Your guide to Wings Over Wairarapa
Wings Over Wairarapa Air Festival returns to Masterton’s Hood Aerodrome this weekend for its 20th anniversary.
The popular aviation show began yesterday and, for the first time ever, there’s a night show tonight. Also new are the Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) displays and activities for children on all weekend.
Dr Michelle Dickinson, from NanoGirl, and her team will be at the three-day event with their explosive but educational science experiments.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AND WHEN?
Today: Gates open from 8am to 10pm. Flying 2pm-9.30pm. See an extensive programme of ground entertainment before the air programme begins at 2pm with a flyover by the American Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. All Saturday passes include free entry to the night show. Saturday’s night show: Gates open 6pm10pm. Flying 6.30pm-9.30pm. Tomorrow: Gates open 8am-5pm. Flying programme from 10am-4.30pm.
All three days will include fun interactive displays, demonstrations and hands-on activities, Stem workshops on rocketry, digital fabrication, coding and circuitry and the chance to meet aviation experts, engineers, pilots and technicians.
HOW DO WE GET THERE?
Lots of people drive to Wings. Leave home early, give yourself plenty of time and be patient.
Coming from Wellington: From Featherston, stay on State Highway 2. As you enter Carterton, you’ll see signs directing you down Moreton Rd. Follow these signs to Manaia Rd to the public car parking areas.
Coming from Palmerston North: Arrive in Masterton, stay on SH2, follow the Air Festival traffic signs to Manaia Rd to the public car parking areas.
If you live in Masterton: Some streets are for Wings traffic only this weekend – watch for the signs.
All parking is off Manaia Rd this year. Parking is free for all ticket-holders. There is a short walk from the car park to the aerodrome. Volunteers will be available to help and direct guests. Shuttles will also be running for a goldcoin donation.
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH TICKETS?
❚ There will be gate sales on all general admission tickets (eftpos and cash accepted) today and tomorrow for an additional $5.
❚ No gate sales for silver or gold passes.
❚ For more details about the show, visit www.wings.org.nz.
❚ Purchase tickets online from Ticketdirect.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
❚ A print-out of your tickets or your tickets downloaded on your phone
❚ Hat
❚ Comfortable walking shoes
❚ Sunscreen and water will be available
❚ Bring a water bottle
❚ A jacket for the night show
WILL FOOD BE AVAILABLE?
Yes, food and drink all weekend, including at the night show. You can also bring a picnic; however, no alcohol or glass is allowed. Security will be doing bag checks.
WHERE CAN I FIND WINGS OVER WAIRARAPA UPDATES?
Keep an eye on the Wings Over Wairarapa website and Facebook page.