Wanaka is nestled in the middle of a mountain range on the shore of the lake where it gets its name from. How the airshow at this small backwater in the deep south became world renown is from the dedicated efforts of one Tim Wallis, who has become synonymous with warbirds, although he made his money farming deer in the mountains around the region. A true Kiwi Bloke of the ruggedest kind and the type of fella every kiwi man aspires to be, sadly,
Sir Tim, suffered severe spinal injury when he overturned a Spitfire XIV on take-off and he cannot walk now, but can always be seen at the airshow being wheeled around by a flock of attendees. He still loves it.
Visibility from the side blisters is superb.
We were promised a water landing, but at the last minute the pilot chickened out! Nevermind; still a thrill on approach to the lake.
We got within inches of the surface, but sadly from our vantage point mid fuselage there was no shower of spray. Climbing out over the lake.
The Catalina sits sixteen, eight each in the front and rear cabins, with four either side of the aisle. The forward cabin is just aft of the cockpit and the aft, just forward of the
Observation Lounge, where a smashing view is to be had from those giant bubbles of Perspex. Pax have to return to their seats during take-off and landing, but were given the option of moving around during the flight. Needless to say, the after cabin was the most popular spot.
Luggate Airport, Wanaka from the air; you'll have to excuse the blurriness through the windows, they were splattered with oil throughout the flight. Note the banking at the left hand end of the pic; the airfield is on a plateau and a C-130 Hercules can disappear from view behind the banking at the runway threshold; airshow acts use it for dramatic effect.
More to come.