Airfield Scenes

This page contains a miscellany of airfield images - select from the following:
Raglan - Te Rapa - Manukau - North Shore - Paihia Foreshore - Waihi Beach - Thames - Misc DC-3's

Raglan

Raglan-by -the-Sea is a small community, much boosted in the summer months by holiday-makers, and increasingly by folks who commute to Hamilton (about 40 minutes away).

6 May 1989. Warbirds Fly-In

Periodically, the Warbirds association holds fly-in weekends. The 'New Zealand Wings' aviation calendar had said the Warbirds were coming to Raglan, so Louise and I took a drive out there. After tracking down the airfield we were rewarded by the sound of approaching Pratt & Whitneys. We witnessed a fly-by and stream landing by a formation of Harvards. 'Lovely!'. The Pitts special ZK-EES put on a great display too - full throttle with the brakes on - the tail came up and he was away - straight into his routine. I also had a long chat with John Greenstreet, the owner of NZ1025 (and Warbirds Association President) about his aircraft and warbirds in general. A very friendly man who was obviously highly passionate about his pastime. Unfortunately he was killed several months later in an accident while practising an aerobatic routine for the Warbird's airshow at Ardmore. I, along with many others were incredibly saddened by his passing.

RNZAF Base Te Rapa

Te Rapa was a stores base at the northern end of Hamilton City. The base was closed in the early 1990's. I took the opportunity in 1991 to get some pictures of the Gate Guardian before the final closure. The aircraft, a DH100 FB.5 Vampire (NZ5785) is now in store with the RNZAF museum.

July, 1991.

Manukau City Centre (South Auckland)

You don't generally expect to find a Mig-21 parked in a tent in the centre of one of New Zealand's largest cities - but sometimes it happens. These images show the ex-Polish airforce aircraft on display during a tour of the North Island to raise funds foir restoration. The Mig-21 MF (Fishbed-J) belongs to Paul Jellick - he purchased the aircraft (along with a Mig-21 UM two seater) in Australia, from a military disposal agent. The aircraft became available after a plan to lease the aircraft to the RAAF as a dissimilar air combat trainer fell through, and it arrived in New Zealand in November 1993. Although built in 1973, the aircraft had only 1052 hours, having been in storage until 1981. The aircraft is complete and only requires a little work (and civil aviation okays) to get it operational.

January, 1994.

North Shore Aerodrome (Dairy Flat).

This is an interesting airfield for classic aircraft activity. A number of classic aircraft are based here, (some as shown), and it is the New Zealand base of the Confederate Airforce.

December, 1994. Birdogs and Austers
While travelling north on holiday, I took the opportunity to locate this airfield - and found a Bird-dog doing touch-and-goes, and an Auster departing. So (being me) I took the opportunity for some more photography practice.

Paihia Foreshore

The foreshore at Paihia, in the Bay of Islands, is the operations base for several scenic flight operators, who utilise helicopters and seaplanes.

31 December, 1994, Grumman Super Widgeon ZK-CFA

I have watched this aircraft carrying out its work on several occassions - but as yet I haven't had a chance to 'test the waters' as it were!

Waihi Beach

10 April, 1996 Bristol Freighter NZ5906
After a long career with the RNZAF, followed by a short period in civil service, this aircraft has taken on a somewhat new role. Now known as the 'Wings' restaurant it is located to one side of the airfield, providing an interesting venue for aviation enthusiasts, tourists, and locals alike.

Thames Airfield

11 April, 1996, An-2 Colt (& friend)

A visit to this airfield was made primarilay to view the huge AN-2 biplane, but I found one or two other items of interest - particularly a Yak-52.

Miscellaneous DC-3's

There are a number of no-longer operational DC-3's to be found around the country. Some are derelict or awaiting work - some are on display - and an increasing number seem to be becoming cafes or restaurants. The latest being ZK-APB which has become a restaurant at Mirimar in Wellington. Fortunately one or two DC-3s can still be found working.

Here are some images of a few of the varous DC-3s I've run across.