New Zealand Warbirds Association
About This Museum
Tucked away near the Ardmore airfield, this place is a living, breathing love letter to aviation history. It’s less a static museum and more a sanctuary where the roar of a Pratt & Whitney engine still occasionally breaks the silence. You walk in and are immediately surrounded by the ghosts of pilots and ground crews, their stories kept alive by an incredibly passionate community. The smell of oil and old canvas hangs in the air, making the past feel vividly present.
Collection Highlights
The star of the show is their airworthy P-51D Mustang 'Val-Halla', a stunning example of American engineering. But don't miss the CAC CA-25 Winjeel trainer or the de Havilland Vampire, both beautifully restored. My personal favorite is getting up close to the massive Bristol Freighter, its cavernous interior a testament to post-war transport.
Visitor Information
It's located at 824 Harvard Lane in Ardmore—follow the sound of vintage aircraft! Check their website for open days as that's when the magic really happens and you might see one of these warbirds fire up. The volunteers are what make it; their firsthand stories are pure gold.
Architecture & Building
It's housed in a no-nonsense, functional hangar that feels completely authentic. The corrugated iron walls and vast, open space are exactly the kind of environment these machines would have called home.
Contact & Location
Address: 824, Harvard Lane, Ardmore, Franklin, Auckland, 2582, New Zealand / Aotearoa
Phone: +64 9 298 9207
Website: Visit Website
