Extensive Coverage of USAF Visitors to NZ

Thanks to multiple providers we have a raft of images to share from the visit by the United States Air Force visitors to New Zealand for the 30th Anniversary Warbirds over Wanaka 2018 event staged over Easter Weekend.

The two F16 Fighting Falcon's deployed to Christchurch created quite a stir around the region with their high energy departures and arrivals as they conducted navigation exercises around the South Island and daily visits to Central Otago with single ship air displays over Wanaka. The duo certainly turned heads wherever they went and reports from the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park region would suggest they ruffled a few feathers in the region as the ripped through the area on more than one occasion!

Not to be out done, the Hawaiian based Boeing C17 Globemaster III 90-0533 also made its presence known. Arriving at Christchurch 29 March direct from Honolulu/Hickam as JUNGL17, the heavy lift transporter conducted its first visit to the skies above Wanaka 30 March with a spirited display practice. It returned to the region on both days of the show.

Boeing KC135R Stratotanker 63-8020 arrived at Christchurch during the first hour of 04 April direct from Kadena, Japan, as REACH063 to accompany the two F16's back home. The trio departed Christchurch lunchtime 03 April heading to Guam/Andersen.

Again, big thank you to all those providing images!