AvGas Cafe & Bar and meet Harry! He’s been busy perfecting his latte art and doing an awesome job 👏☕

Swing by, say hello to the AvGas team, grab a hot coffee, and treat yourself to a bite to eat on your way to work.

📍 Open from 6:45am weekdays
📍 Open from 8:00am weekends

We can’t wait to see you! ✈️☕❤️

04/06/2026

🍔✈️ NEW MENU ITEMS HAVE LANDED AT AvGas Cafe & Bar! ✈️🍞

We're excited to introduce some delicious new additions to our menu:

🍓 French Toast Sandwich
🥝 Kiwi Burger
🍗 Aviator Schnitty Burger

Come in and give them a try today! We're pretty sure you'll love these new creations just as much as our team does. 😋

While you're here, why not take a stroll through our aviation museum? Discover fascinating aviation history, explore our incredible aircraft displays, and enjoy an experience the whole family can relate to and enjoy. ✈️📖

🚗 Plenty of free off-street parking
☕ Great coffee, tasty food, and family-friendly fun

We can't wait to see you soon!

📍 9 Jean Batten Drive, Mount Maunganui

28/05/2026

🚀 Kings Birthday Weekend Fun!
Looking for something exciting to do this King’s Birthday Long Weekend? Bring the whole family along to Classic Flyers for hands-on aviation fun, interactive activities, and plenty to explore! 🎉

🚀 Rocket Game – Find a Target!
Ready… Aim… Fire! (Preferably not at Dad….)
Test your skills in our cool Rocket Game and see if you can hit the target! A fantastic activity for kids and adults alike. (Wallys made another Rocket launcher…)

🔧 Interactive Mechanical Displays
Get up close with some amazing aviation engineering displays:
Manual Crank Radial Engine Display
Bristol Hercules Mechanical Display
Watch and learn how the engine phases work in motion!

✈️ Explore Legendary Aircraft
Step inside aviation history and explore:
The Catalina Flying Boat
The mighty B17 Bomber
Experience these iconic aircraft from the inside!

🚲 Indoor Pedal Planes
Little aviators can jump into our pedal planes and take off on their own adventure!

🎨 Colouring In Table
Keep the creative minds busy with aviation-themed colouring fun for the kids.

🥗 Av-Gas Café Weekend Special
Treat yourself while you're here with our fresh green salad served with your choice of:
Crispy Squid
Tender Chicken
Perfect for lunch while enjoying the museum and activities! ☕🍴

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, looking for a family outing, or simply after something different this long weekend, there’s stuff for everyone at Classic Flyers! 🌟

📍 9 Jean Batten Drive, Mount Maunganui

We look forward to seeing you!
There’s plenty of on-site parking. ✈️

19/05/2026